Best 20 Nigerian Songs (January-May, 2023)

Here are the 20 best Nigerian songs dominating the airwaves since January this year.

The impact of Afrobeat around the world cannot be overemphasized. The genre has become a movement sailing through the world and leaving souvenirs in every country. Afrobeats blends right into every country. The genre is famous for incorporating elements of other genres into itself, which makes it more appealing to every part of the world.

Nigerian artists also upped their game recently. Every song has been a hit, and everyone’s previous bar of success has been raised even higher. Who wouldn’t want to top the charts worldwide and even go viral on social media? Here is a list of the 20 best Nigerian songs this year.

1. Ruger – Asiwaju

 

It would be insulting not to start this list with Ruger’s massive hit song “Asiwaju.” The reigning prince of Jonzing World Records was the most-played artist at the beginning of the year because of this jam. It was everywhere, and indeed, he was ahead of them. Ruger is expected to release his debut album later this year, and “Asiwaju” could be on it.

2. Victony – Soweto (including Remixes)

Talk about going viral and dominating the airwaves with remixes of the viral jam. Victony may have been through the worst health-wise, but his star still shines bright. Victony’s “Outlaw EP” was a massive success. The track “Soweto” went viral on social media, and everything else was history. It led to the release of remixes with Rema & Don Toliver and Omah Lay.

3. Tiwa Savage – Stamina ft. Young Jonn & Ayra Starr

 

The Queen of Afrobeats still reigns supreme. One thing Tiwa will never do is drop her crown. After featuring in several collaborations last year, Tiwa gave fans something of her own with Young Jonn (who she called a quiet king) and Mavin star Ayra Starr. The song “Stamina” became an instant hit, gaining massive radio airplay and garnering millions of streams.

4. Spyro – Who Is Your Guy (Remix) ft. Tiwa Savage

 

Everywhere Spyro goes, success follows. We would certainly like some of that grace. Spyro is one of the year’s viral kings. His song “Who Is Your Guy” became an anthem on social media and helped it gain success across various platforms. He returned with the official remix featuring Tiwa Savage, who blended right in. Of course, Tiwa sang from experience, listing some of the country’s most prominent people as her guys.

5. Rema – Holiday

 

Rema is one of the world’s most prominent artists, thanks to his massive hit song “Calm Down Remix” with American singer and actress Selena Gomez. The song’s success has been boundless, topping charts everywhere and entering the US Billboard Hot 100 top 5. Hinting at the ultra version of his debut album “Rave & Roses,” Rema released “Holiday.” As expected, the response was instant as the world wondered why Rema was once a laptop thief.

6. Ayra Starr – Sability

 

Ayra Starr, too sabi. Why else would she call herself Sabi Girl? The new princess of Afro-pop has gained the world’s attention with her raging hit song “Rush.” She returned with something for fans tagged “Sability.” The song samples Awilo Longomba’s hit. It’s a dancehall jam that would make you lose all forms of etiquette.

7. Omah Lay – Soso

 

Omah Lay understands music so well it oozes out of him. Notice how he has never dropped the bar since he hit the scene. The Port Harcourt star was heavily criticized for his unimpressive NPR Tiny Desk performance, but that did not stop his song “Soso” from going viral. A colorful music video was also released to promote it.

8. Adekunle Gold – Party No De Stop ft. Zinoleesky

 

The new Adekunle Gold is not slowing down for anyone. Remember the guy who sang about God picking up his calls? Yes, that guy, his parties don’t end any longer. So, we are guessing God did pick up his call. The famous singer who signed with Def Jam this year released “Party No Dey Stop” featuring Zinoleesky to rave reviews. Both artists delivered, and the fans loved it.

9. Davido – Unavailable ft. Musa Keys

One of the year’s most anticipated releases was Davido’s fourth studio album. Everyone thought it would be talented “The Best Time,” but Davido had other plans. The Afrobeats king announced the album one week before it dropped. It was titled “Timeless,” and it indeed was. It produced the massive hit song “Unavailable” featuring South African star Musa Keys and a viral dance.

10. Asake – 2:30

 

We have a feeling that Asake never takes a break from making music. Last year, the Yoruba star released his debut album, “Mr. Money With The Vibe,” to generally positive reviews. The album was a massive success and spawned the hits “Peace Be Unto You,” “Organize,” and more. After releasing “Yoga,” he dropped “2:30.” The song featured his signature word flow but with a much more relaxed vibe.

11. Olamide & CKay – Trumpet

 

We first suspected Ckay and Olamide were working on music together when a photo of them in LA was shared on social media. Although no one thought about it, we were thrilled when they released the double effort “Trumpet.” Ckay shared how much he has always wanted to work with the YBNL boss.

12. BNXN Fka Buju – Gwagwalada ft. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez

 

Everyone says BNXN Fka Buju does not register mad hits, except he collaborates with his colleagues. We say he’s one of the most talented and creative artists in the Nigerian music scene, and he never gets it wrong. The young king returned with “Gwagwalada” featuring Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, and it was instant ear candy. He keeps adding to his catalog of hits.

13. Davido – Feel

We wonder what was going through Davido’s mind while making this jam. You may have noticed that it tells two different stories. The verses are about a girl who he needs to forgive him because he doesn’t want to sleep alone. The hook is about the world feeling his jam. The stories are miles apart, but they blend so well. Indeed, no one does it better.

14. Kizz Daniel – RTID (Rich Till I Die)

 

“Buga” king, Kizz Daniel, is always on the move. The famous father-of-twins registered another hit, “RTID (Rich Till I Die),” after the success of “Odo (Cough).” As expected, he gained positive responses after the song dropped. It has massive airplay on the radio, and the lyrics are memory-grabbing, just like every other Kizz Daniel song. He will certainly always be wealthy.

15. Rema – Charm

 

Trust Rema to always charm his way into our hearts with his music. Remember when he told us he was the future of Afrobeats, and some didn’t believe it? Be honest with yourself. Well, he didn’t just say it; he also proved it. “Charm” is one of the songs on his new “Rave & Roses Ultra” album. Fans can’t get enough of it, and we can’t either.

16. Joeboy – Body & Soul

 

With a voice that separates him from the rest and a mind that keeps him on his lane, Joeboy is all about his career. He serenaded fans with the mildly successful song “Contour” and later returned with “Body & Soul.” Everyone noted that the song did not disappoint. It was made in signature Joeboy fashion and specifically for the ladies. Oh, and he’s got an album coming.

17. Fireboy DML – Someone

 

Fireboy DML is a genius that lets the music speak. Do you ever feel he can’t get his eyes off a book just by hearing his lyrics? Well, we do. The YBNL Nation star had a great time traveling the world on the Playboy Tour. He also appeared in a few collabs and then released “Someone,” an electropop and House jam that his Nigerian fans are warming up to.

18. Ckay – Hallelujah ft. Blaqbonez

 

We knew it was only a matter of time until we would receive a new jam by CKay and Blaqbonez. Their friendship has been beautiful to watch. The guys teamed up on “Hallelujah,” led by CKay, who announced his new House and car on social media. BNXN’s version has also been making rounds online, and everyone is talking about why he was removed from the song. Blaqbonez’s verse gives his involvement away.

19. Joeboy – Duffel Bag

 

Indeed, no one does it like Joeboy. He flew on the wings of Mr. Eazi but somehow found his own identity and has since been his own man. After dropping the songs “Contour,” “Body & Soul,” and more, he released “Duffel Bag” and announced plans to release a new album dropping later this month. “Duffel Bag” has already garnered millions of streams across platforms.

20. Chike – On The Moon

Whether he is on the big screen or performing on stage, one thing Chike will never be is “little.” According to him, he feels like he lives on the moon. With a mind as big as the universe, the “Boo Of The Booless” star returned with his sophomore album “Brother’s Keeper” last year. The song “On The Moon” was officially released as a single this year with an accompanying video. Well, Nigerians slept on it, but we can assure you, it’s a jam.