Top Naija Afrobeats songs of 2020

The year 2020 follows in the footsteps of 2019, a remarkable year for Afrobeats not only in Nigeria but also in the entire West African region, and has already seen incredible tracks released by some of Nigeria's best-known musicians.

Most songs on this playlist were released in 2020, but we decided to also include some tracks from late 2019, as they were strategically released to gain traction in the coming year. One such track is Wizkid's 'Starboy', which was released quietly as part of the seven-track Soundman Vol. 1 EP shortly before the end of 2019.

The below songs are not in any particular order and the criteria used in their selection include airplay frequency and number of streams and downloads. This playlist will be updated throughout the year, so make sure to bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

Wonma! by Olamide 

Shortly after he announced his forthcoming ninth studio project 999 EP, Olamide dropped this impressive track. 999 EP comprises nine tracks with guest appearances from Phyno, Snow, Cheque, Rhatti, Nilly, Sosa-E, Jackmillz and Jayboi.

Blow by Wizkid ft. Blaq Jerzee

Wizkid stealthily released his EP at the end of last year. Surprise releases of this nature show an understanding of the contemporary media attention space, which is overflowing with competing stimuli.

Odogwu by Burna Boy 

Burna Boy's second single of the year is blowing minds. In Igbo, 'Odogwu' is used for a great or accomplished man. The Afro-fusion superstar is relentless in delivering an original sound. In 'Odogwu', highlife is presented with a new twist loved by contemporary audiences.

Duduke by Simi

Produced by longtime collaborator Oscar, Simi's ‘Duduke’ celebrates the unique love a mother shares with her child. Since its release in April, it has remained wildly popular in Nigeria and around the continent, enjoying millions of streams across digital streaming platforms and becoming the subject of dozens of covers.

Beamer (Bad Boys) by Rema ft. Rvssian

This is a sequel to Rema's 'Dumebi (Remix)' featuring American act Becky G. Rema is on a musical spree this year and he raises his game a notch higher on this bouncy tune.

Fantasy by Niniola ft. Femi Kuti

Niniola's fusion of Femi Kuti's Afrobeat and her style of electro-inspired music looks is a smashing success. The track has been well received by fans and has enjoyed constant airplay in Nigeria.

Jore by Adekunle Gold ft. Kizz Daniel

Adekunle Gold's ‘Jore’ enjoys vocal assistance from Flyboy Inc leader Kizz Daniel, who delivers a ditty verse on this tune. 'Jore’ follows the remix of ‘Kelegbe Megbe’ by Wizkid’s official disc jockey, DJ Tunez. 

Jaho by Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel premiered this video in mid-January and has since gained impressive numbers on streaming services. Kizz Daniel has mastered the art of writing catchy songs that fans fall in love with immediately. 

Again by Wande Coal

Wande Coal started the new year and decade with the release of this new single. The talented singer goes back to his good old days of love jams. On this mid-tempo, Afropop tune, the artist showcases his loving side to celebrate the month of love. Wande Coal has always been a top feature in the Nigerian music scene, through a career spanning over a decade.

Caro by Zinoleesky ft. Naira Marley

Zinoleesky taps Naira Marley's talent to deliver an impressive record. 'Caro' serves as Zinoleesky’s debut song under his new imprint.

Marry by Teni

Teni is debating an important subject for many: the issue of love and marriage. The award-winning artist seems to be unstoppable in her usual style of sonorous rhythms, and 'Marry' is another great track from this impressive artist.

Unripe Pawpaw by Zlatan ft. Papisnoop, Jamopyper and Oberz

Naija Afrobeats and zanku star Zlatan hits fans with a fresh single titled 'Unripe Pawpaw', licensed to Empire on behalf of Zanku Records. The single serves as a follow-up to 'Quilox'. As expected, the video is a splash of colours, theatrics and eye-catching dance moves. Zlatan and crew offer a zanku dance manual here.

We Must Groove by 2Baba ft. Burna Boy

This can be described as the ultimate combo, long-awaited by fans who have wanted to see 2Baba and Burna Boy working together. The two superstars have not disappointed with this collaboration. The title says it all and the sound delivers a feel-good vibe with its flow and call for gyration. 

Take It by Rudeboy

Former P-Square member and Fire Department Inc boss Rudeboy presents this banger, produced by Chrisstringz. Rudeboy delivers yet again with his ever-blazing sound.

Somebody by Skiibii ft. Kizz Daniel

This is a song for lovers. The colourful display and video quality of this fresh track have taken fans by storm. The two artists coming together can be described as a rhythm fest, as both are accomplished crooners in their own right. 

Arizona by Blaq Jerzee and Wizkid 

Serial hitmaker Blaq Jerzee teams up with Wizkid on 'Arizona', an elegant display of addictive sounds defined by flowing beats. 

Shekere by Yemi Alade and Angélique Kidjo

An Angélique Kidjo-Yemi Alade collaboration can only be magic. The Nigerian sensation doing 'Shekere' with the Beninese Grammy winner shows the willingness of Kidjo to give young African artists the required support. The song is a reminder of Kidjo's 1996 hit 'Wombo Lombo'. 

Nobody by DJ Neptune ft. Mr Eazi and JoeBoy

DJ Neptune is pleading with a certain love interest to give him a chance. He teams up with emPawa Africa creator Mr Eazi and his prodigy JoeBoy to deliver this jam tagged 'Nobody'. 

Bop Daddy by Falz ft. Ms Banks

After releasing Moral Instruction, an album recorded in Nigerian pidgin in 2019, the award-winning rapper has released his first music release of the year. He features British-Nigerian rapper Ms Banks who has previously collaborated with Naira Marley, Geng and Kisa Kudz. 

Aye by Naira Marley

Human beings are not designed to be happy, or even content. Naira Marley implies that life is not hard at all, it’s the humans who make it difficult due to envy, hatred, and jealousy. The song comes after the release of 'Anywhere' in January 2020.

Away by Oxlade  

Oxlade is heartbroken after the girl he loved chose another man under the family's influence. So he released 'Oxygene', his first independent project. Ironically, he doesn’t sound bitter in the lyrics, but almost grateful for the experience. Oxlade's break out into the music scene was with a feature on rapper Blaqbonez’s 'Mamiwota'.   

D&G by Davido ft. Summer Walker

The track is off Davido's  A Good Time album which was released in 2019. He features American singer Summer Walker while American producer London On Da Track makes an appearance in the video. The trio is seen wearing the luxurious Italian brand, Dolce & Gabbana. In efforts to support the  Dolce & Gabbana and Humanitas Together for Coronavirus Research Fund, Davido has pledged that the proceeds from the music video will be used to support the initiative. 

Juicy by Darkoo ft. Hardy Caprio

UK-based singer returns with yet another mind-blowing tune titled 'Juicy' featuring British rapper Hardy Caprio. This comes after the success of 'Gangsta' in 2019. She had two remixes after the released one featured Davido and British rappers Tion Wayne and SL while the other was with British rappers Ms Banks & Br3nya. 

Call by Joeboy

There is no doubt that Joeboy is conquering the African music market. After the continental success of 'Baby', 'Beginning' and 'Don't Call Me', all released in 2019, the singer has dropped 'Call', which is off his upcoming album titled TBA. The video was shot and directed by TG Omori.

Of Lala by Rahman Jago, Jamo Pyper, Zlatan Ibile

The catchy repetition of the words 'Of Lala' over the groovy Afro-house instrumental with polyrhythmic drum patterns and monotonous synth melodies make the song a party banger. The song was produced by Mansa Jabulani whilst Burna Boy made an appearance in the video. 

Mabel by Dremo ft. Davido

Dremo recruits Davido for the laid-back and romantic music video 'Mabel'. Director Q directed the video, which captures the two singing about a love interest called Mabel. Dremo signed to Davido Music Worldwide record label back in 2016 and 'Mabel' is off his recent music project titled Codename, Vol. 2, which features the likes of Peruzzi, The Flowolf, Naira Marley, Falz, among other artists. 

Geng by Mayorkun

Mayorkun continues to effortlessly add hit singles to his already impressive discography. 'Geng' follows the success of his previous hits 'Up to Something' and 'Che Che'. In May, he released a 4-track Geng EP featuring Nigeria's Ycee, M.I Abaga, Vector, Kwesi Arthur (Ghana), Riky Rick (South Africa), Rayvanny (Tanzania) and Innoss'B (DRC).

Fem by Davido

Davido continues his commanding 2020 run as Afrobeats' golden boy with 'Fem', which arrives as a razor-sharp message to his detractors. The song's title draws from local street slang and loosely translates as "be quiet." Its combative theme notwithstanding, 'Fem' is just as suitable for dancefloors across the world. It is taken off the singer's impending album, A Better Time. 'Fem' was released on 10 September, with accompanying visuals by Dammy Twitch. So far, it has accrued over 7m views on YouTube alone. 

No Stress by Wizkid

‘No Stress’ is the second single taken off Wizkid's forthcoming new album Made in Lagos. Released on 17 September, the song finds Wizkid both celebrating a female lover and bragging about his own expertise in the bedroom. 

Barawo Remix by Ajebo Hustlers ft. Davido

Shortly after meeting Nigeria's inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu in October to discuss police brutality in the country, Davido updates Ajebo Hustlers’ heartwrenching record on mob justice, which accrued added prominence in the wake of the #EndSARS campaign condemning police brutality, with a verse questioning when his home country would witness true social change.

Oh My Gawd by Mr Eazi and Major Lazer ft. Nicki Minaj & K4mo

Mr Eazi and electronic dance music trio Major Lazer join forces with US rapper Nicki Minaj and UK-based K4mo for this dancehall record. A vibrant dance tune, the song draws from that draws from Black Uhuru and Baby Cham’s reggae songs and is a happy combination of dancehall, Afrobeats and electronic influences.  

Damn by Omah Lay

R&B singer Omah Lay is regarded widely as the bringer of the new wave. A sublime vocal performance on his releases, particularly on his EP Get Layd, secured him that title. ‘Damn’, which celebrates unconditional love, is pivotal to his outstanding 2020. In October, the song was treated to an impressive remix with Atlanta rapper 6lack as the guest artist. 

Abule by Patoranking

Taken off dancehall singer Patoranking’s latest album Three. ‘Abule’, constructed around witty storytelling, exciting highlife and community, is among highlights of the collection. Having racked up nearly 10 million YouTube views since its release in August, ‘Abule’ not only proves Patoranking's artistic versatility but also continues to cement his commercial viability.