Billboard Ranks 2Baba’s African Queen Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time
Wizkid makes history as the only artist with two entries in Billboard’s all-time Afrobeats top 10 list.
Billboard, the renowned American music magazine, has unveiled its definitive ranking of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, placing Nigerian legend 2Baba at the very top with his timeless hit African Queen.
The iconic ballad, released in 2004, secured the number one spot, reaffirming its status as one of the most influential Afrobeats tracks ever produced.
Wizkid made history as the only artist with two songs in the top ten—Ojuelegba clinched the second position, while his Grammy-nominated hit Essence, featuring Tems, landed at number five.
Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) came in at number three, followed closely by Rema’s global smash Calm Down at number four. The rest of the top 10 features a lineup of genre-defining anthems, including:
CKay – Love Nwantiti
D’banj – Oliver Twist
Davido – Fall
Burna Boy – Ye
P-Square – Chop My Money Remix (feat. Akon)
Nigerian acts dominated the chart, but Ghana also claimed representation in the top 20, with Fuse ODG’s Azonto (feat. Itz Tiffany) and Sarkodie’s Adonai (feat. Castro) ranking at 18 and 19, respectively.
Other notable mentions include Styl-Plus’ evergreen Olufunmi (11), 9ice’s Gongo Aso (12), and P-Square’s Do Me (13). Davido’s breakthrough single Dami Duro secured the 14th spot.
Yemi Alade emerged as the highest-ranked female lead artist with her breakout hit Johnny at number 15. Wande Coal’s Bumper to Bumper (17) and Phyno’s Fada Fada featuring Olamide (20) rounded out the top 20.
Billboard’s list reflects the enduring impact of Afrobeats, highlighting how Nigerian and African artists have shaped a sound that continues to dominate the global music scene.
