Billboard Names 2Baba’s “African Queen” Best Afrobeats Song of All Time

Billboard has crowned 2Baba’s 2004 classic “African Queen” as the best Afrobeats song of all time, leading its inaugural list of the Top 50 Afrobeats Songs.

Following closely is Wizkid’s 2014 hit “Ojuelegba” at number two, while Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011) takes the third spot. Other songs in the top five include Rema’s “Calm Down” (2022) at number four and Wizkid featuring Tems’ “Essence” (2020) at number five. CKay’s viral “Love Nwantiti” (2019) rounds out the top six.

Billboard explained that the ranking highlights Afrobeats’ evolution and global cultural impact, celebrating the songs and artists that have defined the genre. The selection considered factors such as stylistic representation, local popularity, regional expansion, cultural influence, and commercial success.

The platform also clarified that the list focuses on Afrobeats with an “s”, distinguishing it from Afrobeat, the politically driven genre pioneered in the 1960s by Fela Kuti, which blends West African rhythms, jazz, funk, and highlife.

Other notable entries in the top 20 include Styl-Plus’ “Olufunmi” (2003), 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” (2008), P-Square’s “Do Me” (2013), Davido’s “Fall” (2017), and Burna Boy’s “Ye” (2018).