Over the years, Nigerian music has exploded onto the global stage, making waves with its infectious beats, rhythmic storytelling, and dynamic artistry. From Afrobeats to Afro-fusion, Nigerian artists have taken the world by storm, crossing borders and breaking records. We take a trip down memory lane to revisit five Nigerian songs that not only topped charts but also put the country’s music industry on the global map:
1. “Fall” – Davido (2017)
Davido’s “Fall” wasn’t just a hit in Nigeria; it became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs in the history of the Billboard charts. Released in 2017, Fall crossed over into mainstream America, earning massive airplay on U.S. radio stations and accumulating millions of streams on Spotify and Apple Music. The song, with its catchy chorus and blend of Afrobeats and pop, was a global anthem that showcased the power of Nigerian sound on an international level.
2. “Ye” – Burna Boy (2018)
Ye became an accidental international hit, partly because it shared its name with Kanye West’s album, but its success was far from accidental. Burna Boy’s infectious tune captivated audiences globally, blending Afro-fusion with poignant lyrics about ambition and struggle. The song’s organic growth saw it dominating playlists from Lagos to London and earned Burna Boy a spot on the international stage, leading to sold-out shows and a Grammy nomination.
3. “Oliver Twist” – D’banj (2012)
D’banj’s Oliver Twist was and would remain a hit. Released under Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music label, the song enjoyed massive success across Europe, charting in the UK Top 10. The up-tempo beat, combined with D’banj’s playful lyrics, made Oliver Twist a club favorite across the globe. Its fusion of Afrobeats with electronic dance music set the tone for future Nigerian international collaborations and opened the door for other African artists to make waves globally.
4. “Essence” – Wizkid ft. Tems (2020)
There are few songs that define a moment in time, and Essence by Wizkid featuring Tems is one of them. Dubbed “the song of the summer” by many in 2021, Essence became a global sensation. The sultry Afrobeats vibe, combined with Tems’ mesmerising vocals and Wizkid’s smooth delivery, made it a crossover hit. It was the first Nigerian song to make the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination, solidifying its status as an international classic.
5. “Mr. Eazi – Leg Over” (2016)
Mr. Eazi’s Leg Over became an instant hit, particularly in the UK and the Caribbean. Its mellow beat and catchy rhythm embodied Mr. Eazi’s Afrobeat-influenced “Banku” music style. The song was embraced worldwide, gaining remixes featuring international stars like Major Lazer and French Montana, further solidifying its international appeal. Leg Over exemplified the seamless blend of West African sounds with global music influences.
As we celebrate these hits, we also look forward to more Nigerian songs that will light up the international stage and keep the world dancing to the beat of Africa.