Nigerian music legend 2Face Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has claimed the top spot on Billboard’s list of the Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time with his iconic 2004 hit, African Queen.
The ranking, compiled by the Billboard Staff, celebrates 50 of the greatest tracks that have shaped the Afrobeats genre, honoring both pioneering and contemporary artists who have taken African music to global audiences.
The list spans two decades of Afrobeats history, from Styl-Plus’ Olufunmi (2003) and Timaya’s Dem Mama (2005) to Rema’s Calm Down (2022) and Wizkid and Tems’ Grammy-nominated Essence (2020). It also features Ghanaian contributions, including Sarkodie’s Adonai featuring Castro (2014), highlighting West Africa’s pivotal role in the genre.
Other notable inclusions are D’banj’s Oliver Twist (2011), Davido’s Fall (2017), Yemi Alade’s Johnny (2013), Asake’s Peace Be Unto You (2022), and Ayra Starr’s Rush (2022), illustrating Afrobeats’ evolution from local dancefloors to international stages.
The full list showcases the genre’s enduring hits and groundbreaking anthems that continue to define Afrobeats worldwide.
Check out full list below:
- 2Baba, “African Queen” (2004)
- Wizkid, “Ojuelegba” (2014)
- Flavour, “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
- Rema, “Calm Down” (2022)
- Wizkid feat. Tems, “Essence” (2020)
- CKay, “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
- D’banj, “Oliver Twist” (2011)
- Davido, “Fall” (2017)
- Burna Boy, “Ye” (2018)
- P-Square, “Chop My Money (Remix)” (2012)
- Styl-Plus, “Olufunmi” (2003)
- 9ice, “Gongo Aso” (2008)
- R2bees feat. Wande Coal, “Kiss Your Hand” (2009)
- Davido, “Dami Duro” (2011)
- Yemi Alade, “Johnny” (2013)
- D’banj, “Fall in Love” (2008)
- Wande Coal, “Bumper to Bumper” (2008)
- Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany, “Azonto” (2013)
- Sarkodie feat. Castro, “Adonai” (2014)
- Phyno ft. Olamide, “Fada Fada” (2016)
- Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)
- Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)
- Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)
- Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)
- Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)
- Mr. Eazi & Efya, “Skin Tight” (2015)
- Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)
- Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)
- Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)
- Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)
- Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)
- The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)
- Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)
- P-Square, “Personally” (2013)
- Tekno, “Pana” (2016)
- Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)
- Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)
- Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)
- Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)
- Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)
- Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)
- Libianca, “People” (2022)
- Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)
- Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)
- Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)
- Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)
- Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)
- Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)
- Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)
- Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)
