In the last couple of weeks, the renowned TV, radio and podcasting host Ehizojie Okoeguale AKA Dadaboy has taken it upon himself to ask some of his friends and industry colleagues what they think the greatest afrobeats song ever is. We took a closer look at some of these choices, and this is our verdict!
*This is based off the frequency with which the songs came up, and our individual preferences too.
Again – Wande Coal
The first guest was the Nigerian rapper, Vector, with Again by Wande Coal as his choice for the greatest Afrobeats song ever. Released at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, this song no doubt had an incredible amount of airplays at the time of its release, and currently maintains a solid replay value.
Everything about this song has the perfect alignment. From the introductory tune, to the soothing mix of Wande Coal’s vocals, this song is honey to the ears, and a really good listen. This doesn’t come as a surprise as Wande Coal is without a doubt one of the best vocalists, artists and performers in afrobeats history.
African Queen – 2Baba
Cobhams Asuquo had African Queen by 2Baba as his pick. This clearly needs no explanation or debate because this is one of the songs that laid the foundation for what afrobeats is today. Released in 2004, off his Face 2 Face album, African Queen is the evergreen song that shot 2baba beyond the borders of Nigeria, and introduced the world to an amazing artist and superstar. The list of the greatest afrobeats songs is definitely incomplete without African Queen.
Bibanke – Asa
This was selected by one of the finest female rappers to ever grace the industry, Sasha P. This song is one that draws you into the mind of the artist and makes you feel close to or sometimes, the exact feeling the artist felt while creating this song. Released in 2008, off her self-titled album, Asa, Bibanke is an emotional song which draws listeners in, with relaxed vocals embedded on beautiful strings of the guitar. Asa definitely came through on this song, and this was evident in the level of acceptance it had at the time of release and which it still maintains, as an evergreen song. It is indeed one of the greatest afrobeats songs ever.
Ye – Burna Boy
Burna Boy’s Ye was selected by a close friend of the host. This song, to a large extent, stamped Burna Boy’s presence in the hearts and minds of the global audience. Released as a track on his 2018 album, Outside, Ye is an entertaining song which samples the popular Sorrow, Tears and Blood – a song by the greatest Afrobeat artist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This is evident in the lyrics, beat arrangement, and the official video for the song. This song has Burna Boy show off as a super talented artist in his ability to create an interesting blend with the old and new, and the result, one of the greatest Afrobeats songs ever.
Oliver Twist – D’banj
This selection was done by the TV host, actor and compere, Jimmie. This song created a clear path for D’banj’s global acceptance and garnered multiple record sales as well as weekly airplays on radios across the country, at the time of its release. It was also the song that had to be in every DJs party starter-pack because of the level of excitement it created whenever it came on. It is a beautiful source for renewing nostalgic moments and definitely one of the greatest Afrobeats songs ever.
Which song do you think should feature on this list?
Chukwuebuka Mgbemena is a writer focused on the Nigerian & African entertainment industry. He loves fashion, art and is a staunch chess player.
