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  • Every holiday is stressful, but you see Valentine’s Day? That one is another level of wahala, and it’s not even an official holiday. From saxophonists and dispatch riders running helter skelter to single people pretending not to care that they’re booless, it’s always dramatic as hell. With music being the one thing that unites all of us — single, taken or betrothed — through the chaos and stress, we collaborated with TurnTable Charts to compile a list of the songs topping the charts this Valentine’s season. Looking at data from streaming and radio, these are the songs everyone is vibing to in the name of the Valentine spirit. 

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    14. Aye — Davido 

    Before Davido fell and found assurance, he reminded us that love doesn’t cost a thing when he dropped Aye in 2014. With artists dropping back to back bops that year, Aye had us in a major chokehold, especially when we remember the music video that felt like a scene from Super Story. This song is also a reminder that Davido has been seeing things in women’s eyes for a long time — first it was love, and now it’s waists. Interesting. 

    Standout lyric: “She no want designer. She no want Ferari. She say na my love o.”

    Please, where can we find a love like this in these Buhari times? Boda David, show us the way. 

    13. Baby Jowo — Victor Uwaifo

    We know people throw the word “iconic” around a lot these days, but Baby Jowo is actually super iconic. Over 30 years later and this song is still popping, either in its original form or the remix featuring 2Face Idibia. The fact that people are streaming it shows that it’s not only millennials and Gen Zs that love to celebrate Valentine’s Day, mummy and daddy do usually do love too, dears. 

    Standout lyric: “Ko wa fife tutu s’aya mi o.”

    Hot love is good, but you see cold love? Much better mehn. 

    12. If Love is a Crime — 2Face Idibia 

    We can’t believe 2Face Idibia really sat down in 2006 to write a song about his willingness to be hunted down like bush meat in the name of love. We love love over here, but for us, that’s a little extreme. But isn’t that what love is about? Doing whatever it takes to prove how much someone means to you? Even though we can’t relate to most of these things because we don’t like to be stressed, there’s no denying that 2Face Idibia was in his premium lover boy bag when he dropped this jam. 

    Standout line: “Girl, if love is a crime then I’m willing to be wanted”.

    Honestly, this is the energy we’re looking for in 2022. 

    11. Kuchi Kuchi — J’odie

    Couples would probably hate us for saying this, but Valentine’s Day is not just about you and your annoying teddy bears and flowers, it’s for everybody. As much as the world has turned this season into a lover’s thing, the truth is, Valentine is a time for everyone to love and be loved. Jodie’s Kuchi Kuchi is a good example of the variety of love we can express this season as it talks about a mother’s love for her child. 

    Standout line: “You make me cry. Laughter is not enough. I’ve seen true beauty because I see you.” 

    Cue the tears. Awwwwwww.

    10. Smile for Me — Simi 

    If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from listening to Simi’s music, it’s that this babe is always all in. From Tiff to Duduke, Simi doesn’t play when it comes to this love thing. On Smile for Me, we find her convincing her lover to take risk and succeed. Heartbreak is possible, but there’s also premium enjoyment involved. 

    Standout lyric: “I want to be the one wey you fit die for.”

    Die? Simi, dear, love is great but let’s be calming down. 

    9. Melo Melo — Olamide 

    Olamide is hands down one of the most versatile acts on the Nigerian scene. Since dropping Eni Duro, the hitmaker has been consistent year after year with almost ten albums to his name. Although Olamide rarely puts out lovey dovey songs, Melo Melo is that one song on the rapper’s discography that really gets us in our feels. Do we understand half of the proverbs he’s using to declare his love? No. But that doesn’t make the song any less romantic to us. 

    Standout lyric: “I know I make some mistakes, but I don dey regret. Now I no go forget to cherish wetin we get.”

    If you’ve ever dated a Nigerian man, you should be used to lines like this by now. 

    8. African Queen — 2Face Idibia 

    If we were ever invaded by aliens and they asked us for a playlist of the best Nigerian songs, this song would be on that list. But don’t worry, according to Hollywood, aliens don’t come to Africa, so we’re safe. This is definitely 2Face’s most popular song and rightfully so, because we’re convinced he put something in it. It’s been almost 20 years since he dropped it and we still feel butterflies in our bellies every time it comes up. This love thing sha. 

    Standout lyric: “I’ll give you my heart, my love, my body and my money”. 

    2Face, all of this is great, but we still want teddy bears and chocolate. 

    7. What’s Love Got to Do With It — Tina Turner

    Omo, it’s looking like Tina Turner was doing this Blaqbonez love-antagonising thing long before he owned it. Like Ms. Tina said back in 1984, sometimes, love doesn’t pay. Just enjoy yourself and go. If you don’t involve your heart, the chances of eating breakfast or ending up in disgrace or with hot tears are pretty slim. 

    Standout lyric: “Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?”

    Where’s the lie? But will the heart hear word? No. 

    6. The Way You Make Me Feel — Michael Jackson 

    It’s Michael Jackson. Do we need to say more? Okay: It’s Michael Jackson. 

    Standout lyric: “Hey pretty baby with the high heels on”

    If you like ballet flats or sneakers, just know that you were not MJ’s type.

    5. E Be Like Say — 2Face Idibia 

    We know elections are coming soon, but it looks like some of you are mistaking February 2022 for February 2023 because this song clearly talks about politics. Then again, as we said before, Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic love. Maybe some of you just really love Nigeria and we can’t stop you from celebrating that love as well. Good luck!

    Standout Lyric: “Another year has come, and now you want my trust once more.” 

    Ahh 2Face, they didn’t even wait for 2023 — the lies have already started. 

    4. Yes/No — Banky W

    Are we the only ones who picture Adesua every time we listen to a Banky love song now? Even if the video has a different video vixen, a part of us just sees Mr and Mrs W. God, when abeg? After carrying our singlehood to Shiloh, we’ve decided to stream this song consistently as a way of ministering into our non-existent relationships as we anticipate a yes from above. 

    Standout Lyric: “Tired of running around no delay. Make you no go look Uche face” 

    Makes you wonder, who is this Uche Nigerian musicians always sing about?  

    3. Tonight — Nonso Amadi

    There’s something about this song that makes us want to open a bottle of wine, dim the lights, eat dinner by candlelight and just have some much-needed romance time. With this description, it comes as no surprise that everyone else has been streaming this song to get in the mood for Valentine. Can you really blame us? Nonso Amadi knew what he was doing when he recorded this song and he didn’t come to play at all. 

    Standout lyric: “My girl, she got a gun in her hand. And she got one at her man”. 

    We don’t support violence here. More love, less guns please. 

    2. Joromi — Simi 

    We love a woman that shoots her shots. In this song, we find Simi shooting her shot at Joromi who probably just wants to drink Mojito and go home. To be fair, it’s Folabi we should all blame for telling Simi lies in the first place. Did Simi’s gragra work? Well, according to the video, it did. Therefore, we encourage you on this day of love to go forth and shoot your shot. If it fails sha, please collect your L and buy ice cream. 

    Standout lyric: “I dey give you signal. Why you no day see me ah?” 

    As much as we love Simi’s enthusiasm, it’s important to free that person once in a while. You’re a happening babe abeg. 

    1. Shape of You — Ed Sheeran

    Fun fact: So Ed Sheehan wrote this song for Rihanna, but our good sis said no. Ed went on to sing this song and since it dropped, we’ve not known peace. It’s like the All I Want for Christmas on Valentine’s Day and honestly, we’re not mad at it. 

    Standout lyric: “The club isn’t the best place to find a lover so the bar is where I go”.

    Really Ed, the bar? Why not use that app where people do usually swindle in the name of romance? 

    Single people, you think we don’t know you guys are the ones listening to all these songs? Nice one dears. Since couples are busy coupling, it’s only fair that you keep busy as well. Your turn is coming, have faith.

  • Our ears are assaulted with love songs all year long. But then, on Valentine’s Day, the airwaves reach insulting heights. So, here’s a playlist dedicated to people like you and me, who are dedicated to living our best lives as haters on valentine’s day.

    These are the songs you want to hear on February 14th if you can neither be with the one you love nor love the one you’re with.

    1. Still Your Best — Giveon 

    Giveon is 5’8 and an unrepentant cheat who acts like the victim in all his songs. Always singing up and down like he’s a good person. You need that energy on the 14th.

    2. Marvins Room — Drake 

    “Fuck that n**ga that you love so much,” is peak hater energy. Listen to this song while looking at pictures of your ex or the person you’re hating on, on February 14th. Don’t listen to the end sha, Drake got carried away at some point. Smh.

    3. Gravity — Brent Faiyaz

     I’m convinced there’s a Yoruba man in Brent Faiyaz. What does, “I don’t want you waiting too long, it’s too much to be your boyfriend,” even mean? 

    4. I Hate U — SZA

    Very self-explanatory. You hate them, simple and short. 

    5. Don’t call me — Lil Kesh x Zinoleesky

    “I’m so gee’d up my bro I’m sorry. If it’s not money don’t call me,” because love is obviously none of your business. You’re not being a hater sha, you’re prioritizing. 

    6. Crazy Tings —  Tems

    Love is obviously a crazy thing and people shouldn’t be doing it. Anyone who’s wasting time with love is obviously not normal. 

    7. Smokin Out The Window — Silk Sonic

    Even if you’ve not paid a former lover’s rent or busted your ass to save their life, you’ve probably done enough for them to feel like passing out anytime you remember the things you once did. This song’s for you.  

    8. Heartbreaker — Blaqbonez

    You can also moonlight as a toxic person while being a hater. Dip into your Blaqbonez energy and pick sex over love. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCYCWpjZyZQ

    9. LEAVE ME ALONE — Amaarae 

    As you can see from the title, Amaarae is already shouting at you to leave her alone and that’s the same energy you’re going for on Valentine’s day.

     10. Your own thoughts and feelings

    Sit with your thoughts and ask yourself why you even let yourself catch feelings in the past. Why didn’t you just sit Sit with your thoughts and ask yourself why you even let yourself catch feelings in the past. Why didn’t you just sit down and eat your food? Another option is to think of creative ways to give lovers the middle finger. Think about it over and over till you come up with an album Drake would be proud of. 

    “How could I do such a mistake?”

  • We can guess your body count based on which songs you put on a sex playlist.

    Go ahead:

    Create your playlist:

  • Some people hear a voice in their head when they think and some people just don’t. In the same way, some people need to listen to music when having sex and those who don’t.

    If you are part of the former and you’re a Nigerian, then you likely need a selection of Nigerian songs that are relatable which you can listen to when having coitus. To help on this front, we spoke to eight Nigerians on the Nigerian songs they have in their sex playlist and the answers are fascinating.

    Ready? Let’s go!

    Vee.

    Ma Pariwo by Zinolessky 

    It’s like Neighbours Know My Name by Trey Songz but in Yoruba. It’s a great sex song, not too slow but with a steady beat.

    Ayo.

    Tipsy by Odunsi The Engine feat RAYE and Rock Your Body by Burna Boy.

    These mostly because I can picture myself moving to them, either dancing or having sex.

    Lola.

    Chineke Meh by Ezi Emela 

    It sounds like a Christian song of someone calling God but it’s about a girl screaming God’s name as her partner touches her.

    Aisha.

    Tattoo by Fireboy DML

    The song has this power that makes me feel super loved and confident with my skin and the skin of my lover.  

    Nnanna.

    Right Now by Seyi Shay

    This song is on my sex playlist because it is a mood setter.

    G-Sting.

    Sad U Broke My Heart by Amaare

    This song feels like having one of the best sex of your life with a toxic ex. You know it’s bad for you but you’re enjoying the fuck out of yourself.

    Dammy.

    Fores by Tay Iwar. 

    Adding this song because it sets the mood and is perfect for back shots. 

    Temple.

    Like Me – Jess ETA and SGaWD

    The tempo is right, with excellent lyrics, vocals with the texture of velvet.

    Freaky – Santi

    Love that the lyrics depict a mixture of enjoying guilty pleasures and lovelorn yearning.

  • With the reported cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria rising, it’s time for us to play our parts in preventing further spread. So, we’ve curated 10 Nigerian songs that should help you remember just how serious this entire ordeal is.

    1. Asa’s “Fire On The Mountain”

    Even though this song is over a decade old, it feels quite apt right now. There is clearly “Fire On The Mountain”, and a lot of Nigerians don’t seem to be on the run.

    2. Burna Boy’s “Collateral Damage”

    Unless more Nigerians start taking this virus seriously, it’s inevitable that many people will end up being “Collateral Damage” in the wake of someone else’s stupidity.

    3. Runtown’s “International Badman Killa”

    With the virus currently ravaging over 190 countries, racking up a death toll of about 14,000, it’s safe to say that COVID-19 is the real “International Badman Killa”.

    4. Davido’s “Risky”

    Since you can’t know for sure where anyone has been or who they’ve touched, it’s best to follow Davido’s instruction and assume that everyone’s body is potentially “Risky”.

    5. Wizkid’s “Fever”

    The most common symptom of the virus is a “Fever”. If you feel hot to touch on your chest and back, there’s no need to panic. Just follow these simple instructions.

    6. Naira Marley’s “Soapy”

    Right now, the safest sexual partner is yourself. So, while “Soapy” may have been too crass for some when it first dropped, it’s currently the masturbation anthem we need.

    7. Mr Eazi’s “Miss You Bad”

    As soon as we all start self-isolating, “Miss You Bad” will feel even more poignant. Just make sure you check up on those you love during these stressful times.

    8. Fireboy DML’s “Scatter”

    With the number of reported cases in Nigeria rising on a daily basis, it should go without saying that any kind of party or social gathering should immediately “Scatter”.

    9. DJ Neptune’s “Nobody”

    One of the best Nigerian tracks out right now also happens to be the ideal anthem for social distancing. So, as the song says, we don’t want to see you with “Nobody”.

    10. Odunsi’s “Better Days”

    While it might feel like the entire world is coming to an end, it’s necessary to look forward to “Better Days”. If we don’t, we might all lose our collective minds.

  • Your favourite musicians also have favourite musicians, and that’s why we created #MyLoop — a weekly series that asks Nigerian stars who they like to listen to when they’re feeling any type of way.

    With the release of his debut mixtape, YPSZN, PsychoYP confidently announced himself as one of the most impressive rappers in the Nigerian music scene. While he isn’t yet as mainstream as he deserves to be — a burden of the genre he inhabits — his gifts remain impossible to deny.

    Now, with his second body of work, YPSZN2 — a worthy follow-up to his career-defining debut — the rapper reaffirms his position as a star to watch. On the mixtape, he trades bars with the likes of Blaqbonez and Ladipoe, and it’s a testament to his skill that he is never outshined.

    So, to get into the headspace of the talented star, we decided to find out what he’s been listening to recently, specifically when he is feeling any major emotion (ranging from happiness to anger) or doing something as simple as getting dressed.

    From Drake to Young Thug, here are the artists that made PsychoYPs loop:

    1. Happy:

    2. Sad:

    3. Angry:

    4. In Love:

    5. Heartbroken:

    6. Turned On:

    7. Uninspired:

    8. Homesick:

    9. Driving:

    10. Getting Dressed:

  • Your favourite musicians also have favourite musicians, and that’s why we created #MyLoop — a weekly series that asks Nigerian stars who they like to listen to when they’re feeling any type of way.

    With every new release, it becomes increasingly clear that Prettyboy D-O is incapable of making a bad song. The manic energy he brings to every track is utterly infectious, and whether it’s a solo effort or a one-verse feature, he is always a memorable presence. 

    This year, he’s soared on two fantastic tracks, Mojo’s anthemic “Chop Life Crew” and “Dey Go Hear Wehh”, the first single off his upcoming debut album, Pretty World. He also dropped the iconic video for the Santi-assisted “Pull Up”, a standout off his Everything Pretty mixtape.

    So, as we impatiently wait for the rapper to come through with his debut album, we decided to find out what he’s been listening to recently, specifically when he is feeling any major emotion (ranging from happiness to anger) or doing something as simple as getting dressed.

    From Burna Boy to Nav, here are the artists that made D-O’s loop:

    1. Happy:

    2. Sad:

    3. Angry:

    4. In Love:

    5. Heartbroken:

    6. Turned On:

    7. Uninspired:

    8. Homesick:

    9. Driving:

    10. Getting Dressed:

  • As we await payday and look upon our empty bank accounts, we decided to come up with ten Nigerian songs to add to our playlists to sha comfort ourselves.

    Money – M.I.

    “Money slow to enter, money quick to go”

    One day e go better – Safari

    Don’t worry, dry your tears, one day one day e go better.

    Money – Timaya ft. Flavour

    You might be broke but at least you’ll discover who your true friends are.

    Penalty – Small Doctor

    “If you no get money hide your face” – Small Doctor, 2017

    Rich and Famous – Praiz

    Because the struggle is temporary.

    Rich – M.I. ft. Koker

    Because your situation right now is only temporary last last.

    Ojuelegba – Wizkid

    Let Wizkid inspire you, the same way he came out of Ojuelegba is the same way you’ll come out of this brokeness.

    Fake Love – Wizkid ft. Duncan Mighty

    Send this to the love of your life, to remind them that a small thing like lack of money shouldn’t come between your love.

    Because we know that this brokeness is only temporary we also added the perfect song to add to your playlist on payday.

    Don’t worry you too will be balling from Monday to Sunday soon.

  • It’s that season again! The season of red flowers, love and lots of gifts.

    Valentine’s day is here but we’re not here for the lovers.  This post was written for those of you who will be alone on Valentine’s day. Thank us later.

    1. Outkast – Roses Smell Like Poo

    Because, you aren’t getting any roses. Need we say more?

    2. Sia – Elastic Heart

    You should listen to this song first thing in the morning of Valentine’s day to feel empowered and ready to conquer the day.

    3. Big Sean – IDFWU

    This song is just right especially if you couldn’t care less about the whole idea of Valentine’s day.

    4. Chris Brown – Deuces

    Listening to this song will make you throw away all the care you have in the world. Disclaimer: We didn’t ask you to throw your home training away while at it.

    5. P!nk – So What

    Let out your inner rock star with this song.

    6. Beyonce – Best Thing I Never Had

    You may have resolved to not celebrate Valentine’s day after this year, this song will help you strengthen your resolve even more.

    7. Chris Brown – Zero

    This song will put you in that groovy mood you need to get through the day.

    8. Justin Bieber- Where Are You Now?

    When you think of the person you thought would spend Valentine’s day with you, you should listen to this number.

    9. Justin Bieber- Love Yourself

    Perhaps you get that “I miss you” text from an ex, play this song on and turn it up to the loudest volume.

    10. JoJo – Leave Get Out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWyUEuGcWY
    This is another perfect jam when you remember that ex you hate so much.

    11. Ciara – I Bet

    You might probably need to relax and chill. Listen to this and soothe your nerves.

    12. Jhene Aiko – The Worst

    For when your ex was literally the worst

    13. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

    And when you decide to never go down that lane ever again.

    14. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone

    This is a perfect karaoke song, put yourself in a good mood with this.

    15. Drake – Marvin’s Room

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwyjxsOYnys
    Yo might feel like calling all the people that curved you when you tried to shoot  your Valentine’s day shot. This evergreen song will set you in that mood.

    16. Kanye West – Heartless

    For all the wicked people that left you all by yourself on such a day.

    17. Adele – Someone Like You

    You might just be missing someone else’s bae during Valentine’s day or you just feel lonely.

    18. Neyo – So Sick

    When tweets and songs about love start to make you literally feel like vomiting, this song serves as the perfect rant.

    19. P Square – Omoge Mi

    Are you alone because you got dumped just before Valentine’s day? You might want to get into your feelings with this number by P square.

    20. Akon – Lonely

    You thought we wouldn’t leave something to remind you that you’re alone?

    21. Eric Carmen – All By Myself

    When the loneliness starts to sink in, listen to this song and cry yourself to sleep.