The last year’s lockdowns due to COVID-19 have left us with no option but to stay home, explore social media, listening and exploring various genres of music such as Afrobeats.

With this,  we have seen a new wave and era of Afrobeats, through Youtube, Instagram and especially TikTok challenges, with millions of hashtags citing Afrobeats, Afrobeats dance challenge and Afro Dance. The musicality, the rhythms, the dance-ability and the vibe have resonated with so many around the world. 

Afrobeats describes the fusion of typically West African music and elements with other modern western styles of music, such as Hip Hop, Electronic music, Dancehall, R&B, Soul, and Folk. Historically, Africans have been part of a diasporic community, blending different cultures and musical styles as they migrate from Africa to other parts of the world. In the Afrobeats genre, both artists on the African continent, as well as artists of African descent in the diaspora, create music heavily influenced by African rhythms, musicality, slang, and more. 

The Afrobeats genre has begun to expand internationally, spreading to countries throughout the African Diaspora, including India, Europe, America and Asia. Therefore, here are some of the top Afrobeat songs to listen to:

Essence by Wizkid featuring Tems:

While “Essence” technically dropped in 2020 as part of Wizkid’s Made In Lagos album, the new year has seen the song catapult into massive levels, even making it into the U.S. Apple Music Top 50 charts. Kicked off by outstanding vocals from Tems, “Essence” sees both Nigerian stars riding an undulating synth piano riff — crafted by producers Legendury Beatz and P2J  into the perfect breezy summer track. It’s no wonder celebs like Kevin Hart, Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner have been posting videos of themselves jamming to the track as the weather turns warm in the Northern hemisphere. This song also recently created a remix featuring Justin Bieber.

Rock by Olamide:

Olamide shared “Rock,” a mellow and flirtatious little number, as the lead single from his new 10-track album, UY Scuti, titled after one of the largest known red stars. “Rock” is a smooth jam you’ll have repeating over and over again. “The song is saying my lady doesn’t have to do too much to impress me — i love you already,” Olamide mentions.

Away by Ayra Starr

New Mavin Records signee Ayra Starr came fresh out of the gate and got people talking with “Away,” the lead single from the 19-year-old’s self-titled debut EP. Born in Benin and raised between Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria, Starr’s sound allows her versatility and distinctive styles to take center stage. The introductory “Away” is a pulsating, hip-grinding track that re-explores what typically makes up a break-up song. She also just releases her new album called “17 & Dangerous”.

Feeling By Ladipoe 

‘Feeling’ is not only the brightest moment of Ladipoe’s career but also an iconic one for pop from West Africa. It is rare for a rapper to shoot to the forefront, but Ladipoe, an underground hip hop king for many years, has done it. During a trip to Ghana in 2021, Ladipoe acknowledged this to colleague Sarkodie. Nigerians “respect rap, but they don’t really elevate,” he said. “To me, my whole thing is that I want to make a statement. I’ve been hustling. I’m humble, but I’m ready.” 

Kilometres by Burno Boy:

The energetic dancehall record is the Afro-fusion star’s first release after his historic Grammy win. Produced by longtime collaborator Chopstix, with Clarence Peters handling the accompanying video, ‘Kilometre’ sees Burna Boy taking stock of his remarkable musical journey, which also saw him grab his third consecutive BET Award for Best International Act in 2021. 

Check out more amazing Afrobeat (Nigeria) Songs at Music Africa.

Published on HOLR Magazine.