2Baba, Wizkid, Flavour, lead Billboard’s Afrobeats top Songs of All Time [Full List]

Billboard has released its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, with 2Baba’s iconic track, African Queen, taking the top spot.

Coming in second is Wizkid’s hit from 2014, Ojuelegba, while the song Essence, featuring Tems, secured fifth place. The third and fourth positions are held by Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) and Rema’s worldwide sensation Calm Down, respectively, with CKay’s viral hit Love Nwantiti in sixth place.

Billboard stated that the ranking was created to "celebrate the pivotal songs of the genre," showcasing the growth and cultural significance of Afrobeats globally.

They clarified, “This compilation focuses on the influential, essential, and popular tracks in the Afrobeats category—distinct from Afrobeat, a different genre established by Fela Kuti in the 1960s, which blends West African rhythms, fuji, highlife styles with jazz, funk, and politically charged lyrics.”

For the selection process, Billboard's team agreed on various criteria, including “representation of the style, local popularity, regional reach, cultural influence, and commercial achievement.”

Among the other celebrated tracks in the top 20 are Styl-Plus' Olufunmi (11), 9ice's Gongo Aso (12), Davido's Fall (8), and P-Square's Do Me (13). Burna Boy’s Ye (9) also solidifies his status as a key figure in the genre.

Here’s the complete list:

1. 2Baba, “African Queen” (2004)
2. Wizkid, “Ojuelegba” (2014)
3. Flavour, “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
4. Rema, “Calm Down” (2022)
5. Wizkid feat. Tems, “Essence” (2020)
6. CKay, “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
7. D’banj, “Oliver Twist” (2011)
8. Davido, “Fall” (2017)
9. Burna Boy, “Ye” (2018)
10. P-Square, “Chop My Money (Remix)” (2012)
11. Styl-Plus, “Olufunmi” (2003)
12. 9ice, “Gongo Aso” (2008)
13. R2Bees feat. Wande Coal, “Kiss Your Hand” (2009)
14. Davido, “Dami Duro” (2011)
15. Yemi Alade, “Johnny” (2013)
16. D’banj, “Fall in Love” (2008)
17. Wande Coal, “Bumper to Bumper” (2008)
18. Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany, “Azonto” (2013)
19. Sarkodie feat. Castro, “Adonai” (2014)
20. Phyno ft. Olamide, “Fada Fada” (2016)
21. Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)
22. Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)
23. Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)
24. Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)
25. Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)
26. Mr. Eazi & Efya, “Skin Tight” (2015)
27. Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)
28. Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)
29. Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)
30. Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)
31. Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)
32. The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)
33. Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)
34. P-Square, “Personally” (2013)
35. Tekno, “Pana” (2016)
36. Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)
37. Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)
38. Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)
39. Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)
40. Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)
41. Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)
42. Libianca, “People” (2022)
43. Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)
44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)
45. Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)
46. Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)
47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)
48. Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)
49. Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)
50. Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)