Legendary Nigerian singer 2Baba has once again made history as his evergreen hit “African Queen” takes the No.1 spot on Billboard’s freshly released list of the 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time.
Billboard hailed the 2004 classic as the most foundational and influential Afrobeats track ever, describing it as a song that set the stage for the global recognition of African music. Nearly two decades since its release, “African Queen” still resonates as one of the most iconic love songs out of Africa.
The list also reflects how far Afrobeats has traveled, from Lagos nightclubs to global arenas, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema pushing the sound onto world charts, playlists, and festival stages.
Below is a breakdown of the Top 10 songs, followed by the full Top 50 as ranked by Billboard.
Top 10 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time (Billboard Ranking)
1. 2Baba – “African Queen” (2004)
A timeless love anthem that broke boundaries and cemented 2Baba as a legend.
2. Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014)
A gritty tale of Lagos hustle that became an international breakthrough.
3. Flavour – “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
Highlife meets dancehall. A timeless party and wedding classic that never gets old.
4. Rema – “Calm Down” (2022)
Global hit turned historic with Selena Gomez remix—first African-led track to cross 1B Spotify streams.
5. Wizkid ft. Tems – “Essence” (2020)
The soulful “song of the summer.” Justin Bieber remix helped it break into Billboard Hot 100 and Grammy nods.
6. CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
TikTok-fueled mega hit with endless remixes. Multi-platinum across the globe.
7. D’banj – “Oliver Twist” (2011)
Playful, witty, and groundbreaking. Cracked the UK Top 10, putting Afrobeats firmly on the global radar.
8. Davido – “Fall” (2017)
A smooth mid-tempo love song that made history as the first Afrobeats track certified Gold in the U.S.
9. Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018)
A gritty anthem of ambition and resilience. Platinum-certified worldwide and Burna’s breakout to superstardom.
10. P-Square – “Chop My Money (Remix)” ft. Akon (2012)
A massive cross-border collaboration that proved Afrobeats’ global ambition, cementing P-Square’s legacy.
With 2Baba’s “African Queen” taking the crown, the list is both a celebration of pioneers and a recognition of the new generation keeping Afrobeats at the center of global music conversations.
Check out other songs on the Billboard list below:
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)
