Top Ghanaian songs of 2020

At the same time, the usual suspects like Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale also feature strongly. With their 2020 releases, these acts, who have consistently enjoyed top-tier repute in the last decade, continue to affirm their hold on popular music in Ghana.

As it often happens, too, the charts provide room for viral stars who have commenced their tenure in the mainstream as internet sensations.

Finally, as is usually the case for Afrobeats, most of these offerings dwell on the themes of love and the dance floor  –  sometimes on the same song.

Below is Music In Africa's dynamic playlist of the top Ghanaian songs of 2020, in no particular order. The playlist will grow until the end of the year, so make sure you bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

Enjoyment by KiDi

‘Enjoyment’ is KiDi’s first submission of the year. Since its release, the number, bursting with dance rhythm and promises to a lover, has remained a fixture on the airwaves. It also continues the singer’s run as a modern pop expert.

Emergency by Wendy Shay ft. Bosom P-Yung

Though male-dominated, Ghana's music scene is also home to some amazing female exports. Rufftown's Wendy Shay currently leads the pack, holding her own against the men with popular releases and exciting performances. 'Emergency', which features Bosom P-Yung, is her latest offering. A wistful R&B number, the song finds Shay, caught in a COVID-19 quarantine, requesting the presence of her lover as a matter of, well, "emergency".

Ataa Adwoa by Bosom P-Yung

An ardent, almost theatrical take on unrequited love, ‘Ataa Adwoa’ is responsible for catapulting Bosom P-Yung, its eccentric author, into an internet sensation. Its comical template is one that is currently working for AY Poyoo, another viral rapper enjoying massive notice. With endorsements from mainstream stars like Sarkodie and Mr Eazi, ‘Ataa Adwoa’ allowed Bosom to secure his place in a highly competitive space. Other singles have followed, and though they have fared well, Bosom will always look to ‘Ataa Adwoa’ as his most important release.

Inna Song by Darkovibes

Taken off his debut collection Kpanlogo, Darkovibes taps colleague King Promise for ‘Inna Song’ in a tune that now perpetually attends TikTok and Instagram clips. ‘Inna Song’ thrives on a soft melody and an impressive interpretation of the passions that attend romantic love.

Sobolo (Live) by Stonebwoy

‘Sobolo’ finds Stonebwoy, an Afrobeats and reggae-dancehall maestro, providing a refreshing update of ‘Osobro Kyee’, an ageless classic by Ghanaian highlife doyen Paa Bobo. Because it is rendered with a sparkling live band, it is further corroboration of Stonebwoy’s gift as a performer.

Momo by Kelvyn Boy ft. Darkovibes and Mugeez

A former protégé of Stonebwoy, Kelvyn Boy has grown into his own. This is obvious in his steady stream of singles and collaborations since moving from under his mentor's wing. ‘Momo' is a toothsome new record on which he recruits veteran hook master and R2Bees member Mugeez.

Nominate by Stonebwoy ft. Keri Hilson

‘Nominate' features American R&B star Keri Hilson in what many consider as her comeback. It is also easily the biggest song from Stonebwoy’s Anloga Junction album. ‘Nominate' arrives as a beautiful love ode, and is a favourite on wedding playlists in Ghana. Chances are it will stay there for months to come.

Argument Done by Eno Barony

As far as Ghanaian hip hop goes, rapper Eno Barony is a veteran in her own right, having proven her mettle time and again in spite of fierce male competition. If one still nurses any doubt about her punchline prowess, 'Argument Done', which she released during a lyrical feud among mainly female musicians in the country, puts all doubts to bed. It's what she intends anyway: a fearlessly brilliant delivery on the rap tune, complete with witty puns and entendres corroborate the argument in favour of her flair, and consequently, her A-list reputation.

Say Cheese by KiDi

Months after the release of ‘Enjoyment’, KiDi published a surprise five-song EP titled Blue. ‘Say Cheese’, one of the highlights of the project, has also become a huge hit in the country.

Akwele Take by Shatta Wale

A playlist of the top Ghanaian songs bereft of a Shatta Wale song or two could not be credible. A serial hitmaker, the firebrand has maintained continual presence in the charts. ‘Akwele Take’ finds Shatta Wale fusing dancehall with Afrobeats to produce a truly remarkable anthem that has permeated the country.

Sisa by King Promise

To many industry watchers, King Promise is a Ghanaian vocal fortress. This reputation has been corroborated with successful singles and a star-studded debut album. ‘Sisa' is further testament to the singer’s growing acclaim as an expert in the penmanship of love songs. ‘Sisa' mourns a relationship that has taken a turn for the worse.

Turn on the Light by Kwesi Arthur

On this track, hip hop golden boy Kwesi Arthur is looking for love. How long has he been on that quest? "All night long." With this song, the Tema native and BET nominee continues to stake his claim as one who can be trusted not only on hip hop beats but also across R&B and Afropop.