We can never get tired of saying Nigerian artists are the greatest. Alone, they’re killing it. Together? They take us to places our minds could never even fathom.
Which is why when the artists on this list jump on other people’s songs, we’re at the edge of our seats, waiting for where they’ll take us. But other artists be warned, these ones will eat you up on your own songs.
Simi
From Ladipoe to Reminisce to Falz, Simi spares no one, not even Adekunle Gold, the father of her child. She’ll chew you up and spit you out on your own track, and you’ll have no choice but to smile while it’s all happening.
Notable example: We can’t lie. We forgot this song belonged to Boj.
Bnxn fka Buju
Crowned the king of features for a reason, anything Buju touches turns to gold. We don’t know what he puts in these songs. But the second he even coughs on the track, it becomes an instant hit.
Notable example: He opened this song and had us in a chokehold.
Rema
Might be the way he opens his verses, might be the energy with which he delivers them. But if your favourite artist features Rema, just accept that it’s now Rema’s song.
Notable example: There’s a reason his verse on this song is a trending TikTok sound.
Tiwa Savage
The number one African bad gyal, no one comes close. A hitmaker in her own right, it’s only fair she honours your request for a feature by making your song a hit too.
Notable example: Tiwa Savage slid on this one.
Olamide
From sliding on his own songs to claiming ownership over other people’s by simply breathing on the track, Baddo has always been bad.
Notable example: There’s a calmness in how he opened this song that’ll give you chills.
The Cavemen
After they released their 2020 debut album, the brothers were like fuel in every administration since Obasanjo’s. Everyone wanted them on their song, and for good reason too. Have you heard the madness they created?
Notable example: They came in like a thief in the night and SLID.
Tems
After constantly eating on ShowDem Camp features, Tems got on a Wizkid track in 2021, made it hers and birthed the song of the summer. You really couldn’t go harder than that.
Notable example: She delivered vocals and delivered this song out of Wizkid’s hands.
Fave
Fave has hacked catchy verses, and that might just be it. Something about the way she delivers her verses makes it stick like eba to the tip of your fingers.
Notable example: If you say her verse in this doesn’t randomly pop up in your head, then you and Lai Mohammed might be related.
Davido
Hearing “shekpe” on a Davido song feels good, but hearing “shekpe” on another person’s song? You’ll get up with your fist in the air and wait for Davido’s voice to make its appearance with bated breath.
Notable example: Davido left Nigeria and went to Ghana to eat.
Mayorkun
Be honest. When you hear, “This bread no be Agege” on a song, don’t you get a big smile on your face and sit a little straighter because you know Mayorkun is about to come and flog everybody out of their seats?
Notable example: He might be the mayor of Lagos, but he went to Maitama and finished everybody.
If there’s one thing that makes Nigerians (well, anybody) happy, it’s salary week.
If you know you’re getting ready to cash out over the next few days, this playlist is for you. Remember to enjoy this moment because SAPA is always around the corner, waiting to take your last card.
Chop My Money — P-Square
This is a great song to sing in the club when that salary hits. But also note that this is an invitation, so don’t be mad if someone does indeed chop your money in the end.
2 Sugar — Wizkid and Ayra Starr
2 Sugar off Wizkid’s More Love, Less Ego might hint at protecting your mental health. But the way Ayra sings, “Sho ri nonsense, ma gbe sun mo mi” makes it the perfect song to dedicate to all those people who wait until salary week to ask if they can borrow small cash for one problem or the other. Ogbeni, “I dey fight my own demons, don’t you see?”
Peace Be Unto You (PBUY) — Asake
Asake is the current, always-dropping music, reigning king of party music in Nigeria. Period. But if there’s one of his many hit songs that I’d gladly put on a salary week playlist, it’s Peace Be Unto You (PBUY). On this song, Asake recognises that hard work brings money into your account, so my dear, spend that cash because you earned it. However, the best part is when he sings, “Before them use me, I go use myself”, meaning spend your money before unnecessary wahala lands on your doorstep to snatch it from you.
Billionaire — Stanley Okorie
It doesn’t matter whether your salary is in billions, millions, hundreds of thousands or just small thousands; you’ll relate to Stanley Okorie’s Billionaire on salary day. But please and please, take that “no mercy for money” part with a pinch of salt. After all, the song’s title is still “Billionaire”, not ₦10k.
Unavailable — Davido and Musa Keys
This special number is dedicated to bills and people who like to bill. Yes, it’s salary week, but like Davido said, “If it’s not owo, I can’t talk”. So, forget I exist unless you plan on giving me more money. We’ll all be fine last last.
Holiday — Rema
It’s good to celebrate salary week, but it’s also good to remember all the times when bad belle people cast you away. Nothing screams “New money” like a good grass-to-grace story.
Who’s the big boss in the street right now? Yes, it’s you, bitch. Now that salary has come, best believe you’re about to be everybody’s guy. Just remember to divide the bill by everybody on the table because the money still has to last you until next month.
Asiwaju — Ruger
This song might be tied to someone who allegedly sold drugs — I said, “allegedly” here, and I didn’t mention names. But it doesn’t mean you can’t use it to celebrate your win as a fucking baller who’s ahead of people whose salary doesn’t come until the first week of a new month.
Who Born the Maga — Wande Coal and K-Switch
Having natural confidence is sweet. But you know what’s sweeter? Having natural confidence that’s also backed by funds. No one can tell you nonsense during salary week. No, like, who actually born the maga? Having money is the real BDE, trust me.
Bandana — Fireboy DML and Asake
This song works two ways. One, it’s a reminder to everyone that you’ve arrived now that the bag has been secured. But it could also serve as a warning from SAPA that you’ll never see him coming. So, tap into whichever anointing and spirit you feel when singing Asake’s chorus.
Party No Dey Stop — Adekunle Gold and Zinoleesky
Yes, this is an Adekunle Gold banger, but it’s also the motto for the first two weekends after salary drops. Why are you at home on a Friday night with all that money in your account? Better listen to AG and Zino and go pop some bottles — champagne or beer, a bottle is a bottle.
Loaded — Tiwa Savage and Asake
This song doesn’t need too much serenre because you get the gist when Asake starts singing, “I’m loaded”. It’s either you’re loaded, or you’re not. Loaded people, please, come to the front. The rest of you, go and listen to Tiwa’s Stamina until your money drops because that’s what you’ll need to withstand the SAPA.
Finesse — Pheelz and BNXN
No, but whose business is it that you’re broke? Sure, you’ll have to inconvenience your friends and family by borrowing money and begging for food later, but for now, enjoy Folake for the night.
Suffer Suffer — Lady Donli
Raise your hands if you didn’t come to this life to suffer. This Lady Donli anthem off her 2019 album, Enjoy Your Life, is a perfect reminder that we were put on earth to have a good time (another Lady Donli song). Suffering is not your portion, so wipe away that poverty mentality and enjoy some of the money you busted your butt making over the last month.
Godwin — Korede Bello
What God cannot do does not exist. It’s not easy being a salary earner.
Late at night, when we were about to put our phones on DND and head to bed, Asake drew us back with the release of his new single “Amapiano” featuring his label boss, Olamide. The audio launched with its video, without prior announcement from him or his team. Though four hours before then, fans were already excited about his sophomore title, its release date and album art that’s been floating around on socials .
🚨NEW ASAKE ALBUM
Asake’s sophomore album, ‘Work of Art’ is set to drop on June 15th, featuring singles Yoga, 2:30, and latest release ‘Amapiano’ ft @Olamidepic.twitter.com/UQIhExOAit
Amapiano just dropped and I have listened to it like 10 times already. When Asake said “Amapiano piano It’s a vibe all the girls dem know” immediately after Olamide’s verse, I lost my home training 😂
Mr. Money is back, and these are the things we know about his forthcoming album:
It’s titled Work of Art
Literally that’s what an album is. And it’s not hard to tell when you see his new album cover.
Asake
With a classic debut “Mr Money With the Vibes” already in the bag, Asake, who has served us hits back-to-back, isn’t taking his foot off our necks. He’s set to deliver his second body of work barely nine months after his first one. He’s loaded! Here are a few facts about the upcoming album:
Ololade to Basquiat.
Asake is in his Basquiat Era. Everything about the album cover artwork screams “inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.” This also shows where his head is, and we know he’ll prove it on the iconic level he’s hinting at.
But these are not Basquiat’s works.
Asake shows his deep appreciation for art and even more lovely, we discovered Nigerian artist Ayanfe, is behind the paintings displayed on his Work of Art album cover. Ayanfe, who had her debut solo exhibition in London a month ago, has been receiving well-deserved “congratulations.”
Okay Africa
“Yoga”
Asake has decided to remove the sample at the beginning of “Yoga”. Catch the new version on the album.
But “Amapiano” will join “2:30” as the only released singles to be on the album. On the Olamide-assisted “Amapiano”, you can hear the distinct approach the song production imbibed; the logs and break snares played as the drums, giving the sound a lush, bouncy feel.
Zikoko Memes
“Work of Art” is 14-tracks long
His new album will be two songs longer than his debut, “Mr Money With the Vibes”, which had only twelve tracks. Asake heard us when we said “MMWTV” was too short. We feast.
Zikoko Memes
The Album will be out two months before O2 Concert
You can see the intentionality that goes into this project. It’s tactical because he’d have enough material to perform to the raving behest of his fans at the O2 show. We’re sure he’ll sell multiple show dates this time also. We just hope the unfortunate events of his last London show don’t happen again. Let’s all maintain orderliness.
Zikoko Memes
ICYMI: We’re calling on all hot babes with the vibes to be live at HERtitude 23. Don’t miss it. Buy a ticket here.
New Music Friday hasn’t seen this surge of new music in a long while.
In observance of music that came out last Friday and this one, here are the different types of homebodies:
The TGIF hypeman:
All week, you’ve been tweeting about your desire for the weekend to come quickly so you can enjoy yourself.
Today’s Friday and you’ve thanked God for it. But somehow, it’s already midnight, and you’re still in pyjamas. I think we can agree that you’re not going anywhere. You can still be hyped sha, enjoy these new club jams that’ll keep your neighbours sleepless and vexed but entertained still.
Kizz Daniel – Shu Peru
Kinfxlk feat. Tomi Obanure, Lobi – Kinfxlk Party
Yôrkk – Run!
MOJO AF & Ronehi – Sex Appeal
Ruger – Jonzing
Bella Shmurda & Tiwa Savage – Non Stop Vibe (NSV)
Smada feat. OdumoduBlvck – Papilo
KCee & Skiibii – Dum Dum
Sarz feat. Millymay_pod, Gimba & Fxrtune – Jam One Kele
The tired
You work hard all week but no flexing time in your calendar. Hot babe like you. Do you, but let it not be you that’s not sleeping on the night of May 26th to preserve energy for our HERtitude 2023, happening on May 27th. All the hot babes are coming to the yard! Cop your tix here.
Jams for your tired ass:
Obongjayar – Just Cool
Fasina – Reload
No-days off
Unfinished office work followed you home. Sorry dear, meet your KPIs and don’t shame your manager. Teni Makani and others got you, though.
If you’re in your feelings and would rather sit out this Friday’s outing, let these songs be your comfort.
Slimsyxx – Heart Off Sleeves
Tneeya – Complete
Aisé Maryah – Close To You
Blaqbonez feat. Ludacris – Cinderella Girl (Where You Dey?)
Bob Marley & The Wailers feat. Tiwa Savage – Waiting In Vain
Joeboy & CKay – Wetin Be Love
Omah Lay feat. Ozuna – Soso Remix
Inside with LOYL
Tay Iwar & Twelve XII – Undercover Lover
Ugoccie – Ifenkili
Tyla feat. Arya Starr – Girl Next Door
Brum3h – Hold You Down
Oxlade feat. Flavour – Ovami
Keep your romance hot with these love tunes.
Can’t go out alone
Your friend said they’re too busy for an outing because their boo is around. Sorry, dear. Maybe your own person will find you soon. Not if you’re always inside sha.
1da Banton – Nibolowa
The miser
You’re always telling others they’re being ripped off. Better spend that money.
Can’t afford outside
The country is hard, no funds to sponsor enjoyment. You can’t touch your savings. Buhari, you do this one.
Those were dark times when you thought it was a flex to not like Nigerian music. You said it was too loud. You asked why Banky W couldn’t move like Usher, and P-Square wasn’t giving Craig David vibes. You even called that one friend who knew all 9ice’s songs his grandparents’ favourite.
Now, afrobeats has diversified and “gone global”. Rema can make Location, but can Khalid do Dumebi? Let’s tell you why it wasn’t ever a flex to diss Nigerian music.
You actually lacked taste
Style Plus was outside. Mo’Hits delivered badass club bangers back-to-back. And despite all the grass to grace experiences 2Baba gave us in his classic tapes, the beautiful guitar notes Asa strummed, you weren’t moved. Hmmm.
You were just exhibiting oversabi
You sang and danced Gangnam Style mindlessly, but didn’t think Kcee went to school when you heard “Baby, baby, go Limpopo.” Then lectured us that Limpopo is a river, not a dance. Well, Gangnam is also a district, not a dance.
Herd mentality
You did what your guys did, blindly dismissing our music for reasons you thought you knew but didn’t. Neither do we.
What everyone loved turned you off. And for how long did that work out for you?
On top of that, you were a pick-me person
No thanks to your crush who told you they only jammed to Tao Cruz and Katy Perry on 2go that year. We hope they “noticed” you sha.
ATTENTION: The hottest babes are partying at HERtitude on May 27. Get your ticket here.
They told you it was the devil’s music
In fact, you kicked against all secular music, home and abroad. You said we were going to hell. Look at you now, doing hypeman at parties for small change.
Too razz
You heard Durella for three minutes and got lost. Same way you judged Terry G for ringing bells and wearing many ‘bling-bling’ and colourful clothes. Now, you’re screaming, “It’s high fashion”.
And you didn’t have access
No phone, so you couldn’t download anything or stay updated on news and trends. When you heard Naija music was when you heard it. You just had to hate to disguise your lack of awareness.
With a Grammy (and multiple nominations), two top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, groundbreaking collaborations and a signature sound that’s captured the hearts and waistlines of fans worldwide, Wizkid is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in afrobeats today. But how did Ojuelegba’s Ayodeji Balogun become the biggest Nigerian export since crude oil? It all started with his highly contagious debut single, Holla At Your Boy.
About six days before Justin Bieber took over the world with the Ludacris-assisted hit, Baby, miles away, Nigerians got introduced to our version of a teen popstar heartthrob when Holla At Your Boy dropped on January 2, 2010.
Decked head-to-toe in all the 2010s fashion trends: skinny jeans, Supra sneakers, shambalas, a non-religious rosary, graphic tees, Ray Ban glasses and a mohawk, because why not? The sound and visual appeal of the then 19-year-old singer were so well-crafted that he seamlessly caused a shift in the music industry, offering a glimpse into a new phase of afrobeats that would eventually usher in other young stars like Davido, Dammy Krane, Mo’Cheddah and Olamide.
Source: Youtube
Produced by DJ Klem and Vebee, Holla At Your Boysampled Girls by Korean singer Se7en, with Wizkid’s vocals and palpable energy carrying the song across the finish line. Unlike the relaxed, no-stress Big W we know today, who’s confident enough to make an album calledMore Love, Less Ego, baby Wizkid had no ego — all he wanted to do was prove himself and make a statement in a game dominated by legends who’d been running things for almost a decade at the time. Wiz was hungry for success, and he poured every ounce of that drive into what would later form part of his debut album, Super Star.
But before there was Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid was Lil Prinz, an upcoming singer in a group called the Glorious Five, with his friends from church. The transformation from Lil Prinz to Wizkid reached completion when he got signed to Banky W and Tunde Demuren’s record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), in 2009.
Following his signing to EME, Wizkid caught our attention when his vocals provided the hook for Fast Money Fast Cars, off MI’s critically acclaimed 2009 debut album, Talk About It. Making an indelible impression opposite “Nigeria’s own Kanye West from the West” was no easy feat, but Wizkid pulled it off. That same year, Wizkid made a cameo in Banky W’s star-studded Lagos Party music video, doing a cute one-two step alongside his label head.
After Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid became a household name. While the song had teenagers and adults singing along to the playful “If you see me drive by, holla at your boy/ I got more swag, holla at your boy”, the Patrick Ellis-directed video was a pop culture moment in its own right, with cameos from Banky W, Ice Prince and Skales, as well as future entertainment juggernauts like Asa Asika, Uche Odoh and Sophie Alakija.
Source: Youtube
At a time when streaming wasn’t even a thing, Wizkid charmed his audience with an infectious bop, setting the stage for a career that’s broken records and pushed afrobeats to the forefront of the global music conversation. While we’re grateful for the Wizkid that gave us Ojuelegba, Jaiye Jaiye and Essence, we’ll never forget the 19-year-old dreamer who doggy-ed in his skinny jeans on a basketball court with his friends. That was the moment when we fell in love with Ayodeji Balogun.
We were surprised by this discovery too. And there’s more.
Sweet Boy
After dropping his controversial This is Nigeria in 2018, Falz made an anthem that brought all men under one umbrella. As members of Sweet Boy Association, every Nigerian man could identify as male slay queens.
Note: “Sweet boy” is not the direct opposite of “Yoruba demon”.
Soft Work
Two years before he became a soft boy, The Bahd Guy did the soft work that gave him his soft lifestyle. Off his 2016 Stories That Touch album, Soft Work was a hit that went on to become a phrase for “rich behaviour”.
Soft like Tony
In 2022, M.I Abaga released The Guy, his long-awaited fourth album and eleventh project. The biggest song off the album, it namedrops Tony Elumelu, and “Soft like Tony” has become the phrase of choice to show admiration for a wealthy businessman.
Chop Life Crew
Chop Life Crew is a musical collective that stormed into the mainstream in 2019 with the self-titled, viral single, Chop Life Crew, featuring Prettyboy D-O. “Chop Life Crew” isn’t just a cool name for a group of people who love enjoyment, it’s a lifestyle.
Something Light
Falz collaborated with another Nigerian rapper, YCee, to give stellar verses on one of the hottest songs of 2017. They go back and forth on the song, exploring Nigerian women’s wants and needs. “Something Light” is one of the popular sarcastic phrases Nigerian music has created.
Bad Belle
Late Nigerian comedian and actor Jagua, born James Afolabi Afolayan, had a popular sitcom on NTA that ran from the 70s to 80s. His series My Belle O, My Head O, mainly revolved around “neighbours” that waste their time being angry on unimportant things. Decades later, M.I a.k.a The Guy applied similar message and title in his 2014 single Bad Belle that featured popular OAP, Moti Cakes. The rap song dominated the airwaves and streets, and gave the phrase more popularity amongst younger generation.
Notable Nigerian rapper and voice of the street, Reminisce, integrates the phrase “OG before IG” in this song to describe how legendary he’s been even before the advent of IG. The phrase has since become a salutation in the streets.
KPK (Ko Por Ke)
Rexxie and Mohbad did a serious thing with the record, KPK (Ko Por Ke), in 2021. Every line stuck, pulsating throughout that year. KPK and its mates, OPP and OPG, are posh acronyms of Yoruba words that mean “abundance.”
STOP: Sponsor your favourite hot babe to HERtitude 2023. Get the ticket here:
Alaye Jor Jor Jor
True Nigerian hip-hop fans were present at the peak of Vector tha Viper and M.I Abaga’s beef in 2019, when they attacked each other with diss tracks. But only one of them gave us a memorable phrase that’s become the Naija version of “Bitch, pleeease.”
Who U Epp
Undoubtedly one of the biggest Nigerian songs of 2017, Olamide Baddo — popularly known for dropping street OTs — linked up with Wande Coal and Phyno to give us Who U Epp. The jam and iconic street slang encourage us to dismiss arrogance and “smelling” entitlement.
Ekelebe Stunner
OdumoduBlvck’s latest single, named after English footballer Declan Rice, has a relaxed vibe but is lyrically focused on overcoming enemies. And “Ekelebe Stunner”, a phrase from the song, is now slang for a dirty Nigerian Police slap.
Omo x100
Respected rappers, Reminisce and Olamide, came together again on the sensational Omo x100. Immediately it dropped, other rappers did covers and freestyles that pushed the song as the inspiration for a generic internet term that describes feelings of shock, admiration and disgust.
Japa
When Naira Marley released Japa in 2018, his style was still strange to listeners, but his sound was irresistible. Japa came out at a time travelling out of Nigeria in search of greener pastures. The desire to avoid a situation or leave Nigeria for a new dispensation is best expressed with “Japa.”
Boys Are Not Smiling
This is a classic statement that captures the hot anger and frustration of being Nigerian. It quickly became cool and gained public acceptance after Boys Are Not Smiling came out in 2011. It featured veteran rapper Terry tha Rapman, off Olamide’s debut album, Rapsodi.
Mafo
With Naira Marley on the verses and Young John handling the production, this 2019 banger made a huge impact on the Nigerian soundwaves and vocab. “Mafo” is a Yoruba word that means to “don’t be broken.” It was the Marlian president’s way of telling us not to fret in face of adversities. Even though you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria, you’re stronger than your cross. Mafo.
The women on this list are some of the brightest musicians poised to change the game and upgrade your playlist in 2023 with their incredible sound. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the mood to kick ass, cuddle up and watch anime or cheat back on your partner, the range here is insane, and we can’t help but stan.
Brazy
“Attends shekeleba”
Source: Zikoko Memes
Are you really a hot girl or city boy if you’re not rinsing Brazy’s Attends like there’s no tomorrow? Kindly check our membership portal for validation because Attends is our official anthem. Remember when Saweetie spoke about making something cute for the summertime? She must’ve heard Brazy deliver her iconic “Cheat on me, I’ll cheat on you” line. Fun and bursting with personality, Brazy’s music will have you in a chokehold once you get into it.
Morravey
If there’s one thing we know now, it’s that Davido is clear when it comes to scouting talent. It just makes sense to trust the guy who delivered superstars like Mayorkun and Peruzzi. Despite not having a solo track in sight, Morravey (Davido’s latest musical discovery) holds her own on In The Garden, a standout track off of his newest album, Timeless. With her distinct vocal style and Davido’s push, I have a strong feeling we’ll be hearing a lot of Morravey before the year runs out.
Bloody Civilian
Bloody Civilian is an effortlessly cool badass. I don’t know how else to explain it, but who else drops a debut song titled How to Kill A Man then follows it up with I Don’t Really Like You? The Abuja export has been raising a storm in the music industry since she made a striking appearance on the soundtrack to 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever alongside Tems, Rema and Fireboy DML. Bloody Civilian’s music feels like she’s whipping out two middle fingers. I don’t know who she’s flipping off, but best believe I’m on her side.
Ugoccie
Ugoccie might’ve won over the internet with her viral and hilarious TikTok remake of Rotimi’s In My Bed in 2019, but it’s been four years now, and it looks like the singer/rapper has turned her 15 seconds of fame into a thriving career. Following the success of her 2022 debut EP, A Piece of Me, and collaborations with Phyno and Niniola, Ugoccie has set the stage for the long haul, and we’re excited to hear what she puts out next.
SGawD
We weren’t capping when we put SGawD’s 2021 Savage Bitch Juice EP on our list of the best albums/EPs of that year. With a sick flow that can stand toe-to-toe with most of the male rappers in the game right now, SGawD has successfully stamped her name on the Nigerian rap scene, demanding our attention with each bar. Her follow-up singles — 2022’s Telfar with Ronehi, and 2023’s Intermission — further prove that SGawD takes no prisoners every time she gets behind a mic.
Oiza and Meyi make great music, but what makes them better artistes than most of your faves right now is their live shows. These girls know how to put on a show and get the crowd going even if they’ve never heard their music before. Famous for their TikTok covers of artistes like The Cavemen and a Shakira elevator performance, the twin sisters were born to be entertainers.
If you don’t believe me, check out their singles Santi and Outside, or better still, catch them at one of their live shows in Lagos or Abuja, singing the hilarious unreleased Jesus Told You to Break Up with Me.
Somadina
The music on Somadina’s 2022 album, Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable, sounds just as weird as the album title, but this is one case where weird is a good, no, great thing. Taking on a more experimental approach to alternative R&B, Somadina is fearless about the type of music she wants to make. It might be an acquired taste, but best believe her music is tasty AF.
Solis
Solis makes music for the girlies who love to talk about star signs and watch Sailor Moon. I don’t know how else to explain it, but the girls whothat get it, get it. Whether she’s asking to be your Angel or begging you not to leave her on Abeg, Solis’s ethereal voice makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. As a matter of fact, it’s the literal representation of this Spongebob meme:
Source: Giphy
Efe Oraka
If you were on the internet when SoundCloud stars like Odunsi the Engine and Tay Iwar started transitioning into the mainstream scene in 2016, then the name Efe Oraka wouldn’t sound strange. After stealing our hearts with covers on social media, Efe cemented herself as an artiste to watch with the release of her debut single, Wonderland. Although she’s been on and off for a while, each new project she’s put out confirms the singer has become more confident in her sound and identity as an artiste. Efe Oraka is the alt R&B princess the Nigerian music scene has been missing.
Kold AF
There’s something cool about listening to an artiste for the first time and understanding that they’ve done the work needed to figure out their sound. Kold AF is one of those rare finds. After an impressive run of features with Moelogo, Kaey and MoGunz, she made her solo debut in 2022 with the aptly titled EP, Kold SZN.
From a night of fun and seduction on Wasted to using booze and music to deal with the trauma of a toxic relationship on Blues, Kold AF presents a five-minute preview into the different aspects of navigating love and life as a young Nigerian.
Can you believe we’re already four months into 2023? It feels like just a few weeks ago, we were making New Year resolutions and plans to conquer 2023, and now, we have eight months left.
We’ve had so many hits between January and April, but these seven are some of the best. But will they still bang by the time IJGBs come back for Detty December? We have the answers.
Yoga — Asake
Asake’s Mr Money with the Vibes was probably the biggest album of 2022. From Terminator to Joha, Asake’s voice was everywhere in December. After dropping songs every two weeks, Asake took some time off before dropping Yoga in 2023. The song showed us a zen Asake, who’s taking time away from the party scene to wear white and meditate by the beach (God, when?). It was the perfect song to start the year with and a testament to the artiste’s versatility.
Chances of surviving till December: I highly doubt it. Yoga is too calm for the gragra of Detty December. The holidays are about hyper energy, so imagine people screaming, “Palazzo, jiggy, burger..” instead of chanting, “Yoga yoga”.
GWAGWALADA — BNXN, Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez
BNXN’s decision to make a song about Gwagwalada in Abuja is almost as random as the two artistes he chose to feature, yet somehow it all works perfectly. The Sarz-produced beat is BNXN’s to devour, and he eats it up like the shawarma he mentions in the song. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez also make memorable appearances here.
Chances of surviving till December: Even though Finesse came out a year ago in 2022, there’s a higher chance of that song soundtracking Detty December parties as opposed to Gwagwalada.
Stamina — Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn and Ayra Starr
Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn and Ayra Starr’s Stamina is the consent anthem we didn’t know we needed until it was released. Produced by frequent Asake collaborator, MagicSticks, the song finds Ayra offering to do sexy kung fu with her lover, while Tiwa and Young Jonn engage in an intense back and forth that Chioma explains better in her SYDHT recap of the video.
Chances of surviving till December: While Stamina is a major jam, there’s a high chance it’ll sound like a throwback song when it comes up in the club when Detty December rolls around.
Who’s Your Guy? — Spyro and Tiwa Savage
With all the shoutouts on Who’s Your Guy?, the Spyro and Tiwa Savage hit could easily be an owambe song. Giving us a much needed break from songs about bumbum, hustling and popping champagne, Who’s Your Guy? is a beautiful song that talks about the importance of friendship and checking in on your tribe. Knowing all the craziness happening around the world, we all need to be more invested in each other, now, more than ever.
Chances of surviving till December: Be prepared to hear this song every time someone orders Azul for their table in December, and also on every IJGB’s TikTok or Reel when they connect with the friends they left behind in Nigeria.
No other artist captures the defiant “I’m a bad bitch” Gen Z energy like Ayra Starr. Sability, her Awilo Longomba-inspired first single of 2023 tows the same lane as Bloody Samaritan and Rush, with Ayra reminding everyone that she’s that girl; the original sabi girl.
Chances of surviving till December: This is a jam for baddies, and being a baddie isn’t a seasonal job; it’s a year-round lifestyle. There’s a high chance you’ll hear Sability on the insta stories of those IJGB girls who live and breathe NollyBabe’s fashion.
UNAVAILABLE — Davido and Musa Keys
Davido is a master hitmaker and that’s on Mary and her little lamb. Despite the tragic events of last year, Davido somehow manages to find and share joy through his album, Timeless, especially on the Musa Keys-assisted amapiano hit, UNAVAILABLE. Our ever-so-generous king also made sure the TikTok dance challenge for the song was easy, smooth and inclusive because not all of us have Gen Z legwork energy. I stan.
Chances of surviving till December: This is the anthem most offices will hear as soon as they close for the year. Everyone on holiday for Detty December will probably post their UNAVAILABLE video on social media for their co-workers and haters. How else will your boss know not to send you emails in December?
Holiday — Rema
Nothing unites Nigerians more than a grass-to-grace story, and boy, did my inner spirit feel it when Rema sang, “I will never forget the time wey bad belle dem cast us away. Fast forward to today, every day na holiday.”
Even though 2022’s Calm Down has refused to allow Holiday get the love it deserves, this song is further evidence that proves yet again that Rema hasn’t missed since 2019.
Chances of surviving till December: The song is literally called Holiday, and you think it won’t bang during the biggest holiday of the year? Chelsea, come on now. This is the ultimate Detty December banger.
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Making a list of the greatest Davido songs of all time is hard to do, but someone must do the dirty work.
OBO is a hitmaker of gigantic proportions, a pop culture icon and afrobeats superstar, whose unique sound has influenced many artistes — from Peruzzi to Fireboy DML. But his real fans will tell you these are his biggest hits of all time (arranged in no particular order).
Dami Duro
Davido’s Back When was a bop, but if there’s one song that made him a star to watch (and started our obsession with carrot jeans), it’s Dami Duro. Produced by Shizzi, Davido finally stopped pretending to be poor like the rest of us and fully accepted his nepo baby title, shouting, “Emi omo baba olowo,” which means “I’m the son of a rich man.” And I’d do the same thing if my father was rich AF.
Dami Duro was a banger back then and still has the power to get everyone turnt up the minute it comes on now.
D&G with Summer Walker
Davido didn’t perform the magic of seeing Summer Walker’s waist through her eyes for D&G not to be on this list. Even though we all laugh at that unhinged line, there’s no denying that this Afro-R&B banger is high up there as one of Davido’s greatest collaborations of all time.
Aye
If you got married between 2014 and 2020 and didn’t play Davido’s Aye at your wedding, your marriage doesn’t have a solid foundation. Find the DJ from that day and fight him now.
Before he gave us Mad Over You, Runtown wrote this love song for Davido, to convince people that love is more important than money in a relationship. Quick question for Runtown and Davido: Can I use love to book a baecation or pay for a date? I’m just asking o. Even Davido wised up by the time he sang Assurance — “Love is sweet o. But when money enter love is sweeter.”
Fall
Why do Yoruba men flirt like you’re fighting with them? Not only does Davido want to drop money and bananas on his lover’s head in Fall, at one point he even asks her, “Are you done talking?” It’s giving Ogbomosho Christian Grey, and I’m here for it. Playing on the sounds Tekno and Runtown popularised on Pana and Mad Over You, Davido and Kiddominant created one of the most successful afro beats of all time. This song was chilling on Billboard’s chart way before other Nigerian acts started smelling it. Fall made Davido a global superstar.
FIA
It doesn’t matter whether it’s 30 billion naira or one million dollars; one thing about Davido is his willingness to scatter his lover’s life with excess funds. But what makes FIA a special song in Davido’s discography is how he turns the table, complaining about a lover who’s not content with all he’s given her. FIA is a reminder to walk away before love empties your bank account and ruins your life.
Stand Strong with The Sunday Service Choir
If we’re being honest, we were all shocked when we heard Davido was putting out a Pheelz-produced song with Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. Like, what were they going to sing about? Davido flexed his versatility with 2022’s Stand Strong. Letting go of all the gragra we’ve come to know him for, he created a raw and deeply personal song about finding the strength to keep going — a message Atiku could relate to after running for president and losing six times.
Divine with Odunsi The Engine
Divine is an underrated Davido gem. Way before people understood or even started fucking with the alté sound, Davido was ahead of the curve, collaborating with Odunsi the Engine on this song off his 2018 album, rare. Odunsi’s funk-R&B-inspired sound met Davido’s “Shekpe” in this collaboration we didn’t know we needed until we heard it for the first time.
If
If was more than just a song; it was a movement. After everyone dragged him for the mid Son of Mercy EP, Davido came back with If to remind us that he’s not to be played with. Written and produced by Tekno, If started Davido’s year of back-to-back hits in 2017. It’s also the song that helped his stans decide on a name for themselves — 30 BG.
We were all shocked when Adekunle Gold rebranded from the Yoruba folk singer Nigerian mothers would allow you to hang out with, to a full-time Afropop zaddy. Even though AG Baby was already a pop hit maker by the end of 2020, his collaboration with Davido on High fully cemented him as the man of the moment. The two men killed it on the Pheelz-produced song. High was so good it ended up at the top of our best amapiano songs of 2021 list.
All of You
Davido was 19 when he released a song announcing that he was bigger than everyone else in the industry. A bold move for a new artiste, but when you have it, you know you have it. Davido knew he had it back then, and now, over ten years later, he still has that X factor.
Like Dat
This song deserved so much more than it got, and that’s the hill I’m willing to die on. After dropping back-to-back hits all through 2017, Davido closed out the year with what I believe was his best song that era. Produced by Shizzi and written by Teni before she blew, Like Dat was a standout R&B track way ahead of its time. Just imagine how different the reception would be if he dropped it now.
Ke Star with Focalistic and Virgo Deep
Davido has hacked this South African/Nigerian collaboration thing. From Tchlete with Mafikizolo to The Sound with Uhuru, every Davido SA collab has been a hit. He continued this winning streak with Focalistic and Virgo Deep on the remix to Ke Star. Tell me you don’t loose the little home training you have when you hear, “It goes down when my gees connect,” and that bass beat that follows? This is a remix that’s even better than the original.
The Best with Mayorkun
Davido and Mayorkun’s musical chemistry is unrivalled in the industry. Is it Betty Butter, I Got a Friend or Bobo? These two have hits for days. But their best hit has to be The Best. Not only do they match each other’s flow on this song, but they’re also hilarious on it. Even though Mayorkun has now left Davido’s label, we hope they’ll give us more collaborations in the future.
Skelewu
Remember those dance challenges before TikTok turned every dance into a mortal kombat fight scene? Good times. In 2013, Davido released Skelewu and joined artistes like Marvellous Benji (Swo) and Artquake (Alanta) as one of the few icons to drop a song that organically became a dance trend.
FEM
Davido dropped FEM to address Burna Boy his haters, and Nigerians used it to tell the government, and a particular governor, to shut up. If that’s not iconic, I don’t know what is. We can’t talk about the #EndSARS protests without mentioning how FEM became an anthem.
