Billboard crowns 2Baba’s african queen greatest afrobeats song ever (FULL LIST)

Billboard has released its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, with 2Baba’s iconic 2004 hit African Queen taking the number one spot.

Wizkid’s Ojuelegba (2014) ranked second, while Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011), Rema’s Calm Down (2022), and Wizkid’s Essence featuring Tems (2020) completed the top five. CKay’s Love Nwantiti placed sixth.

Explaining the selection, Billboard said the list was created to honour “the foundational, influential and popular songs within Afrobeats”—not to be confused with Afrobeat, the 1960s genre pioneered by Fela Kuti.

Criteria included stylistic representation, popularity, regional reach, cultural impact, and commercial success.

Other standouts in the top 20 are Davido’s Fall (8), Burna Boy’s Ye (9), Styl-Plus’ evergreen Olufunmi (11), 9ice’s Gongo Aso (12), and P-Square’s Do Me (13). The list spans classics from pioneers like D’banj, Wande Coal, and Yemi Alade to global anthems by new stars such as Ayra Starr, Asake, and Libianca.

The ranking highlights how Afrobeats has grown from West African roots into a worldwide cultural force.

See full list

1. 2Baba, “African Queen” (2004)

2. Wizkid, “Ojuelegba” (2014)

3. Flavour, “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)

4. Rema, “Calm Down” (2022)

5. Wizkid feat. Tems, “Essence” (2020)

6. CKay, “Love Nwantiti” (2019)

7. D’banj, “Oliver Twist” (2011)

8. Davido, “Fall” (2017)

9. Burna Boy, “Ye” (2018)

10. P-Square, “Chop My Money (Remix)” (2012)

11. Styl-Plus, “Olufunmi” (2003)

12. 9ice, “Gongo Aso” (2008)

13. R2Bees feat. Wande Coal, “Kiss Your Hand” (2009)

14. Davido, “Dami Duro” (2011)

15. Yemi Alade, “Johnny” (2013)

16. D’banj, “Fall in Love” (2008)

17. Wande Coal, “Bumper to Bumper” (2008)

18. Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany, “Azonto” (2013)

19. Sarkodie feat. Castro, “Adonai” (2014)

20. Phyno ft. Olamide, “Fada Fada” (2016)

21. Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)

22. Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)

23. Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)

24. Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)

25. Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)

26. Mr. Eazi & Efya, “Skin Tight” (2015)

27. Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)

28. Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)

29. Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)

30. Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)

31. Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)

32. The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)

33. Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)

34. P-Square, “Personally” (2013)

35. Tekno, “Pana” (2016)

36. Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)

37. Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)

38. Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)

39. Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)

40. Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)

41. Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)

42. Libianca, “People” (2022)

43. Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)

44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)

45. Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)

46. Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)

47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)

48. Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)

49. Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)

50. Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)