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 1 . Rema, Selena Gomez - Calm Down"Calm Down" pairs Rema's laid-back Afrobeats groove with Selena Gomez's airy vocal presence, reshaping the song's mellow storytelling into a cross-continental exchange. Released first as part of "Rave & Roses," the track finds new energy in the remix, which expands its reach beyond its original audience. The song climbs to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone for both artists. Rema, born Divine Ikubor, steps into the global spotlight after his breakout with "Dumebi" and his deal with Jonzing World.
The music video is directed by Charm La'Donna
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 2 . Ayra Starr - Rush"Rush" sees Ayra Starr weaving confidence and ambition into an Afrobeats groove, dismissing negativity while staying focused on success. Released on September 16, 2022, through Mavin Records, the track is penned by Starr and Prince Omoferi, with production from Hoops and Andre Vibez. Its viral momentum on TikTok fuels its commercial reach. The accompanying video places Starr in a series of vibrant settings, reinforcing the song's fearless tone. It earns her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, Starr emerges as a singer, songwriter, and model. Signed to Mavin Records in 2020 after sharing covers online, she drops her self-titled EP in January 2021, followed by her debut album, "19 & Dangerous," in August the same year. Her collaborations include Crayon, and she gains attention within the Afrobeats scene.
The music video is directed by TG Omori
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 3 . Omah Lay - SosoOmah Lay's "Soso," from his 2022 album, delves into emotional pain and the search for solace. Its poignant lyrics narrate personal struggles with mental health. A 2023 remix with Puerto Rican artist Ozuna introduced an international dimension, blending afrobeats with Latin influences, showcasing a universal appeal. The music video is directed by Top Shotta Featured on the album Boy Alone
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 4 . Chiké, Mohbad - Egwu"Egwu" is a 2024 release from Nigerian singer-songwriter Chike, featuring the late Mohbad. The song blends Afrobeat and highlife rhythms, with "Egwu" meaning "dance" in Igbo. It took on special significance following Mohbad's tragic passing, transforming into a posthumous tribute. With its infectious beat, the song became both a celebration of life and a melancholic farewell. The music video is directed by Director Pink
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 6 . Fireboy Dml - Bandana"Bandana" pairs Fireboy DML with Asake in a track born mid-tour, with Asake reportedly recording his verse aboard a moving bus. Produced by P.Priime and shepherded by YBNL Nation head Olamide, the collaboration traces back to the duo’s shared undergraduate years at Obafemi Awolowo University. Released in July 2022 under YBNL Nation and Empire, it serves as the final single from Fireboy’s third studio album, "Playboy." With "Playboy," Fireboy—real name Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan—enters the Billboard 200 at number 123. The music video is directed by TG Omor
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 7 . Dax - Lonely Dirt Road"Lonely Dirt Road" feels like a late-night confessional set against a backdrop of dusty Americana. Dax appears as both narrator and participant, weaving a tale of self-scrutiny over melancholy alt-country instrumentation spiked with subtle hip-hop rhythms. The LexNour production leans on stripped-down acoustics, leaving emotional rawness to take the wheel. Logan Meis' visual direction stuffs the video with tactile imagery: a barren dirt road cuts through isolation while chains heavy with metaphor announce themselves as symbols of unseen struggles. Recorded amidst the stillness of Missoula, Montana, there's an air of authenticity in the track's introspection that refuses polish for relatability. This isn't the usual tale of triumph through hardship; it's one of uneasy self-awareness, narrated by an artist who doesn't hesitate to air his fractures. The song takes cues from Dax's mental health walks, adding a layer of lived experience that bypasses theatrics in favor of gritty introspection. Moments of the song carry echoes of vulnerability that feel custom-built for headlights illuminating a darkened trail—both physically and metaphorically. The music video is directed by Logan Meis
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 8 . Victony - Soweto"Soweto" by Nigerian singer Victony, released in May 2022 and produced by Tempoe, mixes Afrobeats and amapiano elements. Its catchy melody and lyrics detailing admiration for a captivating woman helped it rise to global prominence, especially on TikTok. The track saw two notable remixes featuring artists like Rema, Don Toliver, and Omah Lay, further amplifying its international reach. The music video is directed by Jyde Ajala Featured on the album Outlaw (ep)
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 9 . Rema - Calm DownRema’s 2022 hit "Calm Down," produced by Andre Vibez and London, tells a story of romance sparked at a party. Its catchy Afrobeat sound helped it reach the UK Singles Chart's top three, while a remix featuring Selena Gomez boosted the song's global appeal, charting high on Billboard. The track’s viral dance challenge and political resonance in Iran also added layers of cultural significance beyond the music alone. The music video is directed by Director K Featured on the album Rave & Roses
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 10 . Iyanya - One Side - Remix“One Side (Remix)” is an Afro‑pop remix released in February 2023 by Nigerian artist Iyanya, featuring Mayorkun and Tekno. The single was issued by Made Men Music Group/Ziiki Media. The remix brought new vocals from Mayorkun and Tekno over Iyanya’s original, and an official video and lyric edit were released. It maintains the original’s romantic theme and catchy beat. The music video is directed by OLU THE WAVE
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 11 . Kizz Daniel - Buga (Lo Lo Lo)"Buga" brings Kizz Daniel and Tekno together in a track produced by Reward Beatz, Blaisebeatz, and Yung Willis. Released on May 4, 2022, through Flyboy I.N.C and Empire Distribution, it quickly gains momentum. Blending a rhythmic groove with lyrics that celebrate success and perseverance, the track secures a strong presence on streaming platforms and dominates airwaves. The video presents a carnival-inspired atmosphere, reinforcing the song's energetic and celebratory theme.
The music video is directed by TG Omori
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 12 . Ruger - GirlfriendRuger’s 2022 single "Girlfriend" blends Afrobeat and dancehall rhythms. The song's flirtatious lyrics delve into the complexities of romantic relationships, exploring themes of desire and moral conflict. Produced by KukBeatz, Ruger unabashedly addresses his attraction to multiple women, highlighting the tension between passion and loyalty, reflecting contemporary Nigerian musical trends. The music video is directed by T.G Omor Featured on the album The Second Wave Deluxe
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 13 . Omah Lay - UnderstandOmah Lay's 2021 track "Understand" blends afrobeats and R&B to narrate the pain of betrayal. Reflecting his personal experiences, the song captures the struggles of navigating complicated relationships, solidifying his reputation as a storyteller through music. The music video is directed by Top Shotta
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 14 . Tems - Me & UNigerian artist Tems returned in October 2023 with "Me & U," after a two-year solo hiatus. Co-produced with GuiltyBeatz, the introspective track blends R&B and Afrobeat. Born from a freestyle during the "Essence" video shoot, its lyrics explore spiritual self-discovery and personal growth. The song won multiple accolades, including Best International Song at the NAACP Image Awards. The music video is directed by Tems
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 15 . Mavins - Overloading (Overdose)"Overloading (OVERDOSE)" brings together Crayon, Ayra Starr, LADIPOE, Magixx, and Boy Spyce under the Mavin Records banner, each injecting their distinct style into a blend of Afrobeats and pop. Produced by Andre Vibez and London, the track arrives as part of the label's 10th-anniversary festivities. Don Jazzy deliberately omits Rema, making room for other voices to take center stage. The single later finds a place on "Chapter X," a compilation marking the milestone.
The music video is directed by Director K
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 16 . Chris Brown - Sensational (w/ Davido, Lojay)Chris Brown's "Sensational," featuring Nigerian artists Davido and Lojay, dropped in October 2023 as the second single from Brown's eleventh studio album "11:11." Produced by DJ Hardwerk, the song celebrates romantic admiration, weaving together R&B and Afrobeat elements. The track debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2024, marking Davido and Lojay's first appearance on the chart, cementing their place in the global music scene. The music video is directed by Child Featured on the album 11:11
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 17 . Burna Boy - Tested, Approved & TrustedBurna Boy’s "Tested, Approved & Trusted," from his 2024 album, merges Afrobeats with 80s pop influences. Produced by Adrian X and Yeti Beats, the track reflects Burna Boy’s confidence and resilience in the face of global success. Accompanied by remixes featuring Prince Swanny and Major League DJz, the song reinforces his status as a leading voice in contemporary music. The music video is directed by Cameron Dean Featured on the album I Told Them...
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 18 . Wizkid - JoroWizkid's 2019 release "Joro," produced by Northboi, is a seductive Afrobeat track with lyrics primarily in Yoruba and Nigerian pidgin. The title "Joro" translates to "enjoy" or "savor" in Yoruba, reflecting the song's themes of love and desire. The music video, filmed between Lagos and London, adds a visual narrative of infatuation and intimacy, featuring British model Georgia Curtis. The music video is directed by Adriaan Louw
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 19 . Burna Boy - For My Hand (w/ Ed Sheeran)"For My Hand," a collaboration between Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran, blends Afrobeat and pop elements. Released in 2022, the song explores themes of love, devotion, and mutual support. Produced by P2J, the romantic ballad sees the duo serenade listeners with their smooth vocals, accompanied by a striking music video featuring New York's skyline as a backdrop. The music video is directed by Troy Roscoe Featured on the album Love, Damini
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 20 . Ckay - EmilianaCKay's "Emiliana," a standout track from his *Sad Romance* album under Warner Music South Africa, bears the production signature of Tempoe, CKay, and BMH, with Oboratare Abraham providing additional vocals. Forgoing an official video, the song becomes the first Afrobeats entry to grace the Billboard Top 200 charts, debuting at number 190. Its dominance extends to the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart, where it reigns supreme for seven consecutive weeks, while landing at number 44 on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 and ascending to number 9 on France's SNEP chart. The track also marks its presence internationally, peaking at number 21 on the Dutch Single Top 100 and at number 27 on Switzerland's Schweizer Hitparade. Certified Gold in Canada and the Netherlands, Silver in the UK, and Diamond in France, "Emiliana" explores CKay's reflections on long-distance relationships and longing. On December 4, 2021, CKay adds another layer to the song's legacy through an evocative live performance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. The music video is directed by ahmed. mosh
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ABOUT NIGERIAN POPNigerian Pop: Music and WordsNigerian Pop thrives on catchy melodies built around syncopated rhythms and vibrant percussive elements. Traditional instruments like the talking drum coexist with electronic synthesizers and beats, creating a signature sound. The production scene is led by producers such as P2J, Kiddominant, and Sarz. P2J’s influence can be seen in internationally acclaimed projects like Wizkid’s *Made in Lagos*, while Kiddominant crafted the globally recognized hit “Fall” by Davido. These producers shape the genre by blending African rhythms with modern pop sensibilities, driving the evolution of the sound. Lyrically, Nigerian Pop often digs into themes like love, success, celebration, and urban Nigerian culture. Artists draw on local metaphors and colloquial expressions, giving their music a deeply emotional resonance.
Nigerian Pop: Further ReadingA range of websites and platforms focus on promoting and analyzing Nigerian Pop and African music more broadly. Some notable ones include
Nigerian Pop: 10 Record LabelsNigerian Pop is supported by a vibrant network of record labels that nurture talent and promote the genre worldwide. Here are 10 leading labels in Nigerian Pop:
Nigerian Pop and Visual ArtsNigerian Pop is deeply intertwined with fashion and other various forms of visual expression, including painting, sculpture, movies, and television programs. In Fashion, many Nigerian Pop artists are also style icons, collaborating with local and international brands.
Album Art and Visual Culture: Nigerian pop stars often collaborate with visual artists for their album covers and promotional materials, creating bold, colorful designs that echo the aesthetics of pop art. For instance, artists like Laolu Senbanjo, known for his “Afromysterics” style of intricate patterns, have collaborated with musicians like Beyoncé for her *Lemonade* visual album Music Videos as Visual Art: Many Nigerian pop music videos blur the lines between music and visual art. Directors like Meji Alabi and TG Omori integrate elements of surrealism, color theory, and visual storytelling into their productions. Videos like Burna Boy‘s “Monsters You Made” include powerful visuals and sculptures representing political messages, touching upon themes of colonialism and corruption. These videos become an artistic medium, akin to contemporary visual art, with rich symbolism and narrative depth. TV Programs and Movies: Nigerian pop music often appears in the booming Nollywood film industry, where the boundary between music and cinema blurs. Films such as “King of Boys” integrate popular Nigerian music into their storylines, using it to enhance the narrative. Nollywood productions sometimes incorporate visual elements that reflect Nigerian Pop aesthetics—bright colors, exaggerated designs, and vibrant street scenes—which are reminiscent of pop art’s bold visuals. Sculpture and Installations: Although more indirectly, public art installations in Lagos and other Nigerian cities sometimes feature nods to the Nigerian Pop movement. Sculptors and installation artists like Victor Ehikhamenor, whose work blends contemporary art with traditional Nigerian motifs, create pieces that are influenced by the same cultural currents as Nigerian Pop. These installations celebrate Nigerian identity in ways that parallel the messaging in Nigerian pop music. TV Shows & Documentaries: Documentaries and TV series like “Afrobeats: The Backstory” explore the evolution of Nigerian music, offering a rich visual history of the genre. These shows present not just the music, but the surrounding visual culture, from fashion to visual art, which accompanies the rise of Nigerian Pop. These productions often feature vibrant cityscapes and Nigerian Pop-inspired imagery, blending visual storytelling with the music. In this way, Nigerian pop music influences a range of visual art forms, from album design and music video production to films and public art, making the connection between Nigerian Pop and visual/pop art a vibrant and dynamic one. |
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