Check out Rolling Stone ranks of the top Afropop songs of 2023

• Nigerian artists shine as Rolling Stone ranks the top Afropop songs of 2023

Nigerian artists, including Davido, Mohbad, Blaqbonez, Ayra Starr, Rema, and many more, have prominently featured in the recently released ranking of the top Afropop songs of 2023 by Rolling Stone.

Rolling Stone confirmed that the list, curated by music critics from five different African countries, was focused on celebrating the dynamics of African music. The Afropop song list for 2023 marks the second time Rolling Stone has publicized such a list.

In describing the motivation behind the list, the media giant emphasized its commitment to highlighting the diversity, creativity, and impact of African music on the global stage. The inclusion of Nigerian artists in the ranking reflects the country’s continued influence and dominance in the Afropop genre.

“As genre lines blur everywhere, we thought of Afropop as a catch-all for music by artists who primarily live on or work for the continent, making hits that define scenes and communities there and in its diaspora. We considered songs with musical elements distinct to African traditions, too, from language (like East African Swahili or West African pidgin) to production (like the log drum programming popularized by South African amapiano, or the distinct guitar in many Congolese standards). This is a celebration of African genius, creativity, and spirit.”

The list featured prominent Nigerian artists including Davido, Burna Boy, Mohbad, Ayra Starr, Blaqbonez, and several others, all securing a spot on the list. The complete lineup is provided below:

1. Tyla ‘Water’
2. Davido feat. Musa Keys ‘Unavailable’
3. Amaarae, ‘Princess Going Digital’
4. Vacra, ‘Tiki Taka’
5. Libianca, ‘People’
6. Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyron Dee, ‘Mnike’
7. Victor Thompson feat. Gunna, ‘Blessings (This Year) (Remix)’
8. Sabi Wu, ‘Mi Na Wewe’
9. King Promise feat. Young Jonn, ‘Terminator’
10. Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo and Justin99 feat. Pcee, EeQue, and Chley, ‘Yahyuppiyah’
11. Ayra Starr, ‘Sability’
12. Spyro feat. Tiwa Savage, ‘Who is Your Guy? (Remix)’
13. Adekunle Gold and Zinoleesky, ‘Party No Dey Stop’
14. Burna Boy, ‘Tested, Approved & Trusted’
15. Tiakola and Dave, ‘Meridian’
16. Omah Lay, ‘Reason’
17. Lady Donli, ‘My Ability’
18. Bnxn, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez, ‘GWAGWALADA’
19. Franglish, ‘Trop Parler’
20. Bien, ‘Ma Cherie’

See the full list HERE.