BILLBOARD’S TOP 50 AFROBEATS SONGS SPARKS DEBATE AS 2BABA’S AFRICAN QUEEN TOPS LIST

Billboard’s Afrobeats ranking stirs debate as classics and global hits face off.

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2Face Idibia
2Face Idibia


Billboard has unveiled its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, with 2Baba’s timeless classic African Queen claiming the number one spot. The announcement has triggered mixed reactions from fans and music lovers across social media.

Wizkid’s 2014 anthem Ojuelegba ranked second, followed by Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), Rema’s global smash Calm Down, and Wizkid’s Essence featuring Tems, which rounded out the top five. CKay’s viral hit Love Nwantiti secured sixth place, further underscoring Afrobeats’ international dominance.

Billboard explained that the ranking was designed to celebrate the “game changers” of the genre, emphasizing its cultural impact and global reach. The platform also clarified that the list focuses on Afrobeats (the contemporary sound), not Afrobeat, the pioneering style popularized by Fela Kuti. Criteria included stylistic representation, local popularity, regional expansion, cultural influence, and commercial success.

Still, the placements have fueled heated debate online. While many applauded the recognition of classics such as Styl-Plus’ Olufunmi, 9ice’s Gongo Aso, P-Square’s Do Me, Davido’s Fall, and Burna Boy’s Ye, others questioned the order of ranking and the omission of several genre-defining tracks. Some argued that newer global hits received greater weight than foundational songs that shaped Afrobeats’ rise.

With the genre now commanding worldwide attention, Billboard’s list has become more than a ranking; it’s a flashpoint for discussions about the legacy, influence, and future of Africa’s most powerful sound.

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