• 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.
• On RadioVideo.Music, around 350 songs released in the 2020s are tagged ‘Nigerian Pop.’ Among them, 15 have over one hundred million views on YouTube, and one has over half a billion.
• Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are Rema’s “Calm Down,” Wizkid’s “Joro,” Fireboy DML’s “Peru,” Tems & Wizkid’s “Essence,” and Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy‘s “For My Hand.”
• We have listed the 20 “Nigerian Pop” songs released in the 2020s, with the highest engagements over the last 60 days.
• You will find them below in descending order of engagements.

1 . Omah Lay - Soso

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

7.44% / 1.16%

2 . 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.

Genres : ,afrobeats, afropop, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Director Pink

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

15.27% / 2.42%

3 . 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.

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

9.19% / 1.61%

4 . Jordan Adetunji - Kehlani Remix (w/ Kehlani)

A fusion of hip-hop, R&B, alternative, and post-punk, this track showcases the artistry of Belfast's Jordan Adetunji and Grammy-nominated Kehlani. Born from their meeting at Kehlani's album launch event in London, the collaboration reached #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drawing on Adetunji's Nigerian heritage with Afrobeats influences, the remix emphasizes creative genre blending, marking Adetunji's entry into global music charts and highlighting his new partnership with 300 Entertainment and Warner Records UK.

Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,irish hip hop, pop, r&b, rap, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Mikey Rare

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

27.16% / 1.87%

5 . Rema - Calm Down

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

1.36% / 0.21%

6 . Ruger - Girlfriend

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

5.67% / 0.96%

7 . 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.

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

4.43% / 0.97%

8 . Boypee & Hyce - Ogechi Remix (w/ Davido)

"Ogechi Remix," a love declaration by BoyPee, Hyce, Brown Joel, and Davido, dropped in June 2024 under Azuri Music. Produced by Dawie, the track celebrates fidelity and affection. The video unfolds in a scenic village with Davido as a regal figure, while the other artists search for their ideal partners, amplifying the romantic theme.

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

The music video is directed by Dammy Twitch

>> Lyrics

27.40% / 3.07%

9 . Dax - Dear Alcohol

"Dear Alcohol," by Canadian artist Dax, released in March 2022, explores the consequences of addiction and emotional turmoil. Produced by Lex Nour, the song addresses Dax's battles with inner demons. A June 2022 remix featuring Elle King adds a country twist, earning a spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and achieving Platinum certification.

Genres : Hip Hop,canadian hip hop, ottawa rap, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Logan Mei

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.73% / 0.78%

10 . Tems - Me & U

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

10.94% / 1.63%

11 . 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.

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

3.21% / 0.50%

12 . 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.

Genres : Hip Hop,canadian hip hop, ottawa rap, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Logan Meis

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

93.54% / 3.90%

13 . Rema - Azaman

Combining afrobeats and trap, Rema's "Azaman," produced by P.Priime, was released in July 2024. This energetic track exudes themes of ambition and financial triumph. Its dynamic rhythms and catchy beats ensure it remains a staple for fans of contemporary Nigerian music.

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

The music video is directed by Zhamak Fullad

Featured on the album HEIS

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

40.37% / 3.83%

14 . Omah Lay - Understand

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

3.92% / 0.58%

15 . Wizkid - Essence (w/ Tems)

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

2.34% / 0.39%

16 . Wizkid - Joro

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

1.56% / 0.26%

17 . Ayra Starr - Last Heartbreak Song (w/ Giveon)

"Last Heartbreak Song," a collaboration between Ayra Starr and Giveon, merges afrobeats and R&B. Released in May 2024, its lyrics address the closure of a tumultuous relationship. The song showcases emotional vulnerability while emphasizing resilience, accompanied by compelling vocal performances from both artists.

Genres : R&B,afrobeats, r&b, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Bobby Hanaford

Featured on the album The Year I Turned 21

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

20.35% / 1.72%

18 . Fireboy Dml - Peru

Fireboy DML's "Peru," released in July 2021, quickly gained virality, especially through TikTok. Produced by Shizzi, the song's Afrobeat sound captivated audiences worldwide. A December 2021 remix featuring Ed Sheeran propelled it further, reaching the UK Singles Chart's second spot. Despite its title, the song does not reference Peru the country but a nod to Nigerian artist Peruzzi.

Genres : R&B, Pop,afrobeats, nigerian pop, pop, singer-songwriter pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by Mariano Valentino

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.92% / 0.27%

19 . Crayon & Ayra Starr - Ngozi

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

10.03% / 1.55%

20 . Qing Madi - American Love

"American Love" by Qing Madi thrives at the intersection of Afrobeat, Pop, and R&B, blending youthful spontaneity with thematic depth.

Released in 2023 on her self-titled debut EP, this track captures a fusion of love's whimsical complexities and the freewheeling imagery of travel.

At just 16, Madi crafts lyrics that balance relatable tenderness with a hint of sophistication, reflecting the cross-cultural tapestry of her influences—from Kendrick Lamar to Nigeria's heavyweights Davido and Burna Boy.

The track goes viral across TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, reaffirming its cultural stickiness.

Its surging melody, peppered with smooth vocal inflections, feels like a sonic passport, gliding effortlessly between laid-back grooves and crisp instrumentation.

The accompanying music video, surpassing 3.4 million views, underscores its visual appeal with vibrant backdrops that reflect the song's themes.

Topping charts in Uganda and claiming number one on Apple Music's Top 100 is no small feat, yet “American Love” edges closer to charming rather than groundbreaking.

Its polished production and catchy hooks cater to accessibility, though some moments veer into predictability within the genre's familiar tropes.

Qing Madi's distinctiveness emerges in her bilingualism (Spanish and Igbo) and her ambition to reach beyond typical expectations, though the song feels like it's laying the groundwork rather than rewriting Afrobeat's narrative.

Genres : Pop,viral afropop, nigerian pop,

The music video is directed by Pink

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

15.02% / 2.42%

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 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.

• “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