Nigeria’s Afrobeats continues to stamp its authority on global music as five Nigerian songs have been listed in Rolling Stone’s 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century (So Far), a ranking that celebrates 25 years of global hits.
The recognition underscores Afrobeats’ growing influence and cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse in modern music culture.
Leading the pack is Essence by Wizkid featuring Tems, which ranks No. 22. Released in 2020, the record-breaking hit from Made in Lagos became the first Nigerian song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Song Performance, and was hailed by Kanye West as the greatest song in music history.
At No. 95 is Burna Boy’s Last Last” (2022), a heartbreak anthem that transformed personal pain into a global singalong. The track, which samples Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough, earned Burna Boy another Grammy nod for Best African Song Performance in 2023.
Rema’s “Woman” (2020) appears at No. 228, highlighting the new generation’s creative energy. Produced by Ozedikus and Altims, the upbeat single showcases Rema’s playful style and early experimentation with the Afro-rave sound that would later define his career.
Tems’ “Free Mind” (2020), from her debut EP For Broken Ears, ranks No. 232. A deeply introspective piece of music, the song features Tems’ self-produced blend of soulful vocals and minimalist rhythm, confirming her individuality beyond collaborations.
Closing the Nigerian entries is Davido’s UNAVAILABLE featuring Musa Keys, at No. 243. The 2023 Amapiano-infused anthem from Timeless went viral across TikTok and Instagram, inspiring a global dance challenge and securing a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance in 2024.
The inclusion of these five songs is a monumental moment for Nigerian music, affirming Afrobeats as a defining force in global pop culture.
Nigeria’s Afrobeats continues to stamp its authority on global music as five Nigerian songs have been listed in Rolling Stone’s 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century (So Far), a ranking that celebrates 25 years of global hits.
The recognition underscores Afrobeats’ growing influence and cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse in modern music culture.
Leading the pack is “Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems, which ranks No. 22. Released in 2020, the record-breaking hit from Made in Lagos became the first Nigerian song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Song Performance, and was hailed by Kanye West as the greatest song in music history.”
At No. 95 is Burna Boy’s “Last Last” (2022), a heartbreak anthem that transformed personal pain into a global singalong.
The track, which samples Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough, earned Burna Boy another Grammy nod for Best African Song Performance in 2023.
Rema’s “Woman” (2020) appears at No. 228, highlighting the new generation’s creative energy. Produced by Ozedikus and Altims, the upbeat single showcases Rema’s playful style and early experimentation with the Afro-rave sound that would later define his career.
Tems’ Free Mind (2020), from her debut EP For Broken Ears, ranks No. 232. A deeply introspective piece of music, the song features Tems’ self-produced blend of soulful vocals and minimalist rhythm, confirming her individuality beyond collaborations.
Closing the Nigerian entries is Davido’s “UNAVAILABLE” featuring Musa Keys, at No. 243. The 2023 Amapiano-infused anthem from Timeless went viral across TikTok and Instagram, inspiring a global dance challenge and securing a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance in 2024.
The inclusion of these five songs is a monumental moment for Nigerian music, affirming Afrobeats as a defining force in global pop culture.
