The iconic love anthem tops the prestigious list, with Wizkid scoring two entries in the top five in a celebration of the genre’s greatest hits.
The global music authority Billboard has thrown its hat into the ring, releasing its definitive list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time. Topping the chart is 2Baba (2Face)’s iconic and enduring love anthem, “African Queen,” a track that pioneered the genre’s crossover appeal in the early 2000s.
The list, curated by the magazine’s staff, is a powerful testament to Nigerian dominance in the genre, though it also spotlights key contributions from other African nations. Coming in at a close second is Wizkid’s street-hop ode “Ojuelegba,” a song that famously caught the ear of Drake and catapulted Wizkid to international stardom. The superstar is the only artist to claim two spots in the top 10, with his smooth, summer-perfect collaboration with Tems, “Essence,” securing the number 5 position.
The top 10 is a veritable hall of fame, featuring massive hits that have defined the sound over decades. It includes Faze’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” at #3, Rema’s global viral sensation “Calm Down” at #4, and classics like D’banj’s “Oliver Twist,” Burna Boy’s “Ye,” and P-Square’s “Chop My Money.”
While Nigerian artists overwhelmingly claim the top 20 spots, the list rightly acknowledges groundbreaking hits from elsewhere. Ghana’s vibrant scene is represented by Fuse ODG’s dance-craze starter “Azonto” at #18 and Sarkodie’s “Adonai” at #19.
Further down the list, beloved anthems like Styl-Plus’s “Olufunmi” and 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” hold strong, proving their lasting impact. Yemi Alade breaks through as the highest-ranked female lead artist with her powerful hit “Johnny” at #15.
This list is certain to spark passionate conversation among fans, but it ultimately serves as a celebratory timeline of the genre’s incredible journey from local clubs to the world stage.
Similar Posts:
- Burna Boy Surpasses Tems to Set New Record for Nigerian Artists on Billboard Hot 100
- D’banj Announces Legendary Afrobeats Tour with 2Baba and Timaya
- Wizkid Makes History as First African Artist to Hit 9 Billion Spotify Streams
- Wizkid Crowned Africa’s Top Spotify Earner with $1 Million in Monthly Revenue
- Wizkid Makes History with Unforgettable Performance at Sold-Out London Concert
