Ten years ago, Afrobeats stood at the threshold of worldwide recognition. The genre has now transcended its West African origins, fueled by catchy club anthems, high-profile collaborations, and the fusion of traditional rhythms with international influences.
2015 marked Afrobeats’ entry into the global mainstream, thanks to Nigerian artistes like Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, who cemented their international presence.
As we celebrate a decade of Afrobeats’ global impact, here are 10 iconic songs turning 10 in 2025:
- ‘Soke’ by Burna Boy
Before he became an international music star, Burna Boy was already refining his sound. ‘Soke’, a track from his sophomore album ‘On a Spaceship’, urged Nigerians to raise their voices against societal struggles.
- ‘Ashimapeyin’ by Wande Coal
Wande Coal made a highly anticipated return in 2015 with ‘Ashimapeyin’, a hit from his ‘Wanted’ album. Produced by Sarz, the song delivered a high-energy anthem that reaffirmed Wande Coal’s influence on the genre.
- ‘Ojuelegba’ by Wizkid
Few songs have captured the spirit of Afrobeats like Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’. The hit song from his 2014 album ‘Ayo’ was named after a bustling area in Lagos. The storytelling and soulful production of ‘Ojuelegba’ resonated beyond Nigeria, and a remix featuring Drake and Skepta further catapulted Wizkid onto the global stage, paving the way for his international success.
- ‘Bobo’ by Olamide
Olamide’s ‘Bobo’ was more than just a hit; it became a movement. The track introduced the viral ‘Shakiti Bobo’ dance, which took over clubs, concerts, and social media. With its heavy bassline and catchy hook, ‘Bobo’ cemented Olamide’s reign as the king of street anthems.
- ‘Woju’ by Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel (formerly known as Kiss Daniel) became a sensation in 2014 with the release of ‘Woju’, a song that quickly dominated Nigerian airwaves. In 2015, the remix of the track featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido amassed over 40 million YouTube views, solidifying its place as one of that year’s biggest songs.
- ‘My Darlin’ by Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage’s ‘My Darlin’, produced by Don Jazzy and BabyFresh, was a beloved hit. With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, the track showcased Savage’s vocal versatility and knack for blending R&B with Afrobeats.
- ‘Soldier’ by Falz and Simi
A fusion of Afrobeats, highlife, and storytelling, ‘Soldier’ is a track off Falz’s 2015 ‘Stories That Touch’ album. The song, which features Simi’s soulful vocals and Falz’s humorous pidgin rap, gained even more traction with its music video directed by Clarence Peters.
- ‘Fans Mi’ by Davido and Meek Mill
In ‘Fans Mi’, Davido featured Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill, bridging the gap between Afrobeats and American hip-hop. With Nigerian producer Shizzi crafting its hard-hitting beat, the track marked a significant moment in Afrobeats’ international crossover.
- ‘Crazy’ by Seyi Shay and Wizkid
Seyi Shay’s ‘Crazy’, featuring Wizkid, stood out on her 2015 debut album ‘Seyi or Shay’. The track, produced by Legendary Beatz, seamlessly fused Afrobeats and R&B, with a playful yet seductive energy.
- ‘Gift’ by Iyanya and Don Jazzy
After the massive success of ‘Kukere’, Iyanya kept his momentum going with ‘Gift’, a track featuring Don Jazzy in his album ‘Applaudise’. The song combined energetic Afrobeats rhythms with dancehall.
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