Top Afrobeats songs of 2022

18 Mar 2022 - 12:13

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Alongside amapiano, Afrobeats is arguably the biggest music genre on the African continent. The sound, which is sourced from Africa but embraces pulses from around the world, continues to push boundaries, welcomes new fans and makes continuous appearances on the charts and notable award platforms globally.

Rema, Aya Nakamura, Camidoh and Savara.

Led by the formidable male trio of Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy and divas like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, Afrobeats is generally concentrated in the West African countries of Ghana and Nigeria. Still, so infectious has the sound been over the years that it has gained ground in other parts of the continent.

We bring you our dynamic annual playlist of the biggest Afribeats songs for the year. Make sure you bookmark this page for your listening pleasure throughout 2022.

Down Flat by Kelvyn Boy (Ghana)

Ghanaian Afro-dancehall singer Kelvyn Boy turns to highlife for his latest offering ‘Down Flat’, which pours lavishly with amorous confessions to a woman.

Finesse by Pheelz ft. BNXN (Nigeria)

Even before it was released, Nigerian producer-turned-singer Pheelz’s ‘Finesse’ had courted TikTok’s virality, which in this age is a major catalyst to chart success. Featuring BNXN, the record, which boasts an anthemic hook, celebrates the happy-go-lucky lifestyle.

Mercy by Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)

‘Mercy’ is taken from Adekunle Gold’s 2022 album Catch Me If You Can. The Afropop jam finds its narrator navigating success amid snakes in the grass.

Attention by Omah Lay ft. Justin Bieber (Nigeria)

Nigerian singer Omah Lay’s new single ‘Attention’ features Canadian pop star Justin Bieber and heralds the KeyQaad act’s forthcoming debut album. The song was produced by Harv, who worked on Bieber’s hit ‘Peaches’.

Calm Down by Rema (Nigeria)

Young Nigerian singer Rema scores another runaway hit with the melodious ‘Calm Down’, which sets the tone for a new album.

Hate Me by Olamide ft. Wande Coal (Nigeria)

Rapper Olamide’s ‘Hate Me’ showcases the infinite prowess of two legends: Olamide as an African hip hop maestro and Wande Coal as a melody machine. Like its title suggests, ‘Hate Me’ addresses detractors.

Killem Every Day by Savara (Kenya)

Sauti Sol member and self-acclaimed “vibe curator” Savara released this motivational spiel ahead of his debut solo album Savage Level. The percussive, dance-ready track entreats listeners to “keep grinding” and “stop whining”.

Sugarcane by Camidoh ft. Phantom (Ghana/ Nigeria)

Ghana’s Camidoh enlists Nigerian beatmaker Phantom for this earworm of a love song. The track, which has gained widespread popularity around the sub-region, also signals new heights for the singer.

Dégaine by Aya Nakamura ft. Damso (Mali)

French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura is among the most streamed artists in Africa. On her latest club jam ‘Dégaine’, which translates as “quickdraw”, Aya boasts about the consequence of her luscious contours on a male admirer.

Stubborn Academy by Shatta Wale ft. Medikal (Ghana)

Rapper Medikal teams up with polarising Ghanaian dancehall singer Shatta Wale, who constitutes the other half of the newly formed DTB (Deeper Than Blood) duo, for this peppy street jam designed to invoke fun and little else.