No matter how unpleasant or high-yielding your year was, the best songs of 2021 provided a brief escape from some of this anxiety. Despite pressure to conform, a lot of us persevered in difficult times and these songs also offered escape means from our rocky roads or sometimes served as a comforting shoulder to lean on. But on whichever divide we find ourselves, we all turned to these 50 songs to soundtrack our lives.
We have also playlisted these songs on our Spotify and Apple Music playlists.
50.
“Ojuju” by Oxlade
The single is the afrobeat prospects’ 2021 opener and serves as a follow-up to “DKT” released in September 2020. Ojuju is another love song by Oxlade and with his mesmerizing vocals, he rendered the DJ Coublon-produced number which is the second single off his Eclipse EP with effortless authority.
Listen to Oxlade – Ojuju
49.
“Monalisa” by Lojay x Sarz
Budding music star Lojay, shares “Monalisa,” featuring ace music producer Sarz. The song is part of their collaborative EP, LV N ATTN, which featured Grammy winner, Wizkid.
Listen to Lojay x Sarz – Monalisa
48.
“Confident” by Savage x Buju
As Savage gears up for the release of his debut album, Utopia, the emerging Nigerian singer taps hit-maker Buju on the Tempoe—produced alté-groove, Confident. The track talks about being confident in one’s capabilities and it’s the third release under the singer’s belt. He has yet to share a release date for the upcoming album, and it remains unclear if Confident which has surpassed 14 million streams across DSP’s will appear on it, but an imminent drop is expected.
Listen to Savage x Buju – Confident
47.
“Somebody’s Son” by Tiwa Savage Feat. Brandy
One of the biggest songs out of Nigeria in 2021 sees songbird Tiwa Savage team up with Vocal Bible, Brandy who has been so generous with music as can be seen in her collaboration with other artists. The Segun Michael Ajayi-produced track, entitled “Somebody’s Son,” has stayed atop the chart since its release and It appears on Savage’s newly released album, Water & Garri.
Listen to Tiwa Savage Feat. Brandy – Somebody’s Son
46.
“Bloody Samaritan” by Ayra Starr
Bloody Samaritan was released a few months ago ahead of Ayra Starr’s impending album release, 19 & Dangerous. The London–produced genre-bending single is one of the rising artist triumphant-entry which is influenced by a ton of different styles.
Listen to Ayra Starr – Bloody Samaritan
45.
“Sip (Alcohol)” by Joeboy
Joeboy teams up with producer Tempoe to share his latest Afropop cut “Sip (Alcohol).” The chart-topping single was released in October, and since its release, the song has racked over 4 million Spotify streams and had hit #3 on Shazam’s Global Top 200.
Listen to Joeboy – Sip (Alcohol)
44.
“Holy Father” by Mayorkun x Victony
After much anticipation, Mayorkun returns with another single it’s the seventh offering from his latest sophomore album Back In Office. “Holy Father,” featuring Vicony, served as a warm-up to the self-acclaimed Mayor of Lagos’ highly-anticipated album, the follow-up to 2018’s chart-topping TMOL.
Listen to Mayorkun x Victony – Holy Father
43.
“Ozumba Mbadiwe” by Reekado Banks
The uber talented singer stage a comeback with new single, Ozumba Mbadiwe which was named after a place in Lagos. The song shows solidarity for victims of the #EndSARS protest.
The P Priime-produced record is Reekado Banks second effort this year and serves as a follow-up to “Chargie” featuring Teejay and Lord Afrixana.
The new single-serve as a prelude to the singers’ EP, off the Record Vol. 2.
Listen to Reekado Banks – Ozumba Mbadiwe
42.
“Forever (remix)” by Gyakie & Omah Lay
With more than 5 million streams on Spotify, Ghanaian rave, and music sensation, Gyakie has achieved another milestone with the release of her Omah Lay–assisted chart-topping single “Forever” remix. Born Jakeline Acheampong, well known as Gyakie, she is the daughter of Ghanaian highlife music legend, Nana Acheampong who was one-half of the famous Lumba Brothers. The afrobeat rising artist is also the first African woman to ever partner with Spotify.
Listen to Gyakie & Omah Lay – Forever (remix)
41.
“Selense” by Cavemen
Selense by Cavemen is one of the songs that rocked the music scene in 2021. Nigerian Highlife band duo singers came into the public eye with a new joint which they title “Selense“.
Since they dropped the song, it has been giving pleasure to the fans out there. The duo singer has been doing it and right now they have come to impress their fans once again. They surely had a big year.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Cavemen – Selense
40.
“KOLO” by Ice Prince Feat. Oxlade
This was another song that put Nigerians in a groovy mood. Despite staying off the music scene for a while, the former Chocolate City rapper returned to the game like he never left and showed the essential difference between him and others in the music circle. Kolo served as his first single of the year and it surely made it to the clubs.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Ice Prince – KOLO (feat. Oxlade)
39.
“Cash App” by Bella Shmurda x Zlatan x Lincoln
Cash App ruled, rocked, and still rocks the music scene even till now. The singer no doubt had a big year which was capped by his mouth-watering and jaw-breaking performance at Wizkid’s Made In Lagos concert held at the 02 Arena in the UK. Cash App was a major hit!
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Bella Shmurda x Zlatan x Lincoln – Cash App
38.
“Abule” by Patoranking
Music star Patoranking showed his fans that he has what it takes to put his name and music on the lips of many across the globe. Abule was a hit that mirrored the struggle of a typical young man rising and working hard to eke out a living.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Patoranking – Abule
37.
“Question” by Burna Boy Feat. Don Jazzy
Grammy Award winner, Burna Boy has had a big year. His monster hit, Questions was the song the penetrated every street and joint. He teamed up with Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy to deliver a genius sound for the culture.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Burna Boy – Question (feat. Don Jazzy)
36.
“Crazy Tings” by Tems
After what she did on Wizkid song “Essence“, Tems has become a well-renowned act internationally. She dropped “Crazy Tings” a new song with much expectation to have from her. The song is another one from the highest echelon of her potentials and music genre.
Remember, Tems got limelight with her records like “Damages” and “Try Me” which are still accumulating lots of views on her YouTube channel.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Tems – Crazy Things
35.
“Afro Jigga” by Ladipoe Feat. Rema
Mavin Records rapper and artist, Ladipoe dished out a new single called “Afro Jigga,” which featured label member and vocalist Rema and comes off the newly-released Providence EP.
The artist requested the services of Rema, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his outstanding Afrobeat and Afro-fusion songs, to spice up the new song. The singer, without any shadow of a doubt, has had a superb year.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Ladipoe – Afro Jigga (Feat. Rema)
34.
“Yard” by Bisa Kdei
Ghanaian lyrical genius, Bisa Kdei, surfaced back into the music mainstream, as he kicks off the third quarter of the year 2021, with his enthralling record christened “Yard”.
This beautiful record “Yard” comes through after Bisa Kdei, gave us “Slow” the record serves as the singer-songwriters’ 2021 opener, and it’s still receiving massive airplay. The single was accompanied by its music video, which was shot and edited by famed videographer, Prince Dovlo.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Bisa Kdei – Yard
33.
“Jowo” by Davido
One of the songs that shaped the year 2021 for Afrobeats singer, Davido is his melodious tune, Jowo. The song was released ahead of his long-awaited body of work and the IF singer did not disappoint his fans.
Jowo was the favorite of many at clubs, weddings, and social gatherings and continues to enjoy airplay months after its release. It was no doubt a monster hit.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Davido – Jowo
32.
“Come My Way” by Wande Coal
Rated as one of the best vocalists in the music industry, Wande Coal always comes through when it matters most. His hit single, Come My Way was another sound that illustrated the essential difference between him and his peers. Come My Way truly came the good way and better time for many music lovers, who admire Wande’s voice and vocals.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Wande Coal – Come My Way
31.
“Too Sweet (O Dun)” by Niniola
Niniola delivers a beautiful piece of work on this sound and she was not wrong to have chosen the title Too Sweet (Odun).
The new Amapiano record, “Too Sweet” comes after her latest RnB project, ‘6th Heaven’ EP. Those who love good sound rated the song as one of the best to have come out of the year in the industry.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Niniola – Too Sweet (O Dun)
30.
“Enjoyment” by Kidi
Ghanaian talented singer KiDi opened 2021 with a melodious tune that penetrated the souls of his fans and the fan base largely dominated by female fans. Enjoyment received massive airplay in West African countries and rated top 10 even on charts.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Kidi – Enjoyment
29.
“Rain” by Yemi Alade Feat. Mzansi Youth Choir
Yemi Alade is one energetic singer and performer who never serves it less when it comes to giving her fans sweet melodious songs. In Rain, she pushed the envelope once again and justified why she remains Mama Africa.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Yemi Alade – Rain (Feat. Mzansi Youth Choir)
28.
“Early Momo” by Vector Feat. GoodGirl LA
Dropped on Val’s Day, Vector’s Early Momo song was all that lovebirds needed to get through the love season and beyond. The track dropped off Vector’s Teslim Album. It was a song that showed why the rapper and poet should not be written off just yet.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Vector – Early Momo (Feat. GoodGirl LA)
27.
“Sawa Sawa” by Bruce Melodie Feat. Khaligraph Jones
Rwandan multiple award-winning vocal-powerhouse and all-round entertainer Bruce Melodie joins forces with Kenyan hip-hop heavyweight Khaligraph Jones to deliver their amapiano-inspired song, entitled “Sawa Sawa”.
With a growing fan base, Bruce Melodie continues to rise to the occasion.
Listen to Bruce Melodie – Sawa Sawa (Feat. Khaligraph Jones)
26.
“Amore” by Fally Ipupa
Fally Ipupa goes solo on this catchy track which was released for public consumption in May this year. Fally Ipupa recorded ‘Amore‘ with great effort to make it a lovely tune. Nothing or no one can stop Fally when he gets into his music element.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Fally Ipupa – Amore
25.
“Wicked” by AttiFaya
Emerging Afrobeat artiste, Attifaya recruits renowned music producer, Burssbrain to executive produce his latest drop “WICKED.” The new single infuses elements of “UK Drill,” “Trap,” and Afrobeat and it’s rumoured to appear on his forthcoming project, “Don’t Play With Faya“.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to AttiFaya – Wicked
24.
“Izolo” by DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU Feat. Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga & Visca
Gifted South African artists, DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU came through with another track named “Izolo” which was featured by sensational singers, Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga, and Visca. The amapiano groove it created took months to settle.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU – Izolo (Feat. Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga & Visca)
23.
“Rock” by Olamide
Six months after releasing “Carpe Diem,” multi-talented Nigerian superstar, Olamide returns with a new single “Rock,” the Eskeez-produced track was released ahead of the rappers new album, “UY Scuti.”
Rock is the third single off the genre-defying artiste 11th studio album “Uy Scuti.” Speaking with Apple Music, Olamide revealed that the single is about telling someone you love, ‘Hey, you don’t even need to do too much for me to keep being with you.’
Listen to Olamide – Rock
22.
“Woman” by Simi
Some weeks back, the mother of one and wife of singer Adekunle Gold, Simi released her opening single for the year, entitled “Woman.” Since its release, the song has become an international classic.
According to the songbird, Woman is a song about uplifting women as much as it is about pointing out the institutional barriers placed on them, Simi points out society’s unequal treatment while demanding for a more equitable system.
Listen to Simi – Woman
21.
“Levels” by Flavour
Well known for his ability to sing fluently in the Igbo language, Flavour taps Masterkraft to executive produce his chart-topping single, “Levels.” The new song serves as a follow-up to the highlife singers’ last release “Berna Reloaded” which features Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa and Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist Diamond Platnumz.
Listen to Flavour – Levels
20.
“Ale Yi” by Zlatan
Nigerian street-hop artist, Zlatan truly knows how to get himself back into reckoning.
At a time when he was being described as a spent force in the industry, the Bolanle crooner dropped a new banger, Ale Yi, and got his groove back.
The new song has taken Zlatan’s game to new heights with commercial value also increased.
The song is still banging across clubs around the country and beyond.
— Segun Adebayo
Listen to Zlatan – Ale Yi
19.
“Siyathanda” by Cassper Nyovest Feat. Abidoza & Boohle
South African rapper and singer, Cassper Nyovest unites with Abidoza and Boohle for new single Siyathandana, the addictive amapiano jam is off the singers’ new project Sweet and Short 2.0. Since its release, the song has remained atop several charts in/out of South Africa.
Listen to Cassper Nyovest – Siyathandana (Feat. Abidoza & Boohle)
18.
“Baby Riddim” by Fave
Following her appearance on Olamide’s 10th studio album, UY Scuti, the Empawa’s newly signed artiste, Fave has dropped her latest genre-defying track, Baby riddim. The Damie-produced single fuses Afropop with tropical Caribbean sound and is expected to be on her forthcoming debut EP Riddim.
Listen to Fave – Baby Riddim
17.
“Yaba Buluku (Remix)” by Dj Tarico & Burna Boy
South African DJ Tarico joins forces with platinum-certified, Grammy Award winner, Burna Boy, and Preck, Nelson Tivane for a breathtaking new amapiano remix of his club and party banger, the Tárico Caifaz Samuel Simbine-produced Yaba Buluku. The latest in a growing list of exciting collaborations for Dj Tarico, “Yaba Buluku (Remix)” again demonstrates his tremendous sophistication as a DJ.
Listen to Dj Tarico & Burna Boy – Yaba Buluku (Remix)
16.
“Bounce” by Ruger
Known for his eye patch and genre-bending style, Ruger has continued to work towards earning his place in the mainstream. The chart-climbing standout single also appeared on his PANDEMIC Ep — a track released in 2021 that’s now surpassed 80 million streams.
Listen to Ruger – Bounce
15.
“Soundgasm” by Rema
Lagos-based Afrorave pioneer and singer-songwriter Rema releases his sexually-charged second entry for the year 2021, “Soundgasm,” which was produced by London. This new song is a follow-up single to ‘Bounce’. With booming percussion, silky-smooth vocals, and a title derived from the combination of two words which are “sound” and “orgasm,” Soundgasm is an infectious sensual anthem, furthering Rema’s hybrid style.
Listen to Rema – Soundgasm
14.
“Oh Baby” by Dunnie
Known for crafting her records with her target audience in mind, Rising Nigerian record producer and singer Dunnie has enlisted music duo The Cavemen on her newest Highlife record, ‘Oh Baby.’ the single is taken off the singer extended playlist “Amazon,” and its the fifth record on the project.
Listen to Dunnie – Oh Baby
13.
“Cocaine” by Dai Verse
Artist on the rise Dai Verse knows exactly who he is as an artist and has no need to chase trends. Released in April 2020 but caught attention after the release of its viral video in 2021. The triumphant Fatboy-produced single titled “Cocaine” has grown to become a chart-topping song that has lived up to expectations because the singers’ ability to convey raw emotion through his voice and songwriting remains extraordinary.
Listen to Dai Verse – Cocaine
12.
“Peru” by Fireboy DML
On July 20, Afrolife singer Fireboy DML released his first official single for 2021, “Peru” which presents a mesh of spare percussion work and groovy melody. The mid-tempo song was produced by Shizzi, known for works with the likes of Davido and Wizkid.
Listen to Fireboy DML – Peru
11.
“Love Nwantiti” by CKay Feat. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene
Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer CKay continues to showcase his musical talent and range with the release of his heart-warming 2019 late bloomer “Love Nwantiti” which features Afropop revelation, Joeboy, and Ghana’s Kuami Eugene. The remix was taken off his sophomore EP, “Ckay the First”.
Listen to CKay – Love Nwantiti (Remix)
10.
“Outside” by Gyakie & Omah Lay
Coming after the release of his 2020 amapiano cut, ‘Lovely‘ the former Spaceship Records afro-fusion artist on the rise born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria Daniel Benson known popularly as Buju has shared his first official BlaiseBeatz-produced single for the year, “Outside“. The chart-topping song which was released in May 2021, has garnered over 20 million streams on audiomack alone.
Listen to Buju – Outside
9.
“Non Living Thing” by Sarkodie Feat. Oxlade
Genre-busting Ghanian artist, Sarkodie has stayed consistent in his more than 10-year run of boundless artistic brilliance. On “Non Living Thing” he taps silver-tongued Oxlade for the stellar single which was taken off his newly released body of work, No Pressure.
Listen to Sarkodie – Non Living Thing (Feat. Oxlade)
8.
“Gimmie” by Diamond Platnumz Feat. Rema
Self-signed Tanzania superstar, Diamond Platnumz teams up with Rema for his newest record “Gimmie,” produced by Lizer Classic. The lastest joint is a follow-up to Platnumz previously released songs: “Naanzaje” and “IYO” which features Focalistic, Mapara A Jazz and Natosh Gazi.
Listen to Diamond Platnumz – Gimmie Feat. Rema
7.
“Praise” by Fameye
The latest work from the Bogoso rapper and musician Fameya is an understated, mid-tempo masterclass. Written and recorded in Ghana, the soul-lifting Liquid Beatz-produced ballad sees the singer rendering his heartfelt praises to God. Praise is a follow-up to the singer’s most recent work, “Focus“.
Listen to Fameye – Praise
6.
“Bobo” by Aya Nakamura
Since catapulting to the top of the French charts, multi-platinum Malian-born artist Aya Nakamura has been given countless labels. Today, she has announced the release of her eagerly awaited new Vladimir Boudnikoff-produced single, “Bobo.” The single has reached the top three in France and top 20 in Switzerland.
Listen to Aya Nakamura – Bobo
5.
“Frodo Baggins” by E.L Feat. Nova Blaq
Ghanaian rap-heavyweight E.L link up with Nova Blaq for the hip-hop cut “Frodo Baggins.” The joint arrived at critical applause on release and was taken off his sixth installment of the BAR mixtape series. BAR 6 serves as a follow-up to his 13-track star-studded album titled; “West African Vibes (WAVs)” released in March.
Listen to Frodo Baggins (Feat. Nova Blaq)
4.
“Mon Soleil” by Dadju & Anitta
Arriving two months after the release of “Belle,” multi-talented French singer-songwriter Dadju returns, tapping genre-bending Brazillian collaborator Anitta for the release of the dance tune, “Mon Soleil.”
Listen to Dadju & Anitta – Mon Soleil
3.
“Sika Aba Fie (Remix)” by Kweku Darlington Feat. Kuami Eugene, Yaw Tog, Fameye & Kweku Flick
Lynx Entertainment artist, Kweku Darlington has joined forces with fellow Kumerican brothers Kuami Eugene, Yaw Tog, Fameye, and Kweku Flick for the remix “Sika Aba Fie.” The Jay Scratch-produced joint, ‘Sika Aba Fie‘ is characterized by Kweku Darlington’s impassioned vocals.
Listen to Kweku Darlington – Sika Aba Fie (Remix)
2.
“Second Sermon” by Black Sherif
Black Sherif is making music that will encourage his audience to listen. The Ghanaian self-acclaimed leader of Sad Boys Country is serving up his brand-new single, “Second Sermon.” Black Sherif has remained busy in 2021, most recently with the release of his Second Sermon remix featuring Nigerian Grammy-winner Burna Boy. With the beat produced by Ghanaian Stallion, Black Sherif says “This is a message I’m sending to my people at home, Part of it, I dedicated it to my Angel, Sister Mariama, Rest In Perfect Peace.”
Listen to Black Sherif – Second Sermon
1.
“Essence” by Wizkid Feat. Tems
Essence featuring Tems is the 11th track on Wizkid’s 2020 album “Made in Lagos“. Since its release, the Legendury Beatz-produced number quickly became a fan favourite and has attained morethan 100 million streams on apple music.
— Ifeoma Iheagwara
Listen to Wizkid – Essence (Feat. Tems)
