-
22 Hottest Nigerian songs of 2022
-
Buga, Last Last, other hit Nigerians songs that had us singing in 2022
2022 is over and to celebrate a successful year, Mp3bullet.ng compiles a list of its top 22 Nigerian songs for 2022.
Afrobeats continued to quickly rise to become the hottest music around the world in 2022. Nigerian superstars produced a tonne of fascinating songs that served as the year’s soundtrack and solidified Nigeria’s status as Africa’s musical powerhouse.
Furthermore, these songs were highly streamed on the biggest music streaming services and reached the top of music charts all over the world.
The Nigerian music calendar was filled with so many hit songs that it was nearly impossible to keep up, therefore we have selected 22 of the year’s biggest songs for this list.
RELATED:
Here’s Mp3bullet.ng pick of the 22 Nigerian songs that made our 2022:
Buga (Lo Lo Lo)- Kizz Daniel ft Tekno
2022 was the year of Kizz Daniel’s “Buga”. This song was played practically nonstop for the entire year by everyone and their grandmother. Why not, then? The song takes off with the now famous call to action — “Don’t sleep! “Wake up!” — emphasised by relentless percussion.
The pace is mid-tempo, the tune is rhythmic and simple to sing along to, and the lyrics are free of vulgarity, making this song ideal for all ears.
“Buga,” which in Yoruba means “show off,” pulls on a refined aura in its composition and lyrics.
On platforms like Tiktok, it has become the poster record for afrobeats, backed by a distinctively candid choreography that emphasises Kizz Daniel’s intention for the song.
Last Last- Burna Boy
On December 28, Rollingstone selected ‘Last Last’ the biggest Afrobeats record of 2022. Prior to this, the song was nominated for Best Global Music Performance at the 2022 Grammys.
In a time when finding love seems to be a losing endeavour, this heartbreak anthem is not only relatable but also a truly excellent tune.
In his song “Last Last,” Burna Boy makes use of the expression “everyone go chop breakfast” from popular culture to offer a novel perspective on heartbreak. In this song, he adopts a more cool-headed and less sentimental approach.
‘Last Last’ samples Toni Braxton’s similarly heartbreaking song ‘He wan’t man enough,’ and is created by the highly talented Chopsticks, who have captivated audiences throughout the continent.
Calm Down- Rema
In March of this year, Rema released his debut album, Rave & Roses. He also released the album’s lead song, “Calm Down,” a guitar-driven, mid-tempo composition crafted by London and Andre Vibez.
Rema’s assured vocals and witty lyrics on “Calm Down” provided the majority of us with all the comfort we needed to get through the rollercoaster that was 2022.
From March 2022 until the end of the year, this song captivated and kept the interest of listeners. A worldwide remix featuring Selena Gomez was made possible by the song’s amazing run, and Rema received his first Billboard Hot 100 entry as a result.
Finesse- Pheelz ft BNXN
When the snippet went viral on Tik Tok, it enthralled fans so much that Pheelz had no choice but to move the release date forward.
“Finesse” succeeds due to its relatable content, flawless delivery, and overall appeal, which work together to propel it to the top of the music charts in Nigeria.
For Pheelz, ‘Finesse’ is the tune that catapulted him to the top and established him as a hitmaker. The song had a significant influence because it appeared on the Billboard Global 200 and charted internationally.
Overloading (Overdose)- Mavin
Mavin Records enlisted the entire crew for the addicting posse cut “Overloading (Overdose),” which served as the first taste of their 10th-anniversary album, Chapter X.
The song, which was created by the label head himself Don Jazzy, highlights the many abilities of the Mavin roster as Crayon, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Magixx, and Boy Spyce each contribute original verses while also demonstrating the team’s collaborative efforts to make the project a reality.
Overloading (OVERDOSE)” follows Don Jazzy’s history of displaying his amazing armoury. A record that is reminiscent of “Dorobucci” (2014) and “Pere” (2007) features everyone from LADIPOE to Ayra Starr in the spotlight (2007).
Ku Lo Sa- Oxlade
With the viral song “Ku Lo Sa,” Oxlade staked his claim in a year that saw significant young Nigerian stars like push African music to new heights on the international stage. The head-spinning Afro-tune was Oxlade’s most recent creation in collaboration with the German design firm COLORS Studios. Oxlade was grateful and eager to share what he had in store despite the fact that this was all unplanned for him.
Though “Kulosa” was more popular abroad, it still had a significant impact in Nigeria as one of the year’s biggest songs and Oxlade’s biggest hit to date.
Sungba (remix)- Asake ft Burna Boy
Now, without Mr. Money with the Vibes himself, what kind of list would this be? The Afropop phenomenon has consistently produced hits this year, like “Organise” and “Joha,” like clockwork.
But “Sungba” is the song that consistently stands out as his best from 2022. “Jọ jọ jọ…” Authentic maraca beats and relaxed, proudly Yoruba vocals set the stage for what quickly becomes ear-candy for us.
Asake takes us home for a welcome change of pace in a year full of reissues and remixes featuring American pop artists.
Our very own Burna Boy provides the necessary star power for a work of art of this caliber, his delivery of the second verse in the lower register striking the ideal balance with YBNL’s wild card.
Omo Ope- Asake ft Olamide
With the release of the smash song “Omo Ope” by their most recent signee, Asake, who had his boss, Olamide, feature in the song, the well-known record label YBNL announced their intentions for a success-filled 2022.
The song, which was produced by the amazing Magic Stickz, was played on numerous radio stations and music streaming services, becoming the topic of conversation.
The song also raised awareness of YBNL’s rising prominence and laid the groundwork for a prosperous 2022 for both him and his record company. The song was a combination of afrobeat and amapiano, with exquisite lyrics.
Terminator- Asake
There was a commotion online when Asake released a “Terminator” preview. Not because people disliked the music, but rather because nobody had anticipated hearing another Asake hit so quickly.
Despite the fact that Asake never let up, releasing music nonstop throughout the year, “Terminator” was received differently. It even survived a leak and a second verse change to become one of the top songs from Mr Money With The Vibe, Asake’s debut album.
Xtra Cool – Young Jonn
Young Jonn chose to explore the other side of his gift after generating numerous successes for A-list celebrities, and thus far it has been a fascinating experience.
‘XtraCoold is one of those Afropop songs that effortlessly remains in the minds of listeners, leaving them wanting more. The song is highly regarded for its sing-along appeal, ideal structure, and mellow melody.
Won Da Mo- Mavin
Won Da Mo follows the release of “Overload” by the Mavin crew and it was not a disappointing one. The song opens with a fast-paced verse from Rema then followed by a catchy hook and chorus with the rest f the squad dropping their verses to give it a flawless finish.
The song has gained appeal among young listeners who make use of Tiktok to make good use of it.
RELATED:
22 Nigerian songs that dominated our playlists in 2022
Palazzo- by DJ Spinall and Asake
This song is possibly the most significant in Asake’s string of hits because it established his status and primed the audience for later releases.
Its influence was demonstrated by the absolute mayhem it caused among listeners as they struggled, almost hysterically, to grasp its appealing lyrics. And Asake would use the same pop-rap delivery over an Amapiano groove in many of his later songs.
Peace Be Unto You- Asake
This song made the list despite the fact that it is not just a blockbuster hit but also an unequivocal declaration of the artist’s status.
For a song that dominated the Nigerian music scene, Asake combined a common meme sound, street lingo, and a faultless delivery over Magicsticks’ fantastic beat.
Electricity- Pheelz feat Davido
The year 2022 is one that competent producer cum singer, Pheelz will not forget in a jiffy. After releasing “Finesse,” one of the year’s most popular singles, he followed it with the mind-blowing jam “Electricity.” Furthermore, this incredible vocalist includes the flawless vocals of DMW CEO, Nigerian singer, and superstar, Davido. The song is truly electrifying, as fans still can not get enough of it.
Rush- Ayra Starr
As a result of her music, style, and charisma captivating youthful listeners, Ayra is quickly establishing herself as a superstar in her own right. Following the release of her hit track ‘Bloody Samaritan,’ the rising sensation proves she means business with the release of ‘Rush.
Ayra Starr claimed that she had written “Rush” when experiencing a mental low in order to serve as a reminder to herself of her true identity. The song’s chest-thumping beat and swaggering delivery, which Ayra uses to incorporate street slang, highlight her credentials as a hitmaker.
Bandana- Fireboy DML ft Asake
In an interview, Fireboy DML stated that Olamide had suggested the Asake feature and that he had initially been at a lost as to how to finish the song that eventually became “Bandana.”
Interestingly, Fireboy admitted that he had been hesitant to work with anyone, but the connection between the two acts suggests otherwise, as Bandana quickly rose to the top of the streaming charts after its release.
Asiwaju – Ruger
![Ruger - Asiwaju [Lyrics]](https://mp3bullet.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ruger_-_Asiwaju__Lyrics_-removebg-preview.png)
Many people will assume that his online rivalry with BNXN inspired it but nevertheless it is a song that has been a constant play on the airwaves.
How are you [My Friend]- Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille and Don Jazzy repeatedly emphasise the importance of community and friendship while admitting their shortcomings and attempting to make amends. They claimed that the purpose of this record was to keep people in touch.
Ijo (Laba Laba)- Crayon
Crayon and Sarz join forces for “Ijo Lababa,” which translates to “butterfly dance” in Yoruba, a dance style that involves some hand coordination and has since gone viral on social media. His dance routine in the “Overdose” music video is what gave rise to the amapiano-Afropop earworm. The seductive dance beat will signal Crayon’s long-overdue rise in the Nigerian music industry.
I’m a Mess- Omah Lay
Omah Lay weaves together a lot of unpleasant events, including overanalyzing, loneliness, being uncomfortable in social situations, and using alcohol as a coping strategy. Omah Lay delivers his most heartbreaking performance yet thanks to the emo-leaning production—unusual for Niphkeys—which emits a sensitive ambiance.
Adulthood Anthem- Lade
In a Tiktok video that would go viral, Lade explores the complexity and throes of adulthood with the help of a “battalion-man chorus.” Lade was propelled to greater heights by the song, which has gained popularity in Nigeria.
Certified Loner- Mayorkun
Mayorkun released “Certified Loner (No Competition)” as his first song of the year. The brand-new tune follows his excellent sophomore album, Back in Office. The Mayor of Lagos never fails to deliver, and this song, which has amapiano influences, is no exception.
Worthy Mentions
- Baddest Boy (Remix) Skiibii ft Davido
- Girlfriend- Ruger
- Stand Strong- Davido
- Bad to Me- Wizkid
- Cough (Odo)- Kizz Daniel
- Loaded- Tiwa Savage X Asake
- Joha- Asake
- Soweto- Victony X Tempoe
- It’s Plenty- Burna Boy
- Watawi- Ckay ft Davido, Foclaistic
- Dada (Remix)- Young Jonn ft Davido
- No Wahala remix- 1da Banton ft Tiwa Savage and Kizz Daniel