Last updated on January 8, 2026, updated twice a month.

Rooted in Afrobeat, pioneered by Fela Kuti, and highlife from Ghana, Nigerian pop absorbs elements of Yoruba traditional music and incorporates contemporary sounds such as R&B, dancehall, hip-hop, and electronic music.

The list below ranks 20 recently released Nigerian Pop songs in descending order of engagement over the last 30 days.

1 . Rema, Selena Gomez - Calm Down

Details

“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.

Genres : afrobeats, afro-pop, dancehall, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Charm La’Donna

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.01% / 0.33%

2 . Ayra Starr - Rush

Details

“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.

Genres : afrobeats, afro-pop, nigerian pop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by TG Omori

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.59% / 0.41%

3 . Chiké, Mohbad - Egwu

Details

“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.

Genres : ,afrobeats, afropop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Director Pink

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

8.71% / 1.05%

4 . Omah Lay - Soso

Details

Omah 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.

Genres : R&B,afrobeats, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Top Shotta

Featured on the album Boy Alone

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.95% / 0.46%

5 . Fireboy Dml - Bandana

Details

“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.

Genres : afrobeats, pop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by TG Omor

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.93% / 0.54%

6 . Rema - Calm Down

Details

Rema’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.

Genres : ,afrobeats, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Director K

Featured on the album Rave & Roses

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.11% / 0.18%

7 . Kizz Daniel - Buga (Lo Lo Lo)

Details

“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.

Genres : afrobeats, afropop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by TG Omori

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.82% / 0.48%

8 . Mavins - Overloading (Overdose)

Details

“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.

Genres : afrobeats, afropop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Director K

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.40% / 0.41%

9 . Ruger - Girlfriend

Details

Ruger’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.

Genres : R&B, Pop,afrobeats, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by T.G Omor

Featured on the album The Second Wave Deluxe

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.13% / 0.48%

10 . AY YOLA - Homay

Details

Intertwining Bashkir folklore with pulsing electronics, “AY YOLA – Homay” rewires the Ural-Batyr myth into a sonic artifact of 2025.

Ay Yola pairs kurai, kyl-kubyz, and dombra with synths that hum like distant war drums.

Homay, equal parts protector spirit and cultural cipher, drifts through the track’s layered textures with calculated restraint.

Visual elements flaunt ethnic wear and ornamental design without lapsing into costume drama.

Genres : Nigerian Pop, Afrobeat

The music video is directed by Bayar Baradiev

Featured on the album Ay Yola

20.68% / 1.32%

11 . Victony - Soweto

Details

“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.

Genres : R&B, Pop,afrobeats, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Jyde Ajala

Featured on the album Outlaw (ep)

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.73% / 0.36%

12 . Tems - Me & U

Details

Nigerian 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.

Genres : R&B, World/Traditional, Pop,afro r&b, alte, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Tems

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

7.11% / 0.75%

13 . Omah Lay - Understand

Details

Omah 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.

Genres : R&B,afrobeats, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Top Shotta

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.49% / 0.31%

14 . Wizkid - Essence (w/ Tems)

Details

Released in October 2020, Wizkid’s “Essence” featuring Tems became a global phenomenon. Produced by P2J and Legendury Beatz, the track fuses Afrobeats and R&B. Its sensual lyrics about mutual desire catapulted the song into international acclaim, making it the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100. A remix with Justin Bieber in 2021 further propelled its success worldwide.

Genres : R&B, Pop, World/Traditional, Hip Hop,afrobeats, afropop, azonto, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop, afro r&b, alte,

The music video is directed by Kenny

Featured on the album Made in Lagos

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.20% / 0.26%

15 . Davido - Kante (w/ Fave)

Details

“Kante” pairs Davido with Fave over Damie’s production, weaving Afrobeats with dancehall influences.

Released on March 31, 2023, as part of his album “Timeless,” the track finds its place among fan favorites.

The music video plays with 2000s aesthetics and nods to old Nollywood visuals, setting a house party as its backdrop.

Born in Atlanta in 1992, Davido rose in the early 2010s and has since navigated Afrobeats with international inflections.

Genres : afrobeat, afropop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Dammy Twitch

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

8.97% / 0.78%

16 . Chris Brown - Sensational (w/ Davido, Lojay)

Details

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.

Genres : R&B, Pop, World/Traditional, Hip Hop,r&b, rap, afrobeats, afropop, azontobeats, ghanaian hip hop, nigerian pop, alte

The music video is directed by Child

Featured on the album 11:11

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.46% / 0.31%

17 . Wizkid - Joro

Details

Wizkid‘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.

Genres : afrobeats, afropop, azonto, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop,afrobeats, afropop, azonto, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Adriaan Louw

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.45% / 0.14%

18 . Burna Boy - For My Hand (w/ Ed Sheeran)

Details

“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.

Genres : R&B, World/Traditional, Hip Hop, Pop,afrobeats, azontobeats, dancehall, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop, pop, singer-songwriter pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by Troy Roscoe

Featured on the album Love, Damini

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.46% / 0.18%

19 . Burna Boy - Tested, Approved & Trusted

Details

Burna 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.

Genres : R&B, World/Traditional, Hip Hop, Pop,afrobeats, azontobeats, dancehall, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Cameron Dean

Featured on the album I Told Them…

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

9.49% / 0.69%

20 . Crayon, Ayra Starr - Ngozi

Details

Crayon‘s “Ngozi,” featuring Ayra Starr, released in 2023, is an Afrobeat track blending Nigerian languages and English. The title, meaning “blessing” in Igbo, reflects the song’s theme of gratitude toward a woman who brings love and light into the singer’s life. Produced by Sarz, the song showcases the evolving Afrobeats sound, with Crayon and Ayra Starr both signed to Mavin Records.

Genres : R&B, Pop,afrobeats, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Kenny

Featured on the album Trench to Triumph

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.01% / 0.49%

Rema’s “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez remains No. 1 on NIGERIAN POP, followed by Ayra Starr’s “Rush” and Chiké with Mohbad’s “Egwu” at No. 3. Omah Lay and Fireboy DML stay central in the midsection, while Tems’ “Me & U” rises to No. 12. No debuts appear this week, marking a period of continuity and refinement for the scene’s top performers.

Nigerian Pop Chart - Top 20 Songs (Last 30 Days) on RadioVideo.Music


Modest disclaimer: These rankings combine data from our platform with external streaming metrics to highlight what’s resonating right now.

We don’t claim to be exhaustive, so it’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.

Our aim with these rankings is not to provide a definitive measure but to offer a snapshot of trends that resonate with audiences today.

ABOUT NIGERIAN POP

Nigerian Pop: Music and Words

Nigerian 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 delves 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.

  • “Essence” by Wizkid (ft. Tems) expresses deep emotional and romantic connection: _”You don’t need no other body…”_
  • “Ye” by Burna Boy celebrates resilience and determination: _”I no go fit die for nothing, make you no try my patience…”
  • “Fall” by Davido captures the complexities of desire and heartbreak: _”Money fall on you, Banana fall on you…”

Nigerian Pop: Further Reading

A range of websites and platforms focus on promoting and analyzing Nigerian Pop and African music more broadly. Some notable ones include

  • NotJustOk : One of the largest portals for discovering Nigerian music, featuring sections for songs, videos, and interviews.
  • OkayAfrica : A site dedicated to African culture and music, including coverage of Nigerian Pop trends.
  • Music in Africa : A resource covering a wide range of African musical genres and cultural insights.
  • Soundcity TV : This channel broadcasts contemporary African music, including Nigerian Pop, through music videos, interviews, and TV shows.

Nigerian Pop: 10 Record Labels

Nigerian 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:

  • Mavin Records Founded by Don Jazzy, launching stars like Rema and Ayra Starr.
  • Starboy Entertainment Established by Wizkid, a major player in the global Afropop scene.
  • DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) Founded by Davido, home to artists like Mayorkun.
  • YBNL Nation Founded by Olamide, known for discovering Fireboy DML.
  • Chocolate City One of the oldest Nigerian labels, working with artists like MI Abaga and Blaqbonez.
  • Spaceship Entertainment The label backing Burna Boy, pivotal in his international success.
  • PentHauze Founded by Phyno, specializing in rap and Afropop fusion.
  • Aristokrat Records Known for launching Burna Boy’s career and nurturing new talent.
  • EMPIRE Africa A major force in the global distribution of Afropop, fostering international collaborations.
  • G-Worldwide The label that discovered Kizz Daniel.

Nigerian Pop and Visual Arts

Nigerian 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.

  • Wizkid collaborates with streetwear brand Daily Paper, blending African urban culture with global fashion trends.
  • Burna Boy is an ambassador for BoohooMan, incorporating his unique style into fashion collections.

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.

ADJACENT GENRES

  • afrobeats
  • afropop
  • azontobeats
  • nigerian hip hop
  • alté
  • ghanaian hip hop
  • azonto
  • dancehall
  • igbo pop
  • uk hip hop
  • afroswing
  • afro r&b
  • ghanaian pop
  • london rap