Top 10 Naija songs of 2019

Earlier in the year we noted a slow start in the Nigerian music industry. We begged for a hit song akin to 2018's 'Soco', and it seems our prayers have been answered. We've updated the list of the current popular songs from our Naija stars that are sure to keep you moving towards the end of the year.

10. WizKid – 'Joro'

There may be a few occasions WizKid has come short of delivering a spectacular song but ‘Joro’ is certainly not one of them. The chart-topping single is sexy, sensational, simple yet groovy. The music video is centred around a character who is seemingly overcome by a state of ‘mindlessness’, righfuly so, and can’t stop herself from dancing to this Starboy banger.

9. Burna Boy – 'Another Story' (feat. M.anifest)

'Another Story', another hit song from the Nigerian superstar. Released a day before the country’s Independence Day on 1 October, Burna Boy’s artistic skills and musicality again prove why he’s still on top. The political song delivers a strong message while keeping it light and relatable to his fans. Whether you're at home or in the club, this one's a winner.

8. Joeboy – 'Baby'

It's not very common for an animated video (or a visualiser) for a song by an upcoming act to get a million YouTube views. But that is what Joeboy's visualiser for 'Baby' has done. It has beaten the million views mark by over a half-million views. There are a few reasons why this has happened: it is one of the songs chosen by Mr Eazi's Empawa initiative, the video tells a simple love story between two charming characters and, ultimately, the song is catchy. 

7. Timaya – 'Balance' 

“I really got plans to make the world dance,” Timaya sings on dancehall track ‘Balance’. Mission accomplished.

6. Olamide – ‘Woske’ 

The video for ‘Woske’ has Olamide in a suit channeling Michael Jackson in 'Smooth Criminal' and perhaps 'You Rock My World'. The song has faint disco elements but retains a Nigerian vibe. A similar mix of foreign and local styles gave him the hit ‘Motigbana’ last year. He has pulled it off again.

5. DMW, Davido & Zlatan – ‘Bum Bum’ 

Released under DMW, the name of Davido’s group and label, ‘Bum Bum’ features the vocals of popstar and rapper of the moment Zlatan. No marks for guessing what the song is about.

4. T Classic – ‘NFPY’

Newcomer T Classic sings a love song over a beat with traditional Yoruba elements, soft strings, as well as a galvanising pop beat. The chorus’s insistence on the beloved’s beauty—“Nobody Fine Pass You”—means fans have a line to chant to in the clubs.      

3. Zlatan – ‘Zanku (Leg Work)’ 

The song that is the soundtrack to the current dance craze across the country was released last year. The video, though, was released this year. As everybody expected, it is filled with variations of the dance.

2. Fireboy DML – 'Jealous'

The album from Olamide’s group YBNL Mafia might not have caught on like the rapper’s first few albums, but ‘Jealous’ from the album has become a fan favourite. For many, the song was first heard in the video for Olamide’s ‘Woske’. That snippet was enough to send many looking for the song. When they found it, young act Fireboy got his first hit.

1. Burna Boy x Zlatan – 'Killing Dem'

Two of the country’s hot artists got into the studio and the result is the impressive ‘Killing Dem’, a song that is all killer and no filler. From the moment Kel P’s beat drops, there is no respite for the listener. If you don’t move, you might have to check with the doctor.