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.

These are my top picks. am i missing some jams? let me know in the comments below.

AfroBeat

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