The Best Nigerian Songs of 2024

By Taiwo Okanlawon

In 2024, Nigerian artists delivered a plethora of remarkable tracks that captivated audiences both locally and globally. Here are ten standout songs that defined the year:

Ayra Starr & Asake – Goodbye (Warm Up)

This is one of the standout collaborations of the year, showcasing pure chemistry and talent. The intro sets the mood, and Asake’s verse complements it perfectly with great lyrical descriptions and sounds.

POS – Wyn

POS made a significant impact in 2024 with his single Wyn, a track that quickly gained momentum on streaming platforms and social media. Produced by Graham BMG, Wyn blends Afrobeats rhythms with smooth melodies, creating an infectious vibe that resonated with audiences both in Nigeria and beyond.

Lyrically, Wyn captures themes of confidence, ambition, and celebration, making it a staple at parties and events. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook contributed to its widespread appeal, earning POS recognition as one of the most promising new voices in the Nigerian music scene

Tems – Burning

Tems delivers a rich, soulful R&B-infused Afrobeat track on “Burning.” It’s a tune you can cruise to, take a drive with, or even dance with your partner. In years to come, “Burning” will remain one of the best R&B songs from Nigeria and Africa, and it is no wonder the track was nominated for Best R&B Song at the forthcoming Grammy Awards.

Odunsi & Minz – Crown Bounce

This was a bop with an unbeatable beat, lyrics, and melody. The synergy between all the artists on this track was on point, making it a collaboration we needed on our playlist because it was a major hit.

Ayola – Life I Want

The recently released song is the lead single off the album of the same title by Afro-soul singer and songwriter Ayola. The song showcases Ayola’s unique sound and artistry, bending Highlife, Jazz, Soul, Afro-funk, and Motown influences.

Employing the services of a dope producer, Duktor Sett, Ayola’s rich vocal texture weaves these genres together, creating a captivating Indie, folk, and alternative Afrobeats sound that breathes new life into contemporary music.

Rema – Ozeba

A smashing hit from his critically acclaimed sophomore album “HEIS,” Rema delivered something appealing to everyone, regardless of age group. It’s a banger with addictive lyrics and vibes that would get you jumping and raving like a crazy biker.

Asake & Wizkid – MMS

This collaboration was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. It is an inspirational and reflective hit, perfectly capturing both artists’ sounds. Not to mention, it bagged a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance.

VASA – Trabaye

Vasa made a bold statement in 2024 with his breakout single Trabaye, a high-energy track that blends street-hop influences with contemporary Afrobeats elements. The song’s title, a popular slang term meaning “to elevate” or “get in the zone,” perfectly captures its vibe—an anthem of hustle, success, and celebration.

With its pulsating beat, catchy hooks, and infectious delivery, Trabaye quickly became a fan favorite, dominating streaming platforms and club playlists across Nigeria.

Victony & Asake – Stubborn

The chemistry between Victony and Asake was on point, as both artists sang about their determination, struggles, resilience, and triumphs over everything they faced to become MVPs in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Minz – Mo De Ma

An inspirational song for every dreamer out there, Minz tells us how he’s determined to take all the chances to succeed and shine his light as the superstar he is on “Mo De Ma.”

Asake & Travis Scott – Active

Ever wondered what a rave rapper would sound like on a Fuji-infused Afrobeat song? “Active” gave that to us. When this song dropped, it was both shocking and banging, a hit we needed with Sarz’s clean production and the amazing sample of one of Fuji’s legends.

Ayra Starr – Jazzy’s Bop

This song was full of good vibes and paid homage to Don Jazzy, one of the legends in the Nigerian music industry who has propelled many artists to shine. The song not only pays homage to the music legend but also incorporates one of the legendary Mo’ Hits-produced songs. It stands as one of the top tracks on her sophomore album “The Year I Turned 21.”

Wizkid – Kese (Dance)

A song for enjoyment and stress relief, “Dance” is the track that gets you on your feet, as its other title (“Kese”) implies. Since it was previewed at the “Piece of My Heart” listening party in London, fans have been making TikTok dance videos to it, spreading it, making it a certified hit even before its release on “Morayo.” When it was released, it broke records as one of the Nigerian songs with the most streams on the first day.

LLona – Can’t Breath

LLona delivered one of the most emotionally resonant tracks of 2024 with Can’t Breathe, a powerful song that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggles. The track’s haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and smooth production create a deeply immersive listening experience.

With a blend of R&B, Afropop, and alternative influences, Can’t Breathe showcases LLona’s vocal depth and songwriting prowess. The song’s raw emotion struck a chord with listeners, making it a favorite on streaming platforms and social media, where fans shared their personal interpretations of its meaning.

King Perryy – Gbege feat. Kaestyle & Psycho YP

King Perryy joined forces with Kaestyle and Psycho YP on Gbege, a 2024 track that blends Afrofusion with hip-hop and melodic Afro-R&B. The song’s title, Gbege, a Nigerian slang term for “trouble” or “chaos,” sets the tone for a narrative-driven record exploring love, betrayal, and personal resilience.

King Perryy’s signature delivery, combined with Kaestyle’s smooth vocals and Psycho YP’s rap versatility, creates a dynamic fusion of sounds. The production features rhythmic percussion, soft synths, and an infectious groove, making it both a club banger and a reflective anthem.

Gbege quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, with fans praising its catchy hook and seamless blend of genres. The collaboration between the three artists showcased the fluidity of Nigeria’s contemporary sound, solidifying the track as one of the standout releases of the year.