Many people didn’t think that 9ice, the Nigerian music star, would have such a huge impact on Nigerian music when he released his album, Gongo Aso on March 15, 2008. Even though it’s been 17 years, this record is still a classic in the history of African music. Its sound and cultural significance make it timeless.

The record Gongo Aso is a big deal in both Nigerian music and 9ice’s career. The release of Gongo Aso was a welcome change. It came out at a time when Nigerian music was shifting from traditional Afrobeat to a more modern mix of hip-hop, highlife, and rap. The 14-track album became a classic right away, connecting with music fans of all ages as it captured the energy of the streets, the knowledge of the leaders, and the thrill of city life.

The main song, “Gongo Aso,” became an anthem and is one of the best songs on the record. It not only topped the charts in Nigeria, but its catchy tune and catchy sounds also got a lot of attention in other countries. The song undoubtedly gained popularity due to its constant play in bars, clubs,tv,radio and the streets. The lyrics of 9ice resonated deeply with fans, capturing the essence of business, partying, and the daily lives of young Nigerians. Rich and poor alike could relate to this song because it was about things they both wanted to achieve.

ID Cabasa was a big part of Gongo Aso’s success. He primarily produced most of the album’s songs and mixed traditional sounds with modern beats to make a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience.

The record also had relationships that stood out. Most of the songs showed off 9ice’s unique skills, but only two features on them. For the first song, “Street Credibility,” 9ice worked with the famous 2Baba (formerly known as 2Face Idibia). Their work together on the single added depth by mixing 2Baba’s signature musical flair with 9ice’s local style. The second relationship was with Fuji artist Pasuma. 9ice’s sound and Pasuma’s unique Fuji style went well together, making for a rich musical experience. His work on the song “Ati je lo’” was a wonderful mix of different types of Nigerian music. The only guest spots on the record were from these two projects. Because of this, 9ice was able to keep a strong sense of who they were while still being willing to work with others.

Other outstanding songs like “Photocopy,” “Party Rider,” and “Wedding day” proved that “Gongo Aso” was an album that could skilfully mix Afrobeat, hip-hop, and highlife. Gongo Aso was famous for more than just its catchy beats and sounds. It was also known for its deep lyrics. There was a mix of sexy lyrics and catchy tunes on 9ice‘s record that made it stand out. His storytelling skills shined a light on love, social problems, and the joy of Nigerian culture in songs like “Gongo Aso”, ‘Wedding day’ and “Photocopy.” His unique voice and unique way of speaking English and Yoruba together made the record seem more real, and it quickly became a favourite in Nigerian homes and cars.

In a song like “Ade Ori,” Nine talks about royalty and how a king can be recognised by his crown and fly whisk. At that age, he says he was the best in the singing business, and he thanks God for bringing him into it. The last track on the Gongo Aso record, “9ice Takes His Time to Praise God,” is a strong and thoughtful way to end the collection.

In addition to making a lot of money, the record received nine times as many awards and nominations, solidifying his place in the history of Nigerian music. The biggest change that Gongo Aso brought about was in the Nigerian music business, but its success also marked a big change in 9ice’s career. It marked the start of a new era for Afrobeats and showed that local artists could become famous around the world.

As it celebrates 17 years of success, Gongo Aso is still an important part of conversations about the history of Nigerian music. You can’t say enough good things about how it has changed artists now and in the future. The record is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of musical genius and cultural pride because it boldly blends traditional and modern sounds and has had a huge impact on Nigerian pop culture.

At the end of the day, Gongo Aso is a wonderful example of what genuine, creative, and close-knit Nigerian music is all about. Even after 17 years, it’s still a powerful piece of music. Great music, like all real classics, gets better with age.

Listen Here

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However, what differentiates Kunmie in a field crowded with brilliant individuals? Among the many other young musicians aspiring to stardom, his is special. Perhaps it’s his unique tone, his ability to express genuine feelings in his songs, or his actions. As more people discover about Kunmie’s music, one thing becomes clear: his first single, “Arike,” has won over fans in a way that few artists can with their first release.

Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter widely known as Kunmie did not become famous by chance. He wrote a song called “Arike” with an open approach towards its feelings and a smooth beat. Anyone in love, yearning, or seeking peace can find suitable background music here, you can tell from the lyrics. This song is great for a romantic moment alone with your partner since it is very moving and speaks to the heart. Kunmie’s approach is unusual in an era of many love songs.Arike is a sincere plea for love, understanding, and forgiveness, not just another love song.

“What inspired the creation of such a beautiful song?” is one of the most pressing questions about Kunmie’s success.We look at Kunmie’s past, personal circumstances, and what drives him to write in reaction to them. Kunmie is well-known for his acute sensitivity of the emotional component of life. His songs are genuine accounts of real people’s lives, not merely words set to music. Kunmie writes ‘Arike’ from his own love and suffering, which seems universal but is yet very personal. For any artist, much alone one making their debut, he has produced something that appeals to a wide range of people while being personal.

 

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We now need to figure out Kunmie’s next move. Will Arike be able to continue his momentum? In a sector where fame is volatile, musicians often struggle to maintain the magic that initially drew them in. In contrast, his debut demonstrates that he is more than a temporary interest. He will be around for a long time because of his passion to writing songs that really resonate with people and his apparent understanding of the power of emotional expression in music. Kunmie’s future in the music industry seems to be bright because of his talent he has showcased in writing his debut song.

As 2025 kicks off, new, creative artists emerge in the music business, each with their own unique contribution. Apparently, Kunmie devised a way to stand out throughout this procedure. Despite being a rising star in the music industry, his first record has already made an impact.It’s certain that Kunmie is well-known as an artist to watch. It remains to be seen if he can continue to evolve and make music that pushes limits.

What does the future hold for this emerging talent?Is it certain he can keep up the speed and make even more big impacts in the music industry? Time will only show. People are excited to see what else skilled, top-charting artist Kunmie has in store; his song “Arike” has become one of the most intriguing songs of 2025 so far.

You all should be keep an eye on Kunmie!

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Afropop sensation, Ayra Starr has today, May 31st, 2024 released her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21 (TYIT21), a blended masterpiece comprising 15 tracks.

The groove and charm of the project grow on its listeners. It’s not a ‘cut to the chase’ project but is carefully put together to build gradually as you tune up.

“Birds Song of Money” introduces a strong, local tribute to the music prodigy, transitioning to a pop-like beat.  “Goodbye” with Asake brings that “home feeling” with the sound of the saxophone accompanied by heavy kicks.

“Woman Commando” resonates Rema’s 2019 hit “Commando” – a mix of subtle bragging and good vibes. In it, she features Anita and Coco Jones, who represent bold figures and pride of the female gender.

As a perfectionist, “Control” flows like a freestyle created in front of fans, featuring familiar hooks like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Go…go”.

The next track, “Lagos Love Story,” blends local pop elements with Afro melodies. As the name suggests, it tells a love story. “21” is very introspective and reflective. It reviews her journey from the beginning to now, showing her self-affirmation and strength developed over the years. She sees how much she has achieved.

Bad Vibez has the potential to produce a solid street credibility and announcement. The Amapiano smash accompanied by Seyi Vibez’ vocals is splendid.

Jazzy’s Song is the height for me. It mirrors Wande Coal’s 2008 ‘You Bad‘. The bang, the feel, the groove, the sensation, and the memories it brings to life are perfect. It’s a 10 and the classic piece to kick-start a perfect TikTok challenge.

In all these, “The Year I Turned 21” celebrates Ayra Starr’s growth and hints at her bright future as a global superstar. Her talent is clear for all to see, and her dedication to her dreams shines through every song. With each achievement, Ayra Starr shows she’s a powerful presence in African music, and this album strengthens her role as a leading voice.

“The Year I Turned 21” is a must-listen for anyone who loves good music. Ayra Starr has truly delivered, and it looks like this is just the beginning for her.

Listen up!

STREAM AND GET HERE 

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Certain talents have etched themselves so distinctly that they’re impossible to overlook. While there’s a general notion of the artists and music genres trending in Nigeria in 2024 based on historical patterns, for the latest updates on the top Naija songs dominating the airwaves, one would need to delve into the current platforms.

Nigerian music, renowned for its dynamism, has seen Afrobeats reign supreme, with luminaries like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Davido consistently gracing the charts in past years.

Given their continued success and popularity, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido are strong contenders for topping the list. Their consistent ability to produce hit songs and maintain a significant presence in the Nigerian music scene positions them well for claiming top spots on the list. However, there may also be rising talents or unexpected newcomers who have made a significant impact in Q1 2024, so it’s always interesting to see how the rankings unfold.

• Here are the full top 20 Naija songs based on radio impressions in Q1 2024.

1. Kizz Daniel, davido — Twe Twe (Remix)

Kizz Daniel and Davido’s “Twe Twe” remix has asserted its dominance as the premier track in Nigeria across a spectrum of streaming platforms and airplay reach from January to March 2024.

The remix of “Twe Twe” stands tall as the top song of the first quarter of 2024, commanding the charts on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Audiomack. Its widespread popularity is further bolstered by its extensive airplay reach across the nation.

2. Omah Lay — Holy Ghost

3. Sarz, Asake, and Gunna — Happiness

4. Chike, Mohbad — Egwu

5. Flavour — ⁠Big Baller

6. Nasboi, Wande Coal — Umbrella

7. Phyno, Burna Boy — Do I (Remix)

8. Seyi Vibez — Different Pattern

9. Asake — Only Me

10. Wizkid, Zlatan Ibile — IDK

11. Jack Harlow — Lovin On Me

12. ⁠Spyro, Simi — Only Fine Girl (Remix)

13. Shalipopi, Odumodublvck — Cast

14. Kizz Daniel — Too Busy To Be Bae

15. Young Jonn — Go Hard

16. Lojay, Olamide — Arizona

17. Victony, Crayon, and Bella Shmurda — OHEMA

18. Rema— DND

19. Ayar Starr — Commas

20. Wizkid, Wande Coal — Ololufe

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Upon its release, ‘Timeless‘ surpassed expectations, achieving success commercially and solidifying its place as Davido’s most successful album to date. The album’s launch was a momentous occasion, drawing attention from Nigeria and beyond as one of the most significant events in the history of Afrobeats.

‘Timeless‘ featured hit songs such as ‘Unavailable‘ with Musa Keys, ‘Feel‘, ‘Away‘, and ‘Na Money‘ featuring Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo, Skepta, Asake, and other talented artists. These tracks further propelled the album’s success, contributing to its Grammy nomination and impressive streaming numbers.

In recognition of Davido’s achievements with ‘Timeless,’ Mp3bullet highlights several records that the album not only broke but also established in the music industry.

1. ‘Timeless‘ breaks the all-time record for the biggest debut week by any album on Spotify Nigeria, accumulating 4.91 million streams on its first day of release, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini‘ which previously held the record with 4.89 million streams.

2. The first track, ‘OVER DEM,’ on the album sets a new all-time record for most single-day streams for any song in Spotify Nigeria history, achieving over 2 times the previous record with 460,000 streams.

3. Within 24 hours of its release, ‘Timeless‘ charted in the Apple Music Album Charts in 102 countries.

4. ‘Timeless‘ breaks the record for the biggest first-day streams on Boomplay, accumulating 7.25 million streams on its opening day, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini‘ which previously held the record with 3.38 million streams.

5. ‘Timeless‘ tops the Apple Music Album Chart in 26 countries.

6. ‘Timeless‘ peaks at No. 2 on the United Kingdom Apple Music chart, setting a new record for an African album.

7. Davido’s ‘Timeless‘ sets a new record for the first-day streams of African albums on Apple Music.

8. ‘Timeless‘ accumulates over 12 million streams in its first 24 hours on Audiomack, surpassing any other album in the platform’s history.

9. Davido’s ‘Timeless‘ breaks the record for the biggest African album in Apple Music history by first-day streams worldwide.

10. ‘Timeless‘ sets a new record for the most simultaneous African songs on Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100, with nine tracks.

11. The album reaches Number Two on Apple Music’s US Albums chart, setting a new record for an African album.

12. ‘Timeless‘ also breaks the record for the African album with the most simultaneous Number One entries on Apple Music’s album chart.

13. ‘Timeless‘ becomes the first African album to hit #1 on the US iTunes Albums chart, achieving this feat six days after its release.

14. ‘Timeless’ sets a new all-time record for the biggest debut for any album in Spotify Nigeria history, accumulating 14.5 million streams during the week of March 31–April 6, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini’.

15. ‘Timeless’ breaks the record for the biggest debut week by any album on Boomplay Nigeria, accumulating over 22 million streams within four days of release, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini’ which previously held the record with 18.8 million streams.

16. Eight tracks from ‘Timeless’ occupy the first eight spots on the all-time list for the biggest weekly tally by any single on Spotify Nigeria, with ‘OVER DEM‘ ranking at No. 1 with 1.26 million streams.

17. ‘Timeless‘ sets a new record for the biggest debut week for any album on YouTube Nigeria, amassing 4.10 million streams.

18. Davido’s “Timeless” album ranks number thirty-nine on an esteemed chart alongside other notable releases such as Drake’s “For All the Dogs,” Metro Boomin’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and Lil Yachty’s “Let’s Start Here.”

19. ‘Timeless’ becomes the fastest album in Boomplay’s history to surpass 10 million streams, achieving this milestone on April 1, 2023. It also holds the record for the fastest album to surpass 1 million streams within 24 hours of release.

20. Davido’s “Timeless” recorded 1.9 BILLION streams in its first year of release across 5 platforms

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Around the world, music has an impact on all aspects of life, even on the most depressing occasions. People who are impacted by the song frequently come out to offer their support as a show of appreciation or unity.

In certain instances, the passing of African musicians has transcended mere mourning, evolving into profound moments of acknowledgment and reverence. Mp3bullet walks through the burials of three African music icons, where their farewells were marked by honors akin to those bestowed upon presidents. These ceremonies were characterized by an overwhelming turnout of well-wishers paying their final respects, imbued with an atmosphere of reverence and heroic ambiance.

African Artistes Who Had A ‘Presidential’ Burial

1. Fela Kuti – Nigeria

Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì was a Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist who was born on October 15, 1938 and passed away on August 2, 1997. Regarded as the King of Afrobeat, he is a Nigerian music genre that blends jazz and funk from the United States with West African music. He was described as one of Africa’s most “challenging and charismatic music performers” at the height of his fame. AllMusic referred to him as “a musical and sociopolitical voice” of global importance.

Afrobeat was created by Kuti, fusing tight horn arrangements, thrilling polyrhythms, politically motivated lyrical content, and the raw guitars and jazzy undercurrents of traditional highlife. Throughout the 1970s, Kuti had an unmatched hot streak marked by numerous thrilling live performances and genre-defining Afrobeat records like 1977’s Zombie and 1975’s Expensive Shit. His music will have a lasting impact on the world long after he passed away in 1997. He was a star in Nigeria at the time. As the ideas that Kuti was working on made their way into new sounds from jazz performers, American rock acts like the Talking Heads, and fresh waves of Afrobeat revivalists, countless musicians would eventually catch up with the vision that he established in his prime in the 1970s.

Afrobeat originated with Fela and evolved into a contagious and exciting phenomenon for future generations.

He was a cultural outlaw and the voice of Nigeria’s underprivileged. The military dictatorship in Nigeria attempted to put an end to this, and from the time Fela returned to Nigeria until his passing, the government was hellbent on keeping him quiet. They harassed, imprisoned, and threatened to kill him. In 1977, a second government-approved attack on his Kalakuta compound by 1,000 Nigerian soldiers was one of the most heinous acts of violence against him. Fela was left with multiple broken bones, including a shattered skull; his mother, who was 82 years old, was flung from an upstairs window, suffering life-threatening injuries. Firefighters were unable to access the property because the military had set it on fire. His musical instruments and recording studio were destroyed.

On August 3, 1997, Kuti’s brother, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a well-known AIDS activist and former health minister, declared that Kuti had passed away the day before due to problems associated with the disease. Due to Kuti’s denial of AIDS, his widow insisted that he did not pass away from the disease. Seun, his youngest son, assumed the position of leader of Kuti’s previous band, Egypt 80. The group is still going strong in 2022, putting forth music under the name Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.

One million people attended Fela Kuti’s burial, according to reports. The crammed Tafawa Balewa Square was where he was lying in state. Everything on Lagos Island was closed. 500,000 people participated in the march from TBS to Fela’s Ikeja residence, Kalakuta.

2. DJ Arafat – Ivory Coast

Ange Didier Houon, known as DJ Arafat, was an Ivorian singer and disc jockey who was born on January 26, 1986. He produced music in the Coupé-Décalé genre. Among his greatest hits were “Jonathan,” “202,” “Dosabado,” “Kpangor,” “Zoropoto,” and “Enfant Beni.” He was well-liked in French-speaking Africa and was the 2016 and 2017 Coupé-Decalé Awards’ Best Artist of the Year winner.

He was regarded as one of the most well-known African musicians worldwide by Francophone nations. Sometime in 2009, he rose to fame in his genre.

Throughout his fifteen-year career, he published eleven albums, most of them in the well-known “Coupé-Décalé” dance music genre.

He was dubbed the “king” of Coupé-Décalé by the BBC; the term “cut and run” means “to cheat someone and run away” in Ivorian dialect, and it originated during the country’s civil conflict in the early 2000s. Rap-style vocals, heavy bass, and quick percussion are all featured in the song. Arafat came to represent the ostentatious, elegant lifestyle that the music is connected to. Dosabado is one of his most well-known songs. He enjoyed riding motorbikes, and in May 2019, he included one in his hit song, “Moto Moto.” He was involved in several motorbike accidents, one of which was quite serious in 2009. Arafat lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 2019.

At the nation’s primary stadium, tens of thousands of admirers of Ivorian musician DJ Arafat—the face of the wildly popular musical genre known as “coupe-decale”—gave him an incredible farewell.

A-list African celebrities, including Davido, Sidiki Diabate, Fally Ipupa, and Serge Beynaud, performed throughout the evening in honor of the music icon, who passed away on August 12 at the age of 33 following a motorcycle accident in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast.

He received the National Order of Cultural Excellence from Ivory Coast’s Minister of Culture, Maurice Bandaman, before the ceremony in recognition of “his immense contribution to the artistic radiance” of the country.

Arafat gained popularity throughout the continent in 2012 when he was selected “Best African Artist” in the pan-African Kora Music Awards. He went on to win Best Musician of the Year twice at the Coupe-Decale Awards in 2016 and 2017.

3. Miriam Makeba – South Africa

Zenzile Miriam Makeba, nicknamed Mama Africa, was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. She was born on March 4, 1932. Associated with world, jazz, and Afropop music, she was a vocal opponent of South Africa’s white-minority government and apartheid.

Known for her classics like “Pata Pata” and “The Click Song,” Makeba was a well-known vocalist in Africa who also voiced her opposition to apartheid.

In 1960, the white-run government in South Africa stripped Makeba of her citizenship and even forbade her from going back to attend her mother’s funeral. The singer lived in Europe, Guinea, and the United States for more than thirty years during her exile.

In 1965, Makeba won a Grammy for Best Folk Recording with American vocalist Harry Belafonte. However, once she starred in an anti-apartheid movie, her music was banned in her native country.

She shared the stage with American musician Paul Simon at his 1987 Graceland concert in Zimbabwe when she was still living in exile.

After Nelson Mandela was released from prison in the 1990s, she eventually returned home.

However, she had to search the South African record industry for six years before she was able to find a collaborator to make a record. She gave it the title Homeland.

After playing in an Italian concert, she passed away that night. 76 was her age.

Ms. Makeba was rushed to the private Pineta Grande clinic in Castel Volturno, near Naples, by ambulance, and the doctor there, Vincenza Di Saia, said that the cause was cardiac arrest. The doctor claimed that midnight was the time of death recorded in the hospital’s records.

According to South African officials, Ms. Makeba passed out while exiting the platform. After writing about organized crime, Roberto Saviano received death threats. She was singing at a performance in favor of Saviano.

A large concert hall in Johannesburg served as the venue for a public memorial service for singing star Miriam Makeba, who died during a performance in Italy, according to a spokeswoman.
The tribute was held at South Africa’s premier performance venue, the Coca-Cola Dome, which can hold up to 20,000 people.

In remembrance of the Grammy-winning singer whose singing exposed people worldwide to apartheid, South Africa observed a day of national mourning.

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The phrase ‘Afrobeats to the World’ primarily served as a vision and a testament to the potential of the genre and the talents of the artists driving its momentum.

This phrase has not only propelled but yielded positive recognition of the sound, acknowledging its global impact and acceptance to a wide range of audiences.

The artists spearheading this transformative wave consistently fill arenas in distant lands, captivating audiences who, thanks to the universal appeal of Afrobeats, momentarily share a common language and experience.

The RIAA has been awarding gold and platinum certifications to musical works in the US since 1958. A platinum certification is granted upon reaching 1 million equivalent streams.

Here is a list of Nigerian songs that have been certified multi-platinum in the United States.

• 💿 Love Nwantiti — 8X Platinum 💜✨

CKay’s “Love Nwantiti,” which gained widespread acclaim on TikTok in 2021, has emerged as a standout ambassador of Afrobeat, elevating Nigerian music to unprecedented heights. Originally featured on CKay’s EP “CKay The First” in 2019, this chart-topping single has now achieved an impressive RIAA 8-time platinum certification, solidifying its status as one of Nigeria’s most successful exports to the United States.

Since its release, the track has inspired numerous remixes by various artists, including Joeboy from Nigeria, Kuami Eugene from Ghana, Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto, and US artist De La Ghetto.

The song has achieved significant milestones, including reaching two-time platinum status in September 2022 and four-time platinum status in January 2023. Now, in March 2024, it has attained an extraordinary eight-time platinum certification, marking a remarkable achievement for both CKay and Nigerian music on the global stage.

The continuous success of “Love Nwantiti” underscores its pivotal role in garnering international recognition for Afrobeats. With each platinum certification, the song solidifies its status as a cultural phenomenon and paves the way for Nigerian music’s global expansion.

As it approaches the highly coveted 10-time platinum milestone, “Love Nwantiti” stands poised to make history as Afrobeats’ first RIAA diamond-certified song, a testament to its enduring impact and enduring popularity.

• 💿 Essence — 4X Platinum 🦅🕊️

“Essence” by Nigerian singer Wizkid, featuring Tems, has achieved an impressive 4x Platinum certification in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America, signifying sales and streams equivalent to 4,000,000 units. This accolade further solidifies the song’s status as one of the standout tracks in the Afrobeats genre, garnering international acclaim.

Released as the fourth single from Wizkid’s fourth studio album “Made in Lagos” on October 30, 2020, “Essence” attained its 4x Platinum certification on February 14, 2024. The song has reached significant milestones, including achieving two-time platinum status in March 2022, three-time platinum in November 2022, and four-time platinum in February 2024, marking a remarkable achievement for both Wizkid, Tems, and Nigerian music on the global stage.

“Essence” was essential in helping Tems gain fame across the globe. After contributing to the song, Tems made history as the first female Nigerian artist to premiere a single on the Billboard Hot 100, and she was also the first to debut at number one with Future’s “Wait For U.” She also became the first female musician from Nigeria to win a Grammy as a result of this achievement.

• 💿 Calm Down — 4X Platinum 🦇

Rema’s song “Calm Down” continues to gain popularity, earning a record 4x Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over 4 million equivalent units in the United States. “Calm Down” was originally released as one of the lead singles in 2022, ahead of Rema’s debut album “Raves & Roses,” and it has continually experienced enormous financial success.

Rema’s sensational hit track, featuring Selena Gomez on the remix, has been hailed as the biggest African single of 2023 and the second biggest global single of the same year.

The song has reached several significant milestones, including its first platinum certification in February 2023, two-time platinum status in May 2023, and three-time platinum status in August 2023. Now, in February 2024, “Calm Down” achieves an extraordinary four-time platinum certification, marking a remarkable achievement for both Rema and Nigerian music on the global stage.

The continued success of “Calm Down” underscores its pivotal role in garnering international recognition for Afrobeats. With each platinum certification, the song solidifies its status as a cultural phenomenon and further propels the expansion of Nigerian music on a global scale.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Full list of multi-platinum-certified Nigerian songs in USA.

Mp3bullet provides full coverage as we spotlight the Nigerian songs that have garnered the highest streams on Spotify over the past decade. Achieving substantial streaming numbers is a benchmark of success in the Nigerian music industry, signaling the songs that have resonated strongly on the global stage.

These impressive figures also serve to affirm to industry stakeholders the international recognition that Nigerian music rightfully deserves, following years of groundbreaking achievements. With that said, let’s delve into the most streamed Nigerian songs of all time on Spotify, leveraging its widespread popularity as the leading music streaming platform worldwide.

Here’s the rundown of the most streamed Nigerian songs on Spotify over the last ten years:

2013: “Personally” by P-Square:

In 2013, P-Square’s iconic duo took the spotlight with their mesmerizing track “Personally.” Released as the second single from their sixth studio album, “Double Trouble” (2014), the song quickly captured audiences with its smooth vibes. “Personally” soared to the number 1 position on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10 Chart from August 10 through August 22, 2013. Its popularity continued to surge, earning it the title of Spotify’s most streamed song of 2013, amassing an impressive 39 million streams.

2014: Ojuelegba by Wizkid:

In 2014, Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” catapulted him to global stardom, showcasing his infectious melodies and laying the foundation for his future triumphs. Featured on his self-titled second studio album, “Ayo” (2014), the song resonated deeply with audiences, shedding light on Wizkid’s journey as an underground artist navigating the streets of Ojuelegba to pursue his recording dreams.

The title itself pays homage to the bustling metropolitan area of Lagos Mainland. “Ojuelegba” soared to the top of Capital Xtra’s Afrobeats Chart in February 2015 and garnered multiple awards for its acclaim. With its immense popularity, the song emerged as Spotify’s most streamed track of 2014, accumulating an impressive 49 million streams.

2015: “Duro” by Tekno:

In 2015, Tekno surged to the forefront with the infectious Afrobeats anthem “Duro.” This high-energy track epitomizes the genre’s trademark danceable rhythms and irresistible hooks. Its release marked a significant trend across African nations, propelled by the captivating sounds of a globally recognized and talented artist.

“Duro” clinched the Best Pop Extra Video award at the 9th Nigeria Music Video Awards in 2015 and received nominations in the Hottest Single and Best Music Video of the Year categories at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Following its triumphant journey, the song emerged as Spotify’s most streamed track of 2015, accumulating an impressive 22 million streams.

2016: “Kontrol” by Maleek Berry:

With its modern flair and strong lyrics, Maleek Berry’s “Kontrol” from 2016 completely changed the Afrobeats genre. The song gained popularity quickly and is now among the most popular songs on streaming platforms. With an astounding 117 million plays, “Kontrol” became the most streamed song on Spotify in 2016 as a result of its meteoric rise in popularity.

2017: “Come Closer” by Wizkid ft. Drake:

In 2017, Wizkid reclaimed the spotlight with the star-studded collaboration “Come Closer,” featuring Drake. Serving as the third single from Wizkid’s third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side,” this track emerged as the album’s most commercially successful. Notably, “Come Closer” marked Wizkid’s third official collaboration with Drake, further solidifying their musical synergy.

Their previous collaboration, “One Dance,” had already made streaming history by surpassing three billion streams on Spotify. “Come Closer” continued this streak of success, becoming Spotify’s most streamed song of 2017, with an impressive 137 million streams.

2018: “On the Low” by Burna Boy:

In 2018, Burna Boy made a significant breakthrough with the introspective and atmospheric track “On the Low.” This song, featured on Burna Boy’s fourth studio album, “African Giant,” released on July 26, 2019, garnered widespread acclaim. With numerous certifications in Europe and beyond, “On the Low” surged in popularity, accumulating over 267 million streams on Spotify in 2018 alone.

2019: “Love Nwantiti” by CKay:

In 2019, CKay’s irresistible track “Love Nwantiti” captured global attention with its infectious melody and sing-along chorus, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

Initially released in 2019 as the second track from his EP “Ckay the First,” the song gained immense popularity later, particularly in 2021. It became the most-streamed Nigerian song on Spotify for 2018, accumulating over 825 million streams.

“Love Nwantiti” dominated charts across Europe, Australia, Latin America, and New Zealand, achieving number one positions in India, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. It also secured the third spot on the UK Singles Chart and topped the UK Indie Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200, while also making an appearance on the Canadian Hot 100.

Notably, “Love Nwantiti” holds the title of the best-selling Nigerian and African song of all time, with over 10 million certified units sold worldwide.

2020: “Essence” by Wizkid ft. Tems: 

In 2020, Wizkid collaborated with the soulful Tems to produce “Essence,” a global sensation that later received a remix featuring Justin Bieber.

“Essence” by Wizkid and Tems holds the distinction of being the second best-selling Nigerian song of all time and the most streamed Nigerian song of 2020 on Spotify, accumulating over 226 million streams.

Originally released on April 9, 2021, as the fourth single from Wizkid’s album “Made in Lagos,” “Essence” made history as the first Nigerian song to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200. It also secured positions on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at 16, and the Canadian Hot 100, reaching number 30.

With 2.495 million certified units sold worldwide, “Essence” has earned two gold certifications in the UK and New Zealand, as well as platinum certifications in the United States and Canada. The song garnered numerous accolades, including a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance. Rolling Stone magazine even named it the best song of 2021.

2021: “Love Nwantiti (Remix)” by CKay ft. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene:

In 2021, the timeless appeal of “Love Nwantiti” was reaffirmed with the release of a remix featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, showcasing CKay’s enduring popularity.

The remix of “Love Nwantiti” by CKay, featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, emerged as the most streamed Nigerian song of all time on Spotify in 2021, amassing over 583 million streams. Released on August 21, 2020, the remix aimed to broaden the song’s reach across Africa, and its impact was felt strongly.

The song gained significant traction in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Denmark, where it climbed to the top of the charts and accumulated a multitude of streams, further solidifying its status as a global hit.

2022: “Calm Down (Remix)” by Rema ft. Selena Gomez:

In 2022, rising Afrobeats sensation Rema joined forces with global pop icon Selena Gomez for the electrifying “Calm Down (Remix).”

The remix of “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, was unveiled on August 25, 2022, marking a pivotal moment in Rema’s career. This revamped rendition swiftly soared to the summit of both the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs and the Billboard Global Excl. US charts, while also securing a notable third position on the Global 200 chart.

Earning widespread acclaim, the remix emerged as the second best-selling global single of 2023, with an impressive 1.89 billion subscription streams equivalent worldwide. It’s hailed as the pinnacle of Afrobeats success, cementing its place in music history.

In addition to its monumental achievements, the song dominated the charts on Spotify in 2021, becoming the platform’s most streamed song with over 1.3 billion streams, further solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

2023: “Unavailable” by Davido:

In 2023, the endlessly prolific Davido reclaimed the spotlight with his track “Unavailable.” This captivating song features vocals by South African singer Musa Keys and was unleashed on April 11, 2023, serving as the second single from Davido’s fourth studio album, “Timeless” (2023).

“Unavailable” swiftly ascended to the top, securing the number one position on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart for an impressive five-week reign. It also made waves on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, peaking at number 3.

This track didn’t just conquer the charts; it dominated streaming platforms as well. “Unavailable” emerged as the most streamed song on Spotify in 2023, accumulating a staggering 135 million streams, further solidifying Davido’s status as a powerhouse in the music industry.

2024 (so far): “Commas” by Ayra Starr:

In 2024, Ayra Starr, a rising star in the music scene, takes center stage with her vibrant and aspirational track, “Commas.” This energetic anthem quickly soared to the top, clinching the prestigious No. 1 position on Apple Music’s Nigerian Top 100 songs chart.

Ayra Starr’s triumph solidifies her reputation as the “Celestial Being” and the quintessential “Sabi Girl” of her generation, showcasing her consistent ability to dominate the charts.

Furthermore, “Commas” achieves another milestone by becoming the most streamed song on Spotify in 2024, amassing an impressive 17 million streams. This achievement underscores Ayra Starr’s undeniable talent and growing influence in the music industry.

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“Music is a spiritual thing, you don’t play with music. If you play with music you will die young. You see, because when the higher forces give you the gift of music…musicians hip, it must be well used for the gift of humanity,-  these were the words of the legend and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapokuti.

These words imply the sacredness and spirituality of music as a whole, narrowing it down to indigenous sound, “Afrobeats” which has been the umbrella for every successful Nigerian artiste and West African at large.

Nigerian music serves as a reflection of our society, capturing its essence and values. While it may seem to primarily convey upbeat emotions, it goes into deeper themes and issues. It offers a window into the minds of both creators and listeners, highlighting not only joy but also complexities and challenges within Nigerian culture.

The struggle for global recognition through this music pays off with the consistencies of both creators and listeners who find it patriotic and entertaining.

Nigerian music carries depth and meaning. As a vibrant nation, we express ourselves through rhythm and find emotional upliftment in joyful melodies. This is why drums remain a central element in our pop music, symbolizing our love for celebration and happiness.

However, the umbrella, “Afrobeats” whose guide has been the shelter and momentum for growth for which these artsites find their footing is being chastised by the very people it covers.

Why are Nigerian artistes at war with “Afrobeats?”

To understand the root cause, let’s take a stroll back to the inception of the tag “Afrobeats to the World” and its objective.

By 2010, Afrobeats had solidified its position as a powerful musical genre, characterized by its vibrant fusion of Afro-pop, R&B, rap, grime, and other styles, all thanks to the collaborative endeavors of Nigerian, Ghanaian, and British-African artistes.

This diverse mix gave rise to a fluid musical environment where influences effortlessly conjoined. The global rise of Afrobeats was further propelled by influential UK labels, harnessing streaming platforms and the flourishing multiculturalism within Europe’s underground scene.

In 2013, Wizkid released the game-changer, Ojuelegba and the tag Afrobeats to the world became a continental movement, with Nigeria at the forefront.

Fast-forward to 2018, Burna Boy made Ye while Wizkid complemented once again with Essence in 2020. In between, other Nigerian stars like Davido, Runtown, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and a host of others made their huge contributions with great songs.

These singers carved their niches through the spectrum of an indigenous sound, which evolved as they progressed in associations, reach and more importantly, listeners.

However, in the cause of their evolvement and reach, they have been relegated to a demographic and thus have been excluded from recognition alongside other genres.

For instance, Burna Boy made I Told Them – a  Hip-hop eccentric album but found his recognition in the Afrobeats category in every nomination.

This was the same with Wizkid for his Made In Lagos Album and More Love Less Ego album, which were heavily influenced by pop sounds and elements.

And this results in the displeasure of these artistes.

So, what are they trying to achieve?

First, the change in sound and the distinctiveness to be recognised in other genres such as Hip-hop, RnB, Soul etc. This is aimed to compete at the global stage with other nominations, instead of being caged under the “Afrobeats” tag.

Furthermore, the narrative aims for diversity and acceptance from fans of various races, encouraging them to recognize these artists as the stars they truly are, independent of any specific affiliations attributing to their success.

Personally, the end seems uncertain, however, the nudge to denounce one’s identity is succinct to not have at all. What happens when you are reminded you are a Nigerian even if your sound is westernized and there is a category for your “people?”

There are the “Marleys”, who have been ingrained to the reggae beat, and not at a point have they felt the need to compete in the Afrobeats genre, neither denounced it.

This is the same with other world stars like Beyonce, Ye, J Cole, Chris Brown, Adele, Angelique Kidjo, and many more living in the blossoms of their rooted sounds.

We find that for a sound to be progressive, all stakeholders have to be involved; from the makers to the listeners. So, when an artiste denounces his heritage, either for recognition or to express his displeasure, it is as good as denouncing his foundation.

Afrobeats has not hit its peak, as it is still relatively young compared to other genres like reggae, hip-hop, soul, RnB, latin and others.

Music artistes, particularly A-list should embrace the uniqueness and glide on its wings rather than denounce it, which ultimately leads to its downfall and derecognition.

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Made her way to global stardom in 2023 with the smash track, Water, Tyla commenced a journey to position herself as the next biggest pop star in Africa,

Her journey has been extraordinary, pushing boundaries in the music industry and exporting a refined sound to larger prospects.

Tyla’s debut album features 14 songs exploring various genres. She leans towards commercialization over defining fun. Most tracks lean heavily towards commercial appeal, prioritizing commercial success over entertainment value.

A rundown of the tracks: the album opener ‘Safer’ dispels any notion of Tyla being a one-hit-wonder. Its lively sound contrasts with lyrics delving into romantic challenges, echoing the themes in her recent single ‘Truth Or Dare’.

As the album progresses, tracks like ‘No 1’ featuring Nigerian artist Tems, reflect Tyla’s renewed sense of self-worth. Collaborations with rappers Gunna and Skillibeng on ‘Jump’ bring a shift to dancehall beats, while a feature by Latin-American pop star Becky G on ‘On My Body’ further underscores Tyla’s global influence and artistic evolution.

These songs are best in terms of commercial positioning with its collaborators for new audiences, acceptance, recognition and awards, yet, they lack the urge for a re-listen.

Tyla, however, expressed her overflowing emotions about the album: “Honestly, everything that’s happening right now is beyond anything I ever dared to dream of. African music is taking the world by storm, and I’m so grateful to be one of the artists pushing our incredible culture forward. For the past two years, I’ve been meticulously crafting my sound, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Get ready to experience an African Popstar – let’s go wild, Tygers!”

With her eponymous album boasting an impressive lineup of collaborators, Tyla marks a promising start to her music run, yet shields the importance of establishing her own uniqueness to listeners.

It’s a vibrant celebration of African music on the global stage, signaling the emergence of an artist with immense potential.

Listen up!

STREAM AND GET HERE 

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It’s often said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and it’s remarkable to learn that many Nigerian artistes have discovered their life partners in foreign lands.

In this piece, Mp3bullet presents a compilation of Nigerian artists who have discovered love with partners from different nationalities, exemplifying the richness of cross-cultural romances.

Nigerian Artistes Who Are Married To Foreigners

Moses Bliss and Marie Wiseborn 

Moses and Marie’s love story commenced with a mere tag on social media. Enthralled by Marie’s sincere praise and David-like dance moves in the video, Moses couldn’t resist. Their friendship blossomed over months, culminating in marriage.

Marie Wiseborn is the wife of Moses Enang, popularly known as Moses Bliss and she hails from Ghana. They held their traditional and customary wedding at Perez Chapel International, Accra, Ghana in February 2024.

Lamboginny and Taccara Rae

Yinka Lawanson, also recognized by his stage name Lamboginny, is a Nigerian artist, encompassing roles as an Afro-Dancehall musician, YouTuber, and humanitarian. He was engaged to his American spouse, Taccara Rae on 17 November 2017, and married on 5 January 2018.

As one half of the TikTok duo Ling and Lamb alongside his wife Taccara Rae (known as Ling), he debuted the inaugural episode of “Keep it Reel with Ling and Lamb” on Apple Podcasts on July 27, 2021.

Dotman and Madison

In 2021, Nigerian singer, Dotman married his girlfriend, Madison a few months after she gave birth to their first child. The marriage was held at a private event in the U.S and had few people in attendance.

Giving a hint on the marriage, Dotman took to his IG page to post a picture of himself and his baby mama turn wife with the caption; I was lost in the world I was looking for a way, but then I found you baby 🥰 God bless our union AMIN. I LOVE YOU .

However, in 2023, hints of the duo getting a divorce ensued following an altercation between the two on an Instagram live session.  They have two kids.

Tim Godfrey and Erica

Tim Godfrey is one of  Nigeria’s leading gospel singers known for his hit song Nara in collaboration with Travis Greene. Godfrey got married on Saturday, 23 April 2022 to his American fiancé Erica, who he had proposed to on Valentine’s Day.

Their white wedding ceremony was held in Culpeper, VA, United States. A year later, they welcomed their first child.

Theophilus Sunday and Ashlee White

Gospel singer Theophilus Sunday introduced his fiance on social media, sharing photos of themselves adorned in white attire for their pre-wedding photo shoot.

Captioning the post with “As it pleases the Lord! @itsashleewhite,” the announcement by Theophilus was met with excitement from followers.

Sunday’s bride is Ashlee White and she is of Jamaican-American descent.

Nigerian Artistes Who Are Married To Foreigners

• Moses Bliss and Marie Wiseborn
• Theophilus Sunday and Ashlee White
• Lamboginny and Taccara Rae
• Dotman and Madison
• Tim Godfrey and Erica

Worth of Mention

• Limoblaze and Favour Emma – Limoblaze met his Nigerian-based lady in the UK and got married in 2022
• Neon Adejo and Lade Kehinde – Neon met his Nigerian-based fiancee in the UK
  

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