Nigerian artists continued their winning streak in 2023 with hits that transported the sound of Naija to the world. Artists like Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and a few others to be mentioned made this list regarding their mesmerising performances this year.
This list recaps the best Afrobeats songs of 2023 as selected based on high streams, trends, and awards being achieved.
1. Omah Lay – reason
When it comes to sensational and crafty Afrobeats music Omah Lay has undoubtedly proven mastery and skillfulness. ‘reason’ was lifted from Omah Lay’s ‘Boy Alone (Deluxe) Album’. The song showcases Omah Lay’s incredible talent and unique sound as the masterpiece calms the heart of every listener.
‘reason’ is still one of the most streamed and chart-topping songs to date.
2. Asake – Lonely At The Top
Asake, the man who revealed another side of Afrobeats’ extraordinary sound engaging the world with his undisputed creativity and craftiness. ‘Lonely At The Top’ is an infectious Afrobeat melody that showcases his exceptional musical abilities. The song was taken from his sophomore album, ‘Work of Art’.
3. Wizkid – Frames (Who’s Gonna Know)
The impressive single from the superstar is a groovy anthem which was lifted from his debut album ‘More Love, Less Ego’ released in November 2022 as his fifth career album. ‘Frames (Who’s Gonna Know) is a lovely song and catchy lyrics which remain in the memory of his crooners to date.
4. Victony – Soweto (Remix) ft. Rema, Don Toliver, Tempoe
Victony shocked the world with the remix of his ear-candy song ‘Soweto’. This remix was his biggest remix of the year for “Soweto,” which features Nigerian star Rema, American rapper Don Toliver, and record producer Tempoe.
5. Ruger – Asiwaju
‘Asiwaju’ is another impressive number from the Afrobeats musician. On the single Ruger is all about himself, he’s confident that he is ahead of his peers. For context, “I’m ahead of them Asiwaju, I’m fxcking baller iga lo ni mi.”
6. Libianca – People
“People (Check On Me)” is a unique song that Libianca uses to encourage her listeners to check up on their loved ones. According to her; I had recorded that song during a time when I was at a low. So I have Cyclothymia, which it’s a mood disorder. So you have your highs and you have your lows. It’s not necessarily manic, and it’s not too severe, but the lows just suck.
So I was going through that at the time. And I was just like, I don’t know how much of this I can take. It’s getting ridiculous. I was really struggling.
Check on your people. What they may be dealing with internally could be much more than meets the eye. Your sense of kindness can break the wall of isolation and the feeling that no one cares.
The song was a narrative and motivation of what she was going through. You can check out ‘People (Remix) ft. Ayra Starr & Omah Lay’ Here and also stream the Latin remix with Becky G Here.
7. Davido – UNAVAILABLE ft. Musa Keys
Nigerian megastar, Davido came through with a street takeover anthem that captivated the mindset of his listeners and fans at large. ‘UNAVAILABLE’ is an Afrobeats amapiano-infused single that places the its listening board in a groovy aura. South Africa’s Musa Keys did justice by blending the Afrobeats single with the Amapiano vibes. Davido’s ‘UNAVAILABLE’ was the sort of boundary-breaking crossover hit that further cemented Afrobeats’ place on the world stage.
8. Ayra – Rush
“Rush” is a song by Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, released as a single on 16 September 2022 by Mavin Records from her debut studio album 19 & Dangerous. It charted worldwide in 2023 before going viral on TikTok, so far peaking at number 24 in the UK and the top 40 in Switzerland and the Netherlands. Prior to the song’s success, Starr was cited by NME as one of their artists to watch in 2022, describing how she “varies her afro-pop sound perfectly by mixing in hints of R&B or trappy hit-hats”. “Rush” earned Starr her first Grammy nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
9. Adekunle Gold – Party No Dey Stop ft. Zinoleesky
“Party No Dey Stop” is a groovy, stunning, and satisfying melody performed by the Nigerian Afrobeats/pop recording artist, Adekunle Gold which features a voice from Zinoleesky. It was recorded and made worldwide in 2023 and went viral and becoming a lovely piece to enjoy all the time.
10. Bnxn – GWAGWALADA ft. Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez
‘GWAGWALADA’ is a vibrant collaboration blending Afrobeat and Afro-fusion. In the dynamic collaboration between BNXN, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez, we are presented with “GWAGWALADA,” a song that seamlessly blends the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat with the captivating elements of Afro-fusion. With its vibrant melodies and energetic performances, “Gwagwalada” emerges as a compelling track that showcases the unique talents of each artist.
11. Bella Shmurda – Philo ft. Omah Lay
Bella Shmurda aka the New Born Fela also added to the hits of Afrobeats playlists with his hit song ‘Philo’. On the mesmerizing and viral-accepted banger, Bella Shmurda and Omah Lay propose their love for their Philo telling her the things they would do for her just to prove the love their undying love for their lover.
12. Joeboy – Duffel Bag
The groovy Afrobeats record, “Duffel Bag,” is a solid jam with the infusion of Afro-pop that sees Joeboy as an Alhaji who is willing and ready to spend money on his ladies.
‘Duffel Bag’ produced by E Kelly and Timmy follows the release of the album’s title track in January. In one of the album’s more celebratory and dancefloor-inspired riddims, ‘Duffel Bag’ boasts some cleverly crafted instrumentation, as 808 bass lines, classy string stabs and fluid, soulful guitars provide the musical backdrop for Joeboy to deliver his trademark sweet and heartfelt vocal delivery.
13. Rema – Charm
“Charm” is a catchy record that sees Rema flexing his melodies to consolidate his dominance. The song is a banger anthem which took over the music charts. The song, “Charm” was taken from Rema’s project, “Rave & Roses (Ultra)” which was compiled with 22 tracks.
14. Burna Boy – Giza ft. Seyi Vibez
One of Nigerian’s superstars, Burna Boy made the outing too. ‘Giza’ was yet another mind-blowing record for the year 2023, having exchanged great nexus with the street-pop crooner, Seyi Vibez, the anthem was a street takeover and still maintains a good spot in various music charts.
15. Asake – Amapiano ft. Olamide
Asake and Olamide’s collaboration on “Amapiano” is a testament to the versatility and creativity within the Nigerian music scene. The fusion of Amapiano and Afrobeat creates a fresh and exciting sound that will captivate audiences both at home and abroad. With its infectious melodies, catchy chorus, and energetic performances, “Amapiano” is a standout track that showcases the talents of both artists. This collaboration serves as a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together in celebration of rhythm and groove.
Their track, aptly titled “Amapiano,” merges the infectious rhythms of Amapiano with the energetic spirit of Afrobeat, resulting in a captivating musical fusion that is bound to make listeners groove.
16. KCee – Ojapiano
Nigerian veteran artist, KCee equally joined the trend as he exhibited greatness and more musical steak this year with his third official track for 2023, ‘Ojapiano’. The Afrobeats Electronic-genre track was infused with the raving Amapiano vibes making it an ear-candy and vibrant melody for every listeners who hears its sound. To date, ‘Ojapiano’ remains a groovy and demanding trend on various streaming platforms and events.
17. Qing Madi – Ole ft. Bnxn
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer, Qing Madi made it to the list and trends too! she became known through her hit single “See Finish”. She rose to limelight after the release of “Ole” featuring BNXN, which peaked at Number 1 and 3 on Uganda Apple Music and Nigeria Apple music respectively. ‘Ole’ is an infectious Afrobeats catchy and soul-whelming song that will resonate with its listeners and crooners.
18. Crayon – Ngozi ft. Ayra Starr
The Sarz-produced song “Ngozi” comes with a catchy storyline that harmonises the vocals of Crayon and Ayra Starr. “Ngozi” was taken from his highly anticipated debut studio album, “Trench to Triumph.” The masterpiece anthem became a global hit following its melodious rendition and acceptance by fans, crooners, and listeners at large.
19. Lojay – MOTO
“MOTO” is an impressive Afrobeats record that has a dancehall rhythm with a blend of the guitar. Lojay and The Elements contributed to the production. “MOTO,” is the third released song from his sophomore project, “GANGSTER ROMANTIC”. Lojay further described the song a “A somber reflection on the loss of a sentimental past relationship“.
20. Spyro – Who Is Your Guy? (Remix) ft. Tiwa Savage
Spyro linked up with the African bad girl Tiwa Savage to deliver an upgraded remake of the trending song “Who Is Your Guy?“.
“Who Is Your Guy” a record eulogizing friendship, loyalty and trust has dominated various charts since the start of the new year, riding on the momentum.
One would have thought that he had peaked for the year but he proved everyone wrong as he closed the year with his biggest song so far titled “Who Is Your Guy?.”
21. Oxlade – Intoxycated ft. Dave
“INTOXYCATED” is a deep, melodic, and intriguing song with Oxlade’s visceral vocals, and Dave contributed a superb verse in between.
Spax and Deeyasso Beatz were credited with the production.
22. Tems – Me & U
After a long hiatus, Tems bounced back 2023 with her latest and thrilling single ‘Me & U’. According to Tems;
“‘Me & U’ is about discovering the real me, building a genuine relationship with the Creator, and gaining a true perception of self.”
23. Seyi Vibez – Chance (Na Ham)
Picked as one of his standout tracks, “Chance (Na Ham)” was taken from Seyi Vibez’s debut studio album, “Billion Dollar Baby.” The song was Seyi Vibez breakout single which debuted at No. 19 on the UK Afrobeats singles chart and peaked number 7 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart.
Living up to his name with his modern take on Apala, the song is a blend of the Fuji, Amapiano, Hip-hop, and Afro-soul.
24. Shallipopi – Elon Musk
Shallipopi, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to mainstream fame in 2023 following the release of his song ‘Elon Musk,’ which peaked at number one on the Nigeria Too 100 Apple Music. He followed up with his debut studio album Presido La Pluto (2023), which peaked at number one on the TurnTable Top 50 Albums and also peaked at number five on the Apple Music top 100 albums.
Shallipopi exhibited his vocal prowess and strength on this awesome tune, which has a fusion of Amapiano and Hip Hop genres.
25. Mohbad – Peace
“Peace” is a song by Nigerian street-pop musician MohBad, released on 2 September 2022 through Marlian Music, and produced by Rexxie. On 3 September 2022, the music video was released and directed by Ibidunni Oladayo. “Peace” debuted at number 25 on Nigeria’s Top Street-POP Songs. “Peace” peaked at number 5 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, and number 8 on Nigeria radio.
Finally, we hope you find our list very interesting as we give to you a compilation of the best Afrobeats songs of 2023. Stay tuned till we meet again.
