Just as we all know the music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music. Music that has transcended beyond imaginable expectations and bound. Today we reflect on the grassroots of how Nigerian music started before evolving to today’s sound and still progressing.
We bring a well-curated and beautiful lineup of old Nigerian hits and groovy songs that took over the streams and various digital and entertainment platforms ten years back. Enjoy this ride with us!
1. 2Baba – If Love Is A Crime
Rising from his sophomore album work, ‘Grass 2 Grass’ released December 8, 2006 by Kennis Music Records was a mind-blowing anthem, as the love tempo took over streets and major music platforms. “If Love Is A Crime” was truly a rising to stardom for the musical legend.
The masterpiece is a fascinating love song to a girl he considers his dream girl. It was released 11 years ago, on June 13th, 2011. ‘Grass 2 Grass’ was 2Baba’s second album project in his career.
2. R2bees ft. Wande Coal – Kiss Your Hand
12 years ago, legendary R2bees took over the street with his anthem on the lips of every crooner and lover. Having Wande Coal on the joint banger was a blast. The record took over various parties and entertainment grounds with its infectious beat and groovy vibes.
The song comes from R2bees’ album “Grind Time In Da Hood Vol, 47” released in 2019.
3. D’Prince – Take Banana
In 2012 D’Prince delivered his smashing and viral accepted record “Take Banana” just as the chorus goes “Take banana till you go yo, take banana till you go yo” So was the anthem on the lips of every crooner and listener. The song was produced by legendary Don Jazzy.
4. P Square – Do Me
Rewinding the wheels of time, “Do Me” was the hit and banger of time. In 2007 the duo iconic singers Peter and Paul aka P Square took dominance in the music industry with their hit song ‘Do Me’. The song was slammed in almost every party, ceremony, and event of whatsoever kind.
“Do Me” is a hit track from the album “Game Over”, the third studio album by the Nigerian duo.
5. Timaya – True Story
Just as the name implies, ‘True Story’, 13 years ago, in 4 minutes, Timaya narrated a part of his life story and experiences to his audience. The single, which was released long ago, also displayed his talent and creativity as a promising artist, and indeed, today, he is evidence of that hard work and consistency.
The song hailed from his “True Story” album which compiles 11 songs.
6. Klever Jay – Koni Koni Love
In the year 2015 Nigerian musical artist, Klever Jay stormed the mainstream with his evergreen and viral-accepted hit song ‘KoniKoni Love’ which stood out as a popular anthem in the lips of music crooners and enthusiasts.
The well-enchanted was a rise to the limelight for Klever Jay, coming from his album work Klever Music Vol. 1 the single was noted as one of the trending songs back then.
7. Flavour – Kwarikwa
The song ‘Kwarikwa’ was released as the lead single from his third studio album, Blessed (2012), and features vocals by Congolese singer Fally Ipupa. “Kwarikwa” is a love song with an uptempo beat.
“Kwarikwa” was co-written by Flavour and Fally Ipupa and produced by Masterkraft. The song originally appeared on Flavour’s second studio album, Uplifted (2010). Flavour and his management decided to remix “Kwarikwa” after the success of the original song.
8. Wizboyy – Screen Saver ft. J Martins
Just as the lyrics go ‘Would you be my screen saver, I no go mind if I fit get your picture, would you be my screen saver eh’ was a global anthem for every music crooner over 10 years ago. ‘Screen Saver’ was slammed across various and multiple streets, parties, ceremonies, clubs, and many other entertainment events to be mentioned.
The song comes from the album New Face Of My Story, which was released in 2010.
9. Dr Sid – Pop Something ft. D’banj
15 years ago, back then in the time of Mo Hits Records, musical legends Dr Sid and D’banj rendered this groovy and energizing record. The video was released on September 9, 2012, and was recorded as the second video of Dr Sid’s Turning Point Album. Directed by Walt Banger for Banger Soup Productions and shot at Tribeca Night Club in Lagos.
10. Sky B – I am Calling (Ma Bebe)
‘I am Calling’ is one of the hit singles off Sky B’s body of work tagged Pray For Me. An album released in 2007 which sold over 1 million copies. The song popularly christened Ma Bebeh is an Afro-pop song.
11. J Martins – Good Or Bad ft. Timaya, P Square
This mid-tempo entitled “Good Or Bad” was a major banger that excited all fans with its catchy lyrics and collaborations, the record was a standout hit. Having the legendary icons of Timaya and P Square in collaboration, you can imagine what it would be like if you missed the groove years ago. The song was released on the 1st of November, 2008.
12. KCee – Limpopo
Limpopo by Kcee was indeed another street-takeover record. The song placed every crooner on their feet. With its enticing rhythm and melody, the song is worth its credit.
13. Styl-Plus – Four Years Waka
Legendary musician and songwriter Styl-Plus isn’t left out of the list. Obviously for our long-time gees, ‘Four Years Waka’ was a random and viral-accepted melody that got recited then in the lips of every music lover and devotee of the sensation. The unforgettable tune was released in 2008.
14. Eedris Abdulkareem – Jaga Jaga
When the situation of his country regarded economic hardship, insecurities, poor infrastructures and other challenges, Eedris could no longer bear the situation of things but voiced out his pain, and pains of the affected in this remarkable and memorable record.
Released in the year 2004, ‘Jaga Jaga’ was a cry, a call, and a shoutout to the Government to do needful for the Nation’s progress and also a call to rise for the citizens to fight and demand for their civic rights rightfully.
Although, as much as the song caused so many controversies even politically upon its release, many other crooners still found the song valuable as it was a cry for all. According to the singer, the song was a reality of the happenings in his country, Nigeria.
15. African China – If You Love Somebody ft. Faze
Don’t just get all tensed yet, the ride’s still on. ‘If You Love Somebody’ was a beautiful soundtrack released in the year 2009 by African China which he collaborated with iconic musical artist, Faze. The song was the second record on his popular album called ‘The Return Of The Legend’ album which bagged twelve memorable soundtracks.
‘If You Love Somebody’ was a general anthem, both musical artists exhibited pure talent, creativity, and versatility.
16. Duncan Mighty – Obianuju
Wene Mighty can’t be left out of the list as he was one of Nigeria’s hit-makers from scratch ever since his breakout to stardom. ‘Obianuju’ is a beautiful and adorable love song sung by legendary Duncan Mighty. The melody was part of his discographies that showcased his astonishing talent and creativity as a musical pioneer.
17. Omawumi – Belle ft. Flavour
Omawumi Megbele (widely known by her stage name, shortened to Omawumi) is an actress and singer-songwriter, legendary in the industry too. This impressive anthem which gained popularity years ago when released sees Omawumi incorporating the soul and R&B elements mixed with the flow of Nigerian high-life maestro Flavour Nabania.
Omawumi incorporates a vast number of styles in her sound palette, such as Afro-pop, jazz, funk, techno, and even reggae.
18. Weird MC – Ijoya
Nigerian-British rapper, songwriter, and producer, Weird MC (born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu on 9 July 1970) is best known for her English/Yoruba lyrics. She is also identified as Shola Idowu and The Rappatainer.
Following the successful release of the hit song ‘Ijoya’ 13 years ago, she became one of Africa’s most popular female rappers and one of the few Nigerian female artists associated with Afrobeat.
“Ijoya” was a very popular hit sung globally by crooners, followed by its appealing animation, it became an anthem also for kids to vibe along to following its comic delivery.
The song comes from her second album project ‘After Da Storm’ released in 2006, then Hip-hop was now recognised as a major form of music in Nigeria, and the Don Jazzy and JJC-produced single “Ijoya” was a massive success, earning her an AMEN award for Most Pop Song, and a Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effect.
However, she was honoured with several awards, including the very first AMEN award for Best Hip Hop Album.
19. Original Stereoman – Sample Ekwe
Nigerian mythical musical artist, Stereoman also took over the streets and various platforms with his hit song ‘Sample Ekwe’. The record was responsible for his musical rise to the limelight after being virally accepted by audiences and fans, ‘Sample Ekwe’ remains a memorable track for every old-time musical enthusiast.
Furthermore, the music crooner gained a lot of attention from fans and other music listeners back then. He was the rave of the moment during the middle and late 2000s.
20. Oritse Femi – Mercies of the Lord
Mercies Of The Lord song from the album ‘Wicked World (Iwe)’ was released in 2009. This is a fantastic song that should be on your collection especially if you have good taste for music. “Mercies of the Lord” was a cry to God almighty to watch and have mercy all over his children.
With great and captivating lyrics the masterpiece rocked the airwaves for a very long time, which positioned Oritse Femi on higher heights in his musical career then.
BONUS TRACKS
21. Brymo – Ara
22. 9ice – Gongo Aso
23. MI Abaga – One Naira ft. Waje
24. Ice Prince – Oleku ft. Brymo
25. Mad Melon X Mountain Black – Danfo Drivers
