Billboard, one of the world’s most influential music magazines, has just dropped a list that has the entire Afrobeats community talking. The publication released its highly anticipated list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time, and the number one spot is a nostalgic and iconic choice: It’s 2Face timeless hit, “African Queen.”
The list’s top ranking for the 2004 classic by 2Face Idibia is sure to spark debate among fans who expected a more recent track to claim the title. However, the song’s enduring legacy and its role in bringing Afrobeats to a global audience are undeniable. The top 10 also features some heavy hitters, with Wizkid making a double entry with his global smash “Essence” (featuring Tems) at number five and the fan-favorite “Ojuelegba” at number two.
Rounding out the top tier are other Afrobeats anthems that have defined the genre’s growth. Favour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” comes in at number three, while Rema’s globally recognized “Calm Down” holds the fourth spot. Other chart-toppers include CKay’s “Love Nwantiti,” D’banj’s “Oliver Twist,” Davido’s “Fall,” Burna Boy’s “Ye,” and P-Square’s “Chop My Money Remix.”
The list also celebrates a wider range of talent, with appearances from Ghanaian stars Fuse ODG and Sarkodie in the top 20, confirming the genre’s pan-African reach. Yemi Alade also made history as the highest-ranked female lead artist with her hit “Johnny.”
This list serves as both a celebration of Afrobeats’ journey and a conversation starter. It highlights the classics that paved the way for the genre’s global takeover and gives a nod to the current superstars who are taking it to new heights.
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