Top Naija Afrobeats songs of 2021

Compared to 2020, the first couple of months this year have been less eventful but no less satisfying on the pop front. The West African country is witnessing a streak of impressive submissions. Smash hits from the last quarter of 2020, such as Olamide’s ‘Loading’ featuring Bad Boy Timz, Burna Boy's ‘Onyeka’ and Wizkid’s ‘Ginger’, have continued to amass appreciable rotation in the new year. Nonetheless, an exciting new stack, led by an almost unexpected contingent including Ayra Starr and Bella Shmurda asserting themselves as fresh favourites, is collecting thick and fast in the mainstream.

A malleable music form, it is instructive to observe that Afrobeats is also beginning to embrace pop from southern Africa, most notably the house variant of amapiano.

There’s still an eternity to cover in 2021 and, as has become the tradition, Naija Afrobeats will run over with a delightful mix of soundtracks for the dancefloor, activism and personal emotions, transcending both the shores of Nigeria and the continent.

We bring you the latest instalment of our recurring listicle of the top Naija Afrobeats songs, which will be updated throughout 2021. 

Feeling by Ladipoe ft. Buju

‘Feeling’ is not only the brightest moment of Ladipoe’s career but also an iconic one for pop from West Africa. It is rare for a rapper to shoot to the forefront, but Ladipoe, an underground hip hop king for many years, has done it. During a trip to Ghana in 2021, Ladipoe acknowledged this to colleague Sarkodie. Nigerians “respect rap, but they don't really elevate,” he said. “To me, my whole thing is that I want to make a statement. I've been hustling. I’m humble, but I'm ready.” 

For You by Teni ft. Davido

On the Davido-assisted ‘For You’, Teni celebrates love, patience and sacrifice, like 2018’s ‘Case’. ‘For You’, whose Dammy Twitch-assisted video is constructed around a tale of prison escape, announced Teni’s debut LP Wondaland, which was released in March.

Focus by Joeboy

Taken from the album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, ‘Focus’ was inspired by true events encountered by one of Joeboy’s associates. The majestic highlife record explores the all-too-familiar subject matter of unrequited love.

Loading by Olamide ft. Bad Boy Timz

Taken from Olamide’s last album Carpe Diem, ‘Loading’, featuring the fast-rising Bad Boy Timz, was a December staple, and its impact has carried on deep into this year. On the one hand, the bouncy jam continues Olamide’s run as Nigeria’s biggest rapper today. On the other hand, it ushers Timz in as a new Afrobeats flagbearer. 

Kilometre by Burna Boy

The energetic dancehall record is the Afro-fusion star’s first release after his historic Grammy win. Produced by longtime collaborator Chopstix, with Clarence Peters handling the accompanying video, ‘Kilometre’ sees Burna Boy taking stock of his remarkable musical journey, which also saw him grab his third consecutive BET Award for Best International Act in 2021. 

Cash App by Bella Shmurda ft. Zlatan and Lincoln

Like his vocal instrument, Bella Shmurda’s ‘Cash App’ is foiled in gusty vibration. Deploying the mobile payment service as a metaphor, the singer discusses the daily hustle and daily victories. Assisted by colleagues Zlatan and Lincoln, ‘Cash App’ premiered in October 2020 to rave reviews. It was published on One World Global Records and has amassed millions of streams on DSPs. 

The Don by Mr Eazi

‘The Don’ is how singer and emPawa boss Mr Eazi entered 2021. It precedes his EP Something Else. Additionally, it celebrates the musician’s honcho status in both music and entrepreneurship over the years. ‘The Don’, which gallantly blends pop with the operatic, was co-produced by Killertunes and E Kelly.

Away by Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr is Mavin Records head Don Jazzy’s latest protégé. ‘Away’ is taken from the young singer’s eponymous EP. In the passionate neo-R&B submission, Starr wants nothing more to do with a man who clearly spells trouble. Both song and EP have been met with resounding applause. Thus, Ayra Starr is the latest testament of Don Jazzy’s knack for creating stars.

My Life by DJ Manuel and Zlatan Ibile

Zlatan is known for up-tempo rhythms that spark spirited dance steps. On this new single, however, he teams up with DJ Manuel for a slow-going beat over which they render a heart-wrenching take on the realities of modest beginnings. Ultimately, however, the record preaches light at the end of the tunnel. ‘My Life’ was released on Zlatan’s Zanku Records. 

Bounce by Rema

Don Jazzy protege Rema continues his brilliant run with ‘Bounce’, a party anthem dedicated to the sensual movements of a female body during dance. In an Afrobeats climate led by the Davidos, Wizkids and Burna Boys, the Mavin signee continues to chart his own path, drawing from everything from typical African rhythms to Arab and Asian influences. 

Yaadman (Intro) by Yung L

Over four collections, the latest of which is Yaadman Kingsize, his sophomore album, reggae-dancehall act Yung L continues to make a case for himself as an important reference for the Afrobeats genre in Nigeria. The bass-heavy ‘Yaadman’ is how the 11-track LP opens. Of its many attributes, including golden trumpet phrases, it is Yung L’s staccato flow that makes this record a winner. 

Pronto by Ajebo Hustlers ft. Omah Lay

Dynamic duo Ajebo Hustlers shot to regional acclaim with ‘Barawo’, which questions the merits of jungle justice. On ‘Pronto’ they partner with resident lover boy Omah Lay to amply the song’s lustful gratification. It was produced by Semzi and its video was directed by TBA.

BBC Remix by Blaqbonez ft. Tiwa Savage

Chocolate City Rapper Blaqbonez updates his highly successful vulgar offering ‘BBC’ with a fresh touch from Afrobeats diva Tiwa Savage. The song salutes the utility of an endowed man’s phallus. 

Foreign by Bankulli and Not3s

Renowned songwriter, talent scout and Recording Academy member Bankuli recruits UK singer Not3s on ‘Foreign’, whose upbeat vibe toasts financial opulence. ‘Foreign’ followed the uplifting ‘Gemiro’, which was published in 2020. 

Rock by Olamide

‘Rock’, which heralded Olamide’s 2021 album UY Scuti, is also the linchpin of the project. At 32, the YBNL boss now sits on nine solo LPs. He has also contributed to five joint projects, making him the artist with the most collections among his contemporaries. ‘Rock’ is a smooth, honest love song, and sees the artist, mostly known for rap, flexing his singing talents expertly.