Today, Nigerians all over the globe will be celebrating the independence and the general, all-around greatness of the nation. In honour of this day, I have put together a playlist featuring some of the best Nigerian songs, new and old.
Even if you’re not Nigerian, feel free to play this playlist at your school, at your workplace, wherever. A word of warning — please only proceed if you’re ready to dance. This music is guaranteed to cause voluntary and involuntary rhythmic body movements, particularly in the shoulder area and the lower regions. Thirty of the songs are featured below, but you can find the full playlist here.
Oya, shake body…
1. “Shake Body” by Skales
You heard the man…
2. “SWEET MOTHER” BY PRINCE NICO MBARGA
https://youtu.be/H9EIRBb4BAQ
There’s nothing sweeter than a mother, not even jollof rice or agege bread.
3. “RUN MY RACE” BY BURNA BOY
Burna Boy is spitting straight Yoruba fire: “Modupe lowo jesu, Won ko mi je bi amala ati ewedu” **fire emoji**
4. “Konko Below” by Lagbaja
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpOzwVAQ7M8
Nobody does it quite like Lagbaja.
5. “Rotate” by Wande Coal
“Dance if you no wan dance commot.”
6. “Mo So Rire” by Paul ‘Play’ Dairo
If you haven’t heard this song at a Nigerian party, you just haven’t been going to the right ones.
7. “FINE LADY” BY LYNXxX FEATURING WIZKID
This is THE Nigerian wedding song.
8. “AFRICAN QUEEN” BY 2FACE IDIBIA
A classic Nigerian ode to #BlackGirlMagic.
9. “Gongo Aso” by 9ice
Listen, the drum will teach you.
10. “Personally” by P-Square
Personally, I really like this song.
11. “Sijuade” by King Sunny Ade
Just gorgeous — pretty much a perfect song.
12. “JOHNNY” BY YEMI ALADE
The best episode of Cheaters that never was.
13. “OLIVER TWIST” BY D’BANJ
D’Banj read Dickens and thought “there’s a deeper meaning here…”
14. “SEUN RERE” BY CHRISTY ESSIEN IGBOKWE
Christy put Nigerian music on the map and gave us jams.
15. “Irawo” by Seyi Shay
Pretty much my personal theme tune for life.
16. “Afro Juju” by Shina Peters
https://youtu.be/fag5ItyoYp0
A classic from the master.
17. “Yahooze” by Olu Maintain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jh8tCns-Bg
Do you remember when everyone was doing the dance?
18. “Sekem” by MC Galaxy
“One hand on your waist, one hand on your chest, oya sekem.”
19. “Tongolo” by D’banj
I know this is D’Banj’s second appearance, but everyone needs to know the koko.
20. “Oleku” by Ice Prince ft Brymo
“I flow so bad my tone is vexin…”
21. “Beng Beng Beng” by Femi Kuti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za7K91gJntM
Like father like son.
22. “Pakurumo” by Wizkid
**Dancing aunties emoji**
23. “Shoki” by Lil Kesh
Raise your hands if you know toddlers that can do this dance better than you!
24. “My Car” by Tony Tetuila
See wahala…
25. “Dami Duro” by Davido
**Runs to the dance floor**
26. “Watch my Ting Go” by Lola Rae
“Swagga’ done right — ma bi nu”
27. “Girlie ‘O’ (Remix) ft Tiwa Savage” by Patoranking
The original was great, but this remix is next level.
28. “Kangpe ft Wesley Williams” by Nneka
https://youtu.be/E99dkzXXyOQ
Nneka preaching, a great beat, what more could you ask for?
29. “Ba Mi Dele” by Asa
Beautiful.
30. “Water No Get Enemy” by Fela Kuti
Timeless.
