If you’ve found yourself putting Rema‘s recent hyperfast banger, “Kelebu,” on repeat, you’re not alone.
From the pulse-pulsating “HEHEHE” to the adrenaline rush that is “OZEBA,” Rema has been in beast mode, feeding us music that doesn’t just slap but sprints. But fast-tempo music is not unique to him alone. It has always had a home in Nigerian music.
Long before Rema, artists like Terry G, DJ YK Mule, and Zlatan were making music that moved like it drank six energy drinks.
So, if you love this new Rema era and wonder what else lives in that same sonic universe, here are 15 great fast-tempo Nigerian songs that deliver the same jolt of electricity and energy.
15. “Unripe Pawpaw” — Zlatan feat. Papisnoop, Oberz & Jamo Pyper
Producer: P.Priime
Year: 2020
From the opening yell in this song, you know you’re in for a premium gbe-body (lift your body) session. Oberz opens the song, then Zlatan comes in loud and unfiltered, setting the tone with his now-iconic delivery style. Then Papisnoop and Jamo Pyper follow with back-to-back verses filled with hilarious punchlines and the raw hunger of boys who’ve seen life.
The beat is fast, aggressive and soaked in street DNA.
14. “Baddo’s Song” — Ayo Maff feat. Jazzworx & Thukuthela
Producers: Fade Venom and Spaceboy Mercury
Year: 2025
Ayo Maff puts a lover who isn’t reciprocating his romantic gesture to one side. This song pays tribute to veteran rapper Olamide, AKA Baddo, using an interpolation of his song “Yemi My Lover” to drive home its message.
Jazzworx and Thukuthela lace the song with vibrant energy straight out of the South African township playbook. This is a cultural handshake between Naija’s street-hop and Mzansi’s EDM, and the result is electrifying.
13. “WHY” — G.O.E feat. Slimcase
Producer: G.O.E
Year: 2024
Popular Lagos hypeman G.O.E (God Over Everything) brings his craft to the studio. This turn-up song reflects Lagos Island’s living: excess spending, fake lifestyle, and larger-than-life personas. Then Slimcase enters, shaking the mic with slang, street wisdom, and that signature raspy rapper vocals. His presence adds grit and bounce, like throwing fuel on an already blazing fire.
12. “Hey Jago” — Poco Lee feat. Shoday & Rahman Jago
Producer: Producer X
Year: 2025
This is street music dedicated to popular socialite and fashion entrepreneur Rahman Jago. “Hey Jago” keeps shoulders bouncing and sneakers glued to the dancefloor. The beat is fast and rubbery: a fusion of amapiano’s log drums and that unmistakable Afrobeats percussion.
Poco Lee, ever the master of vibes, opens with lambas and a presence that orchestrates the energy. Shoday delivers street-boy bravado and sleek melodies that cut through the tempo like butter.
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