Without a doubt, 2019 has been another great year for the Nigerian music industry with many banging singles and albums to proof. Fans both home and abroad were hit by a series of new songs by some of the country’s biggest stars.
The continuous release of catchy, smooth sounds and addictive dance moves has put the Nigerian hip hop and Afrobeats scene in the global spotlight. As a result, Nigerian songs and artistes have become some of the most searched for globally.
Burna Boy’s new dominance brought about by his massively successful African Giant album, delivered on his rare talents, hard work and strategy and has made his songs one of the most searched for Nigerian songs globally.
The long-awaited Davido’s sophomore album, A Good Time, paid off in satisfying fashion. Simi’s Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1 was her breaking-free moment away from her longterm label while Tiwa Savage also made a highly talked about move from Mavin Records to Universal Music Group. Still, on women power, Yemi Alade exuded female strength with her latest album, Woman of Steel.
Below are the most searched Nigerian songs of 2019…
10. Zlatan – Zanku (Leg work)
Back in January, Zlatan released Zanku which came along with a dance that is now known worldwide. The specific origin of the name is uncertain but the dance itself is one Zlatan noticed while visiting The Shrine in Lagos. Zlatan was wise enough to capitalize on the attention the dance was getting by naming his single after it, as well as his 17-song debut album, Zanku.
9. Rema – Dumebi
The best surprise on Rema’s second project is Dumebi, a sweet combination of afrobeat and house music layered over a tale of affection. The propulsive rhythm of the beat perfectly showcases Rema’s wonderful use of pidgin as he is as convincing on a trap beat.
8.Wizkid – Joro
A track influenced by Fela Kuti, Joro is taken from the Zombie album. Soothing flow and dance confirming Wizkid’s status as an international artist bringing Afrobeats to the world.
7. Tiwa Savage – 49-99
On this single, Tiwa Savage references Fela Kuti’s famous “49 sitting, 99 standing” line from his 1978 song “Shuffering and Shmiling.” Throughout “49-99,” Tiwa sings about the pursuit of money in her home country, offering her opinions on widespread poverty.
6. Tems – Try me
Try Me is the breakout single by the newcomer, whose other high notes of 2019 include her single “Looku Looku” and a feature on Lady Donli’s Enjoy Your Life.
5. Brown Skin Girl – Beyoncé, Wizkid, Saint JHN and Blu Ivy
The global impact of Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Saint Jhn’s single “Brown Skin Girl” is irrefutable. From its minimal afro-fusion inspired beat to Wizkid’s outstanding lead verse, this was a major moment that showcased just how far Nigerian music is going.
4. Burna Boy – Killin Dem ft Zlatan
Killin Dem sees Burna Boy and Zlatan dropping trendy lyrics over some highly-infectious production produced by Kel P. The song is a straight-up banger that easily blends Zlatan’s energetic ‘zanku’ style with Burna Boy’s afro-fusion.
3. Davido – Blow my mind ft Chris Brown
Davido’s “Blow my mind” is a taste from his album A Good Time, which dropped on November 22. The new single sees the Nigerian heavyweight connecting with American star Chris Brown as they both go in over afro-fusion-meets-rhythms production. The collaboration was one no one expected and so, when it was released, it became an instant hit and also one of the most searched for Nigerian songs in 2019.
2. M.I. Abaga – The Viper
MI Abaga brings to bear his full powers as an MC, label head, OG and public intellectual on “The Viper”, his own character assassination of Vector’s own character assassination The Purge. Stretching over 5 minutes long, it buttresses and matches AQ’s own diss at Vector Distraction 2.
1. Burna Boy – Anybody
The Rexxie-produced song sees Burna Boy send a message to his naysayers over smooth saxophone numbers and rhythmic percussion. As the second track on African Giant, it showcases the album’s energy perfectly. The song is also Burna’s choice when performing on big stages like The Tonight Show, where he can be seen delivering several legwork steps.
Photo credit: Instagram | rap_up
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