Ghana’s influence on Afrobeats has once again been recognized, with five Ghanaian songs making it onto Billboard staffers’ Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time list.
Leading the pack is R2Bees’ 2009 hit Kiss Your Hand featuring Nigerian star Wande Coal, ranked as the highest Ghanaian entry. The song, which became R2Bees’ first major breakthrough outside Ghana, not only elevated the group but also boosted Wande Coal’s profile after his Bumper to Bumper success. More than a decade later, it remains a guaranteed crowd-pleaser across Africa.
Also on the list is Fuse ODG’s Azonto (2013) featuring Itz Tiffany, which captured global attention with its infectious rhythm and dance craze. The track reached No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart and even earned a remix with dancehall legend Elephant Man, cementing its international appeal.
Sarkodie’s Adonai (2014) featuring the late Castro follows closely—a timeless anthem blending hiplife and Afrobeats with emotional depth. The song became one of the most beloved records in Ghanaian music history and continues to resonate worldwide.
Mr. Eazi’s Skin Tight (2015) featuring Efya also made the cut. Produced by Juls, the sultry midtempo love song dominated clubs and parties across Africa, helping launch Mr. Eazi’s global Afrobeats career while showcasing Efya’s soulful vocals.
Representing Ghana’s new-school sound is Amaarae’s Sad Girlz Luv Money (2020) with Moliy. The viral track, boosted by TikTok, introduced a fresh, experimental edge to Afrobeats and positioned Amaarae among the genre’s most innovative voices.
Though outnumbered by Nigerian entries, Ghana’s five spots on the list reflect the country’s deep imprint on Afrobeats, from pioneering dance anthems to shaping new global sounds.
The prestigious ranking was topped by Nigeria’s 2Baba with African Queen (2004). Billboard staffers and contributors considered the following criteria: stylistic representation of the genre, local popularity, regional expansion, cultural impact, and commercial success.
