On YouTube, not all music videos are created equal. Some explode with millions of views within days, while others take their time.
In today’s digital era, a single click can turn a local anthem into a global obsession. Nigerian artists have mastered this formula, pairing irresistible music with visually striking videos that travel far beyond our borders.
From romantic tales shot like Nollywood blockbusters to colourful party scenes dripping in luxury, these videos perfectly complement the songs.
Here are the 10 most-viewed Nigerian music videos of all time on YouTube.
10. “Reason With Me” — Rudeboy
Running time: 4m 20s
Views: 264M
Director: Clarence Peters
Genre: Afrobeats
The video opens with Rudeboy and his girlfriend living in poverty. He is a hustler, and she is a young woman who is tired of their difficult circumstances. The central conflict is that she can’t “reason with him”—she can’t see the vision for their future and chooses to leave him to seek a better life elsewhere. The song follows his rise to fame and fortune, as he becomes a successful man living in a mansion, driving expensive cars, surrounded by luxury.
At its climax, the now-successful Rudeboy is confronted by his ex-girlfriend, who now wants to “reason with him” and get back together. But he’s already with someone else. The video sticks for its genuine storytelling. No wonder it became the most-viewed African music video of 2019.
9. “Ye” — Burna Boy
Running time: 3m 53s
Views: 290M
Director: Clarence Peters
Genre: Afrobeats
The video for “Ye” is simple. It opens with some ladies and Burna Boy glamorously dressed, holding a wad of cash in a dark room with fluorescent lights. He sings and smokes as he charismatically postures behind murals of Fela Kuti.
Though Burna and his friends in “Ye” are glamorously dressed, this is not a glamorous video, as it’s shot in very few locations. When it came out, many viewers expressed that it didn’t do justice to the song, as it fails to reflect the themes of survival, hardship, and the rat race in Nigeria.
Burna Boy chooses to show his wealth and celebrity lifestyle, and the public rewarded him for it.
8. “Fall” — Davido
Running time: 4m 17s
Views: 312M
Director: Daps
Genre: Afrobeats
The video opens with Davido in the back of a luxurious Rolls-Royce, tension thick between him and his on-screen lover. He storms out of the car, takes a walk on the street and is distracted by a ballerina dancing in a lit-up dance studio. He’s glued to her performance, mesmerised, almost forgetting himself. He stays there until their eyes meet.
The video then transitions into a world where Davido imagines himself and the lady dancing at a party. He stays in that daydream until a gentle tap from his chauffeur jolts him back to his reality.
7. “Joro” — Wizkid
Running time: 4m 23s
Views: 316M
Director: Adriaan Louw
Genre: Afrobeats
This music video shows the irresistible pull of music on a mesmerised model (Georgia Curtis), who starts dancing after a red light lands on her. Wizkid appears in a candle-lit room, moving body to rhythm and performing as an almost hypnotic presence, offering distance and connection.
Most of the video focuses on the model’s sexy and ravishing dance moves. The tension between his lofted charisma and the model’s graceful surrender turns a simple song into a visual narrative of attraction, devotion and synergy.
6. “Last Last” — Burna Boy
Running time: 2m 53s
Views: 328M
Director: Burna Boy
Genre: Afrobeats
This is Burna Boy’s directorial debut, and it unfolds within the intimate setting of his home and close circle of friends. They’re together, pouring drinks (“shayo”), lighting up “igbo” (weed) and celebrating in a no-frills vibe. One even forgets that the song is about heartbreak and using substances as a coping mechanism.
Then flashbacks and milestones enter with intercuts of clips from his live shows, his Madison Square Garden performance, shots of his cars, Grammys, and other trophies.
All these make the video double as a personal highlight reel—a visual proof of where he’s been and how far he’s come.
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5. “On The Low” — Burna Boy
Running time: 3m 22s
Views: 440M
Director: Meji Alabi
Genre: Afrobeats
This visually captivating narrative complements the song’s romantic themes while showcasing a blend of Afrocentric aesthetics and contemporary storytelling. This video employs long, sweeping shots to chronicle the progression and intimate moments between Burna Boy and his muse, Angelina.
The choreography features sensual dance sequences and adds a dynamic layer to the video’s storytelling. Its simplicity and focus on intimate moments are highlighted as its strengths, and the on-screen chemistry between Burna Boy and Angelina is praised.
4. “Rush” — Ayra Starr
Running time: 3m 5s
Views: 485M
Director: TG Omori
Genre: Afrobeats
The video opens with Ayra in a white gown swinging on a flower-adorned dance ring over water. Then, she’s in a room flexing with bundles of dollars. The video transitions to a laundry room scene where she’s surrounded by other ladies.
Then another where she pulls up with her squad, dressed up in black cars, bold Y2K-inspired elements and sleek leather pieces that underscore her confident energy.
3. “Love Nwantiti (Remix)” — CKay feat. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene (2020)
Running time: 3m 13s
Views: 572M
Director: Naya Visuals
Genre: Afrobeats
The video features CKay, Joeboy and Kuami Eugene in various settings, reflecting the song’s themes of love and attraction. One moment, CKay is in a colourful room with a love interest, another, he’s at another location, dancing with a group of women.
Joeboy finds himself in a room that looks like a flower shop, while Kuami Eugene is seated in a room, surrounded by numerous women.
The rich colour palette and neon tones evoke a sense of intimacy and passion. The dance sequences are energetic and in tune, reflecting the song’s upbeat tempo.
2. “Calm Down” — Rema
Running time: 3m 39s
Views: 658M
Director: Director K
Genre: Afrobeats
This video is characterised by bright colours that reflect physical chemistry and attraction. Rema is at a house party with friends, having a good time. Then his eye catches a beautiful lady in a yellow dress.
Her presence leaves Rema hypnotised, yearning for her. From the video’s diverse backdrops to the attention to detail in fashion, an extra layer of visual interest aligns with the song’s modern and youthful energy.
1. “Calm Down (Remix)” — Rema feat. Selema Gomez
Running time: 3m 59s
Views: 1.2B
Director:
Genre: Afrobeats
Rema sits in a warmly lit room, crooning the song confidently. The mood is laid-back, almost hazy, setting a romantic tone.
Selena Gomez’s appearance adds a new layer to the video. She is seen mingling with Rema and delivering her own verses, often with a playful and flirtatious demeanour.
Her presence visually represents the song’s female perspective, making the back-and-forth dynamic between the two artists feel more complete. The video uses a mix of close-up shots and wider angles to capture the intimacy between them. It successfully translates the song’s “feel-good” energy to the screen.
