Some songs just need one more ingredient. Sometimes it’s a superstar feature or a new verse or a different production or another kind of chemistry that makes you forget there was ever another version. Nigerian music has produced plenty of remixes, but only a handful have outperformed the original.
From the mid-2000s dance-floor staples to the 2020s smash hits that dominated streaming charts, remixes continue to expand the artist’s horizon. In some cases, it turned promising records into career-defining hits. In others, it gave already-great songs a second life that eclipsed everything that came before.
Here are 10 Nigerian song remixes that prove the best version doesn’t always come first.
10. “Ogechi (Remix)” — BoyPee feat. Hyce & Brown Joel & Davido (2024)
The original “Ogechi” was a catchy, fast-rising love anthem and TikTok sensation, driven by the youthful synergy of BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel. But Davido’s feature in the remix came just in time for his viral wedding. His verse matched the song’s romantic mood while giving it the mainstream visibility it needed to reach an even bigger audience.
9. “Alone (Remix)” — FOLA feat. BNXN (2024)
FOLA’s original “Alone” is a poignant, soulful Afro-fusion song that carries heartbreak and highlights his emotive penmanship. The addition of BNXN in the remix, however, gives the song a mainstream sheen. BNXN’s signature buttery, meandering voice fits into the song’s melancholic ambience. The remix takes the crown because BNXN’s voice adds a layer that deepens the song’s emotional weight.
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8. “Osinachi (Remix)” — Humblesmith feat. Davido (2016)
The original “Osinachi” blends gospel themes with highlife-infused Afropop. The song introduced Humblesmith as a major new voice. But the best of this remix comes down to one thing: context. Davido uses his guest verse to directly address a highly publicised, real-life family drama involving his baby mama and Dele Momodu. By bringing his personal life to the track, Davido turns a catchy song into a viral hit without disrupting its thanksgiving message. The Davido feature cemented the remix of “Osinachi” as one of 2016’s biggest songs.
7. “Temper (Remix)” — Skales feat. Burna Boy (2017)
The original “Temper” is a decent, upbeat afropop track, but not memorable. The remix completely changes the song’s DNA. Producer Krizbeatz flips the beat, slows the tempo and injects a genius interpolation of Fela Kuti’s “Sorrow, Tears and Blood.” Burna on the remix takes over the song with a laid-back, catchy hook that matches the Afrobeat sample. The remix is better because it trades a generic pop bounce for a mid-tempo groove that feels timeless.
6. “Swo (Remix)” — Marvellous Bengy feat. Dalvin & Kolman (2006)
Marvellous Bengy’s original “Swo” was a big Gala song with regional appeal, getting listeners to do that signature dance. But the remix, featured in the Take Control album, pushed the street and club appeal to a new level. Having Dalvin and Kolman on the remix introduced a gritty, fast-paced dancehall style that goes well with Bengy’s ragga flow. It sounds crowded, but its high-energy collaboration makes it a classic.
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5. “Better (Remix)” — Oritse Femi feat. Vector (2013)
The original “Better” is already an uplifting grassroots anthem, but the remix elevates it. Vector’s verse injects rap, urgency and socio-politically conscious bars that slice through the dancehall beat. “Better (Remix)” balances the song’s street-hop with hip-hop flair.
4. “Surulere (Remix)” — Dr Sid feat. Wizkid & Phyno (2013)
Dr Sid’s original “Surulere” was already a huge song built on Don Jazzy’s production. It celebrates perseverance, but the remix gives the message extra weight through star power and chemistry. Wizkid makes it more melodious while Phyno adds a reflective rap verse that reinforces the song’s central theme. This remix is outstanding because it turns a solo victory lap into an all-star celebration.
3. “Woju (Remix)” — Kizz Daniel feat. Tiwa Savage & Davido (2015)
The original “Woju” introduced Kizz Daniel as a formidable pop voice, but the remix takes the song from a breakout single into a national hit. Davido brings his signature bravado, while Tiwa Savage delivers a smooth, melodic R&B counterpoint that gives the song a new edge. The remix outshines the original because the chemistry among the three artists feels organic and fills every pocket of DJ Coublon’s production with star power.
2. “Sungba (Remix)” — Asake feat. Burna Boy (2022)
Asake was already on a generational run when the original “Sungba” came out, but the remix with the globally-famous Burna Boy served as his cushion to a bigger stage. Burna matched Asake’s choir backup with an authoritative delivery. The remix is better because Burna Boy’s deep, grounded baritone anchors Asake’s high-pitched fuji-pop vocals. Their chemistry is effortless.
1. “Ashawo (Remix)” — Flavour (2010)
Originally titled “Nwa Baby,” Flavour’s first version is a traditional, slightly slower highlife tune. “Ashawo” remix completely changes the song, speeding up the tempo and adding a heavy, pulsating bassline made for the dancefloor. It’s one of the links between Eastern Nigerian highlife and mainstream African club music. The remix is a better song due to its infectious, waist-winding production that the original lacks. This song propelled Flavour to African-wide superstardom.
