It starts with a beat. A stupidly good one. Before you know it, you’re singing and rapping along, word for word. Then you hear the line — the one where he calls women out by their names, for sport.
You pause. Then you don’t. Because the song slaps. But your brain is already spiralling: “Can I call myself a feminist and still vibe to this?”
This is the dilemma many listeners with feminist views face when they come across misogynistic lyrics, tweets and statements from musicians like OdumoduBlvck. It’s a tension many feminists have to navigate daily if they want to keep vibing to rap music.
Isn’t it worth a second thought when you read on his X feed, “Women should not be allowed to act like rabid dogs because they know they can’t be spanked.” Or that, “Not all beating is abuse. I agree that some parents abuse their kids. No one loves me more than my mother. No one. She beat me when I was little. I put aloe vera in my housemaid’s vagina. I dey mad?”
I asked Salawa*,a feminist who also enjoys OdumoduBlvck’s music, what it means to constantly renegotiate the terms of her values with her taste in music. The answer, it turns out, is a complex one.
This is Salawa’s story as told to Tomide
I first heard about OdumoduBlvck, the person, on my X timeline sometime in 2021 — the same year I discovered his music. His charisma was undeniable, and that’s what initially caught my attention. I tilted towards his music after I heard Alpha Ojini’s “Vigilante Bop,” which he’s featured on.
My first reaction was, “What type of audacity is this? Why is he so lewd? Ewww.” But at the same time, I couldn’t help thinking, “Why is he so good?” I remember getting goosebumps when I heard his verse on that track. My brother introduced me to the song when he randomly played it in the kitchen one day, and I was instantly intrigued. I added the song to my library, and I have been actively listening to his music ever since.
It seems like he’s innovating a new sound that’s hard to copy because of its uniqueness. I remember watching him perform at Show Dem Camp’s Palmwine Fest in 2022. His crude personality was obvious then, but it wasn’t an ick…yet. It felt more like an accessory to his showmanship. Everything fit quite nicely, including the Igbo cap — until I started seeing some of his opinions on Twitter.
As a feminist, I hold certain values that don’t align with his kind of persona: that women deserve dignity and respect, that we are equal to men, and that stereotypes are harmful and untrue.
OdumoduBlvck once joked about putting a woman in her place by hitting her. I understand there was some context to it — he was referring to a woman who had beaten up a child. But in the now-deleted tweet, he said, “Women should not be allowed to act like rabid dogs because they know they can’t be spanked. There’s a difference between a good spanking and a good beating. No! Don’t punch her. That’s too much. A nice, ordinary Ahmed combo is a good resting device for those who are foolish.”
There’s a dismissive tone to that tweet, but even worse is how it endorses violence, reducing all women to a single entity and stripping us of individuality, as if we are undeserving of regard or respect.
Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail
Subscribe to our newsletters and never miss any of the action
That said, I don’t think this behaviour is rooted in a deliberate desire to be wicked. I think it’s the result of a deeply ingrained social conditioning that’s been upheld for a very long time. That’s why I don’t listen to “Cast” by Shallipoppi and Odumodu. I’ve never sung along to that infamous line. I can never dance to it either. It just can’t happen. But again, when I’m with the people whose opinions I rate, there’s no scrutiny, we’re just having a good time.
I carefully select his songs that I listen to. I regularly put “Commend” on repeat. As a matter of fact, I need to play it right now. I like it because he references consensual sex, one of my core principles. But also because it’s a damn good song.
If you’re wondering whether I have tried to hide the fact that I listen to him: no, not really. Unfortunately, all my friends are hypocrites like me. I’ve never hidden the songs I listen to in real life. We play everything when we link: house parties or even at work, when it’s just us Black folks around. I’ve done that many times. My friends are mostly like me. There are only a few reasons we’ll refuse to play a good song. (Naira Marley, however, is a no-go)
But on the internet, it’s a different story. I think that social media has become so polarising over time that it feels like a literal minefield. People are quick to brand anyone anything based on their preferences or opinions. The idea that a person can be multifaceted or multi-dimensional is not something the internet accepts. If you listen to Odumodu, you must be a misogynist. You don’t like Beyoncé, you must be a pick-me. (For the record, I love Beyoncé.)
I’m not saying he’s a good artist or praising his music to show anybody that I’m gang. It’s just me doing the little that I can to practice what I stand for. If it gets worse, like allegations of assault or crime, I can easily stop playing the guy altogether. But for now, avoiding his disrespectful songs is the least I can do to practice my feminism.
Participate in our riddle callout for a chance to win ₦25k. This campaign is open only to Zikoko Daily newsletter subscribers and ends May 10, 2025!
[ad][/ad]
It’s time to upgrade your playlist!
This week saw some of your faves drop major bangers that are perfect for the weekend. Whether you’re looking for new Nigerian music to power through the week or just something fresh for your playlist, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the best new Nigerian songs for the third week in March 2025.
Rising singer Khaid makes a heartfelt plea to his love interest, presenting himself as her best option—if she’s ready to mingle. He’s even willing to sacrifice his comfort for her happiness. The lyrics may be sugary, but the clarity and intent make them worth listening to. If you’re still vibing with Amapiano, this one’s for you.
Behgo and Inçi explore relationship struggles, centring on the kind of intimate moments that leave edges sweated out—true freak behaviour. But at its core, it’s more lust than love. If this matches your mood or you’re thinking of dialling a familiar number, consider this your soundtrack.
Tiphe reflects on the hard work he’s putting into his music, envisioning a future where he reaps the fruits of his labour. With confidence in his talent and dedication, he lives every moment as part of a divine journey.
Lady Donli explores indie sound in her new single produced by Yinka Bernie. “Keep On Loving Me” flows over dreamy drums, rich basslines, pulsating trumpets, and what sounds like a Malian guitar, all wrapped in cotton-candy lyrics about a love that shouldn’t end. With Donli in full yearning mode, this one’s for the romantics.
Rapper Meji ends his three-year hiatus with “Inertia,” a raw reflection on his emotional state. From heartbreak to shaken confidence, he wrestles with his demons—escaping one struggle today, only to fall into another tomorrow. But recovery starts with acceptance. Acknowledging his battles, he pulls himself up by the bootstraps, determined to push forward despite the weight of his struggles.
Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail
Subscribe to our newsletters and never miss any of the action
Things heat up on “Idan,” the third track from Ejoya’s Flow State EP. OluwaMillar slices through the drill beat with rapid-fire verses, flexing his rap prowess, while Candy Bleakz takes over the second verse with streetwise lamba. This is a meeting of two of the most exciting Indigenous spitters right now. If you love rappers going off just for the thrill—while keeping it catchy—this one’s for you.
The raps keep coming on “Moving Bad,” produced by Arieenati. Yoruba rapper Kjuni kicks things off with a striking bar about marijuana costing more than therapy—a jab at both the economy and mental health in Nigeria. His gripping verse sets the stage for Abuja-based Tomi Obanure, who steps in with a raw, aggressive energy. With a don’t-fuck-with-me attitude, Tomi flexes his toughness both on the mic and in the streets.
Ladipoe is in love and vulnerable. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Even as he pleads for more consideration in his relationship—”I no be God, I be somebody’s son”— he makes it clear he’ll show up for his partner at the slightest inconvenience. No distance, no weather, nothing can keep him away when she calls.
If you’re in love, this one comes highly recommended.
Aspirations and street wisdom come together in this hustler’s anthem. Zlatan delivers two verses detailing the grind to the top, channelling a mix of motivation and paranoia—the kind that fuels FOMO on wealth and pushes listeners to hustle harder. Rising singer Fola brings a dose of optimism to the chorus, reinforcing Zlatan’s message.
Just like Marvin Gaye, Pandamonae finds “sexual healing” in his romantic relationships. Swap the love he sings about for something stronger, and this track feels like pure intoxication—his swooning vocals and echoes floating over breezy production. With simple yet captivating lyrics, the irresistible chorus and hook pull listeners in effortlessly.
There aren’t many new love songs this week, but this one stands out as the best.
Listen here:
[ad][/ad]
February was a goldmine for Nigerian music, with a range of talented artists dropping bangers that dominated our playlists. From soulful love songs to high-energy street anthems, the month had something for every mood.
Here are the 10 best Nigerian songs of February 2025.
10. “WHY LOVE” – Asake
Amid rumours of his YBNL exit and a fallout with his team, Asake keeps his focus on the music, embracing love on “WHY LOVE.” The track is both a tribute to his lover and a self-assured anthem, as he hails himself as an angel and suggests that any woman with him is lucky. While his self-confidence—rooted in a military mindset of self-sufficiency—might come off as self-centred, he’s at his calmest and best when she’s around.
9. “Ìfémi” – Lodù
In this track, UK-based Nigerian-born singer Lodù is drunk in love. Unlike her previous releases and features, she sings entirely in Yorùbá, calling out to a distant lover to return to her—perhaps one still stuck in Tinubu’s Nigeria, yet to japa and reunite with her.
Her use of rich figurative language, combined with a blend of traditional and alternative production, places “Ìfémi” in the lineage of new-school artists building on the foundation laid by pioneers like Bisola Oke with “Eleyele”.
8. “All The Love” – Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr makes a strong return with “All The Love,” her first single since her record-breaking sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21 (2024). Centred on self-acceptance and personal growth, the song sees her reflecting on love in a way that feels both personal and universal—a letter to herself and the world.
Now a year older, her music evolves with her, blending lamba with sharp songwriting in a way that reaffirms her artistry.
7. “VIBRATION” – Mo’Gunz
Mo’Gunz moves between rap and melody, seamlessly blending both to set moods and create immersive soundscapes. On “VIBRATION,” off his REPUBLIK RIDDIM two-pack, he seeks relief—not through traditional therapy, but through Mary Jane to ease his stress and a woman’s presence to bring warmth.
Beneath the surface, the song reflects his search for self, purpose, and direction. Yet, even in moments of melancholy, he keeps the party going—vibrating through it all.
6. “Update” – Burna Boy
For the first time in a long while, Burna Boy is taking a break from relentless touring and choosing to indulge in a well-earned vacation. “Update,” much like “Bundle By Bundle,” is a bold declaration of his “city boy” lifestyle—splurging on luxury sports cars and rewarding his loyalists with Cybertruck Tesla.
Though he sounds tired on this record, not even Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life” sample could slow him down—he’s living his best life, and this is the update.
As someone whose long-term relationship has blossomed into marriage, Adekunle Gold understands the power of assurance and reassurance. On “Obimo” (Igbo for “my love”), he sets the tone with the opening line, “Loving you is primary,” encapsulating the song’s essence—complete devotion. He sings about wanting what his lover wants, moving in perfect sync with them.
If you can’t imagine eating or doing anything without seeing the love of your life first, AG Baby has the perfect soundtrack for you.
4. “Movie Star” – Ajebo Hustlers
This is a new offering from the Port-Harcourt musical duo Ajebo Hustlers (Knowledge and Piego). “Movie Star,” off their Onorato EP, is a heartfelt reflection on relationship struggles. Whether drawn from personal experiences or pure storytelling, the song carries an emotional weight that resonates deeply.
The chorus chorus promises unwavering presence through every mood and phase, while Knowledge expands on the theme with his signature rap style. Their seamless fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, and Hip-Hop remains impressive, reinforcing their stance as hardworking, non-compromising artists. As they declared in a recent Instagram post, this era is about demanding respect.
If you’ve been following their journey, “Movie Star”— and the entire Onorato project — stands as a testament to staying true to one’s sound.
3. “SHAOLIN” – Seyi Vibez
Fans have been wondering why Seyi Vibez has been so quiet. Some speculated that his recent split from Dvpper Music put a temporary hold on his releases.
Whether he was watching the tweets, itching to drop new music, or simply ready to break his silence, he’s back with Children of Africa, a four-track EP. The standout track? “SHAOLIN.”
Seyi leans into the dominant Mara street-pop sound flexing about women, smoking Wizkid’s legendary loud, and moving with zero worries. He also subtly addresses concerns about his career post-label breakup—“Everywhere good, everywhere che, che, che, che…” Translation? He’s doing just fine.
If your DJ doesn’t mix this jam before or after “OZEBA,” you might be at the wrong rave. Street-pop supremacy.
2. “Someone Like You” – Lojay
Unrequited love takes centre stage on Lojay’s “Someone Like You.” He sifts through past memories and conversations, retracing where things went wrong. It’s not the heartbreak of something ending unexpectedly—it’s the pain of knowing the person he wants will never come back.
The song feels romantic, but at its core, it’s about love lost. Lojay’s soft, moody vocals and lyricism capture that deep sadness. Unlike his usual playful, smug takes on love, there’s no spinning the block here. This is the first single from his upcoming album, hinting at a shift from the “gangsta romantic” hard-guy lover to something more vulnerable.
1. “Baby (Is it a Crime)” – Rema
After HEIS, many expected Rema to continue riding the heavy EDM wave, but “Baby (Is It A Crime)” takes a different route. If you paid attention to “Now You Know,” the closing track on HEIS, you’d have caught the hint—he’s leaning into a more chilled, mid-tempo solitude.
Sampling Sade Adu’s “Is It A Crime” (1985), Rema moves at a leisurely pace, throwing advances at a love interest who isn’t as eager. But he doesn’t beg—he states his case and, if she wastes his time, he moves on (“I no dey for too much whining”).
This song is an anthem for the average Nigerian toaster—confident, expressive, but not desperate. Rema’s songwriting remains relatable, and as HEIS continues to set clubs on fire, “Baby” slides effortlessly into softer, intimate spaces.
Listen here:
In modern music, the Grammy Award is regarded as one of the highest honors an artist can achieve. Over its 65-year history, the American award show has established itself as one of the most prestigious recognitions for musicians.
With the global recognition of Afrobeats, Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have received multiple Grammy nominations. In 2023, the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, introduced a new category — Best African Music Performance — leading to even more Nigerian artists earning nominations.
As the 2025 Grammy Awards comes to an end, here’s a complete list of all Nigerians and individuals of Nigerian descent who have won or have ever been nominated for a Grammy.
Grammy Fact: An artist only earns a nomination for their contribution to an album when that album is nominated for ‘Album of the Year.’
Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023) — “Wait For You” with Future
Best African Music Performance (2025) — “Love Me Jeje”
Grammy Fact: The Billboard-topping hit sampled a song of the same title by Tems, born Temilade Openiyi. It was also nominated in the ‘Best Rap Song’ category.
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (2007) — “Ridin’”
Grammy fact: Chamillionaire, born Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, almost didn’t add the Grammy-winning “Ridin” to the album, The Sound of Revenge. It was added last minute.
Grammy Fact: This is Cynthia [Chinasaokwu] Erivo’s first Grammy nomination and win. Her performance in The Color Purple also earned her a Tony and an Emmy.
Grammy Fact: Of the 6 featured Nigerian artists, Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, was the only one who won a Grammy for his work on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album.
Best African Music Performance (2025) — “Sensational” with Chris Brown
Grammy Fact: Davido, born David Adeleke, had his first recognition at the Grammys came with three nominations in 2024. He didn’t win, but he’s a 2025 nominee, thanks to Breezy’s “Sensational”.
Grammy Fact: The Juju music maestro is the first Nigerian to bag a Grammy nomination. Although KSA, born Adeniyi Adegeye, won none, he created a path for more Nigerian artists to come. Also the Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording category he was nominated for in 1984 has been split into what’s known as Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Grammy Fact: In 1998, at age 70, Babatunde Olatunji bagged first nomination at the Grammys with his thirteenth album titled “Love Drum Talk”. He died in 2003.
Grammy Fact: This is his first Grammy nomination. Rema, born Divine Ikubor, was predicted to earn his first nomination a year earlier for his record-breaking hit, “Calm Down”.
Grammy Fact: Jordan Adetunji, aside from Rema, is the youngest Nigerian nominated for Grammy in 2025.
We’re starting 2025 off right with a #BumpThis playlist that’s all about great music and positive energy. From Afrobeats to Alté and Hip-Hop, we’re serving up the best recent Nigerian tracks to bump to.
Think chart-topping hits, underground gems, and everything in between.
“This Year” — Jaywon
Jaywon speaks positivity into his year on this classic song. It’s been twelve years since he put “This Year” out and it’s still a go-to at every end and start of a new year.
“Holy Ghost” — Omah Lay
This song is basically a prayer and there are some prayers on the track you can still make in 2025: “Holy Ghost fire, supernatural, give me confidence.”
“Oloun” — PayBac iBoro featuring Payper Corleone
“Swear to God, I must pop / Get the keys to the drop, Oloun!” is the declaration PayBac makes in the chorus of this track about making it in life. This is the energy to take into the year.
“Organise” — Asake
If you’re trying to lock in this new year and you’re disorganised, it’d likely be hard to get your affairs in order. Asake advises you to organise, AKA plan, and to never form I-Too-Know.
“Better Off” — Deela & Genio Bambino
Deela addresses people who like to take from others without providing value or usefulness in return. She’s focusing her energy on only folks who reciprocate the good energy she gives out. If you respect yourself, you should borrow energy from this jam.
“Energy (Stay Far Way)” — Skepta and Wizkid
It’s a long year and you can’t predict all the bad belle things that might happen to you. Again, protecting your energy is highly essential and you need to hold this song to constantly remind you.
“My Ability” — Lady Donli
You should never reduce yourself or dim your light for anyone. Always kick self-doubt to the curb and shine your genius at what you do best, like Lady Donli sings in the song.
“Stubborn” — Victony and Asake
Stubborn isn’t telling you to be a nuisance or disturb others. The ginger to take away from here is to stand ten-toes on your business and ambitions all the time.
“Mega Money Money” — Tiwa Savage
It’s only one life. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and live to the fullest this year. Chase money and spend it well on yourself. You deserve it.
“Funmi Lowo” — Aramide featuring Sir Dauda
This year, don’t accept exposure as payment. Make sure that you get paid your worth. If anyone plays with your money, tell them “Bitch, better have my money” like Aramide commands in this song.
Listen here:
Ever wonder what song perfectly captures the essence of your teenage experience—those years of emotional rollercoaster, self-discovery, and unforgettable songs?
We asked seven Nigerians about the songs that evoke memories of laughter, heartbreak, and pain and embody their adolescent years.
Rico*, 27
If my teenage years were a song, it’d be Jidenna’s Classic Man Remix with Kendrick Lamar. I see the song as a motivator to man-up fast after losing my dad in 2016. I listened to it a lot during that time, and it makes sense now. Music has helped me achieve most of what I do today creatively. For years, everything was dark, and I was plugged out from the world because of trauma — the song was all I had. It was originally released in 2015. I was 17.
Lola, 26
I was 17 when I first heard and fell in love with Hello by Adele. Its tempo, lyrical depth, and production are so deep to me. I was a teenager finding myself, having feelings, and understanding why I was having those feelings. Teenage boys were brutal, and I was a “learner” as a teenager. I was a yearner as a teen, and that’s what the song gives.
Also, it gave me a feeling of “I’m no longer a baby, but I’m not also a grown-up.” The song helped me navigate the period. Sometimes, I wish I was still the deep yearner that I was then. But omo, okunrin ya were gan.
David, 24
This takes me back to when I was 15 years old, and Yaadman FKA Yung L’s SOS was the most rinsed music on my phone. I loved everything about it from the song’s lyrics to its ambience. It sounded different from the dominant sound at that time too. I consider it the soundtrack to my teenage life because I was Yung L’s biggest fan at that point. People even called Marley till I entered 100 level. If I had money, I wouldn’t mind sending him money for the weekend, just to make him constantly drop gbedu for me.
Nma, 26
The perfect song that defines my teenage years would be Fela Kuti’s Shakara. Growing up, I enjoyed feeling myself and I did things that made me feel like I’m that babe. From wearing high heels and dressing up, learning how to do makeup, and just being girly, the spirit of Shakara was my motivator.
Chioma, 23
It’s Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, and when I first heard it, I was 14. It was the first song I had heard where the plus-size babe was just feeling herself and doing her thing. I was a “fat-ish” kid, and it felt nice to hear her sing the lyrics.
I liked the words. Honestly speaking, I liked everything about the song, and I still do.
Back then, it just felt nice to hear her talk about loving her body, and how every inch of her was perfect. NGL, it still does. I think it lowkey taught me to love myself a little bit more. I played that song so much, I started believing what she said. My favourite part of the song: “Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.”
Adeyinka, 31
It’d have to be Ebenezer Obey’s Anjade Loni Eledumare. I first heard it when I was maybe 15-ish? Can’t exactly remember now but I know it was a prominent song in our house during my secondary school days.
I loved how melodious it sounded and even more, how it made us bond as a family. It’s that song I could put on if I’ve offended my mum and I want to see her sing. I mean, who would listen to the powerful lyrics about getting protected as you go out in search of your daily bread, and wouldn’t sing along.
I’d say it’s pretty significant because even though I thought I knew how weighty the lyrics were back then, I have an even deeper context now as an adult. I like every part of the track, to be honest.
Zoey*, 22
It would be Vienna by Billy Joel. I was 17 when I first heard the song, and it really spoke to me. The opening line is, “Slow down, you crazy child! / You’re so ambitious for a juvenile.” I called it (still call it) the theme song of my life. It was a reminder to take things easy at that point.
I’ve always been super ambitious, and because I’m used to being the youngest in any room I find myself in, I hold myself to a very high standard. At that point in my life, I was trying to be the best at everything. I was obsessed with speed, and it started feeling dangerous at some point. I liked how the song calms me down and reminds me that I’m still a juvenile. There’s a part that says, “Slow down, you’re doing fine / You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time” or something like that. It also helps that it’s such a pretty song. I only share it with people I hold dear to my heart.
November just started, and you know what that means – the annual challenge to keep it zipped, literally. No Nut November, the internet’s favourite abstinence movement, is back.
To help you power through those tempting moments, we’ve curated the ultimate playlist. These 10 Afrobeats bops, carefully selected to keep your mind focused and your resolve strong, will be your auditory guardian angels.
If You Ask Me — Omawumi
This is a soulful, conscious song about child sexual abuse, but it works for No Nut November. This one goes out to everyone who uses what’s between their legs to hurt others and their community. Do us a favour; keep your thing to yourself.
Gobe — Davido
You see, Davido doesn’t fool himself. He sings that there’s a strong sexual tension in the air, but he’s ready to wait. He’s a patient man. Davido sings, “Good come those who wait.” If your babe says till December, my dear, you’ll have to make patience a virtue.
No Kissing Baby – Patoranking feat. Sarkodie
Patoranking isn’t here for only sexual relations; he’s all about giving and receiving the fullness of love. He sings: “If you no give, I no get take o.” Then, in the hook, “No kissing, baby, no touching, baby.” This is a man who will carry out a successful NNN. Be like him.
Natural Something — Sound Sultan
Do you know that spending lavishly on someone you like sincerely can be more pleasurable than a coitus meet-and-greet? No one needs a nut when there’s money to spend their time spending.
No Touching — Guchi
“Shey if I say no touching, shey you love me like that?”, Guchi asks in this song. There’s no better song to build boundaries and erect restrictions of urges this November than No Touching.
Ladi — Phyno & Olamide feat. Lil Kesh
These grown men sing about their dislike for eating it. They don’t care about their partner’s nuts. Anyone who moves like this doesn’t deserve to get some, either. Ojoro cancel ojoro.
Wait for Me — Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille goes away for a bit, and he asks his lover to wait for him. He earnestly asks for her dedication to their love while he’s away. If you find someone that does the same for you, hold them tight.
Goodbye — Ayra Starr feat. Asake
Hugging a pillow is better than accepting disrespect in the name of having a partner or getting nuts. This is what Arya is telling us in this song. Listen.
Space — Tay Iwar feat. Cruel Santino and Preyé
This may sound like a heartbreak song to some of you, but see it this way: If your babe says No Nut November isn’t for them, but you’re observing it, tell them to give you space for a moment. If they’re for you, they’ll wait for you.
by now — CKay
This song is a cry of a man who’s been patient because he got the promise of sex. Are you like Ckay in this song? Or are you just like the one making him do this shalaye? Here’s your anthem.
Listen here:
Another week of surviving capitalism and T-Pain has come and gone. But what’s before us isn’t just any weekend. Friday is salary payment day, AKA the 9-5ers’ favourite day of the month. In the excitement and thrills of that credit alert that carries your company or employer’s name in its note, we made a playlist of Nigerian songs that justify your hard work and spending habits.
You only live once, dear. Enjoy your money, enjoy your life.
Billions — Sarz and Lojay
As a 9-5er, as you get up from bed on the 25th of any month, this song should be the first to play because you’re waking up to money. It’s the strongest motivation.
Money — Adekunle Gold
It’s only right to desperately call on money like AG did in the song’s chorus, especially when you’ve been praying for the salary week to come faster and the payment day finally arrives, but you’re still waiting for the alert.
Squander — Falz feat. Niniola
Now that money has entered your bank account, it’s perfectly okay to get your shoulders up and lavish on cravings. After all, you worked for it.
Commas — Ayra Starr
It’s a great feeling when your salary reflects the work you do. Even greater if the money still covers major expenses in this T-Pain era.
HEHEHE — Rema
This is your moment of ultimate flex on our debts, opps (if you have any) and all the cravings you’ve denied yourself before salary entered. They can be sorted now. What’s not to laugh at?
All My Money — Kashcoming
“All my money, take all my money to” is the most repetitive line in this song. We don’t support unwise financial decisions, but you shouldn’t deny yourself what you love to spend on.
Uhh Yeahh — Asake
If clubbing is how you unwind, take out that salary and go enjoy some overpriced drinks and loud music. You’ll never be a big baller until you ball big.
Whatever that means, the mood here’s a big “We are outside tonighttttt!”
Aye Nlo — Masterkraft and CDQ
This song tells me not to think too much about spending. Don’t worry about the house or car you could have built or bought if you didn’t spend your money on shawarma and other cravings. Enjoyment won’t pause for you.
Bank Alert — Ice Prince feat. Sarkodie, Magneto & Rexxie
If your ego (money) matches your ego, then by all means, flex it. In the famous words of Sarkodie, “Money no be problem.”
Owo — Reminisce
If your mood is spending cash like It’s an Owambe party, this Reminisce’s neo-Fuji jam is your fix.
Listen here:
Some Afropop songs are so big, they take on lives of their own and leave their makers behind. Even years after release, these songs still turn up parties. They come on, and everyone shouts, “That was my jam that year.”
Party-hopping and hearing these old jams sent me down the rabbit hole of Afropop to find some of the lit-est one-hits that still hit hard today.
Collabo — Deebee
Do you remember that song that corrupted your definition of “collaboration” circa 2009? This song Collabo by Deebee was so huge that if anyone said the word “Collabo” that year, people would take it to mean “sex”.
I hope Deebee is doing good and not diluting English words wherever he is.
Lori Le — X-Project
2010 buzzed with Lori Le. To date, it lights up the energy in any party from the first second of its instrumental. At the call-and-response: “Lori le, o di gobe”, the party turns into a rave. This track’s a dance jam for every era.
Shayo — Bigiano
“I no go fit invite una come my party, make una no shayo” rings from the start and you already know it’s a party-rider. Granted that Bigiano dropped an album with a mildly known Iwofa, the song Shayo is what mostly brings his voice to any party.
Pasa Pasa – MP
In 2008, MP was sending out love bugs with Pasa Pasa. The lover boys and girls that actively jammed this song then are people’s parents now.
Hola Hola — Sugarboy
When G-Worldwide and Sugarboy dropped this jam in 2016, DJs reverberated, “Hola hola, we popping bottles,” through parties. It’s now a Nigerian new-school party classic.
Control — W4
In 2011, W4 was moving like a Fela incarnate with his fashion style. Around that time, he released Control, an earworm that takes one back to the prime days of Chanel O and Soundcity — where we anticipated and watched music videos before YouTube.
Lowkey — Flowssick
In the Afrobeats era of Versace clothes, bling-bling and RayBan shades, Lowkey was a banger. Although we never heard of Flowssick after the song, its bouncy beat and the popular and repetitive, “Let me give it to you low-key” line still awakens nostalgia.
Kokoma — K9
The craze of Azonto was still viral when K9 made Kokoma in 2012. If you remember this jam, you were an active outside baby.
Osinachi — Humblesmith feat. Phyno
This is arguably the breakout song of 2016. Davido had to jump on its remix.
In My Maserati — Olakira
This Olakira’s song came out in 2020 and it was so huge that he got a remix with Davido and bagged a deal with the Maserati car brand two years later. But since then, his music hasn’t garnered another momentum.
If No Be You — Jamo Pyper feat. Mayorkun
Jamo Pyper is a street-pop artist affiliated with Zlatan Ibile. His only hit song, If No Be You, ruled the airwaves as one of the hits Afrobeats gave us during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
To the Islamic music community, Rukayat Gawat was one of its most popular female voices. On September 24, 2024, the news of the singer’s demise broke the internet, leaving fans with an outpouring of admiration for her music and the message she preached with it.
Although some of us knew her when she was with us, some only discovered her after her demise and still don’t know where to begin getting into her music. If you belong to the latter, these seven songs are the perfect introduction to her music.
Eto Obinrin
This song translates to “women’s rights.” In it, Rukayat sang about the challenges women face in marriages, such as domestic violence and infidelity.
Prayer feat. 9ice
She teamed up with 9ice to remind listeners that prayer is the master key.
Ope Olohun
This is a thanksgiving song. If you like to count your blessings one by one, literally, this song is perfect for your praise and worship session.
Ijo Opefeat. Saoty and Alao Malaika
Rukayat’s discography includes multiple songs of praise. Ijo Ope translates to “the dance of praise.” It’s about God’s goodness and its praise through dance. It features fellow Islamic singer Saoty and Fuji artist Malaika.
Aye Le
“Aye le” translates to “life’s hard.” This song preaches being good to all men and loving one’s neighbour as one’s self. It doubly addresses the situation of the kidnap of her dad, Alhaji Abdulrazak Aremu Gawat, who’s been missing for twelve years.
Last Prophet
Music and sermons have never been this melodious together. Rukayat educated listeners about the life of Prophet Muhammad and his teachings in this song. It features other Islamic singers like Ahmad Alawiye, Modinat Ashabi (Barrytide), Saheed Bamidele, Kabiti Bello, Aishat Adeleke, Monsurat Moji, and Fatimoh Olamide.
Arinnakore
In this song, Rukayat prays that goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.
