Africa’s musical poster child, Afrobeats, has had a remarkable and successful year, characterised by sold-out shows across the globe, chart-topping songs, placements in Rolling Stone, Billboard achievements, groundbreaking albums, and numerous Grammy nominations in 2024.
Thanks to Afrobeats, sub-Saharan Africa’s music consumption has surged by 114%, outpacing all other regions. Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped report, an annual analysis of worldwide music and podcast listening trends, confirms this growth.
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The genre’s expanding influence is also reflected in the rise of music videos featuring top Afrobeats and Amapiano artists. Vevo, a leading music video network, reported a 56% increase in views of Afrobeats and Amapiano videos globally in 2023, with 61% of these views coming from outside Africa.
Afrobeats has proven its staying power on the global stage, securing 7.69% of the global music market. This success highlights its universal appeal and growing influence.
In 2024, Afrobeats saw a wave of creativity, with leading artists pushing boundaries and new talents emerging with fresh sounds through innovative collaborations.
Here are the top 20 Afrobeats songs of 2024 that defined the genre:
1. Song: MMS
Artist(s): Asake & Wizkid
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: YBNL Nation/EMPIRE
Date of Release: 8th August 2024
A standout track from Asake’s third studio album, Lungu Boy, produced by P. Priime. The collaboration with Wizkid brings together infectious Afrobeat rhythms, undeniable charisma, and an energy that has captivated audiences.
2. Song: Twe Twe (Remix)
Artist(s): Kizz Daniel & Davido
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Flyboy Inc / EMPIRE
Date of Release: 25th January 2024
Produced by Killertunes and Blaise Beatz, this track’s polished, lively production makes it an instant hit. With over 22 million views on YouTube, it demonstrates the duo’s ability to mesmerise listeners worldwide.
3. Song: Big Big Things
Artist(s): Young Jonn
Featured Artist(s): Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Chocolate City Music
Date of Release: 23rd February 2024
Produced by Yung Willis, this amapiano-infused Afro-fusion anthem celebrates success and victory, featuring a soothing melody and a distinctive style that has made it a fan favourite.
4. Song: Tshwala Bam (Remix)
Artist(s): TitoM, Yuppe & Burna Boy
Featured Artist: S.N.E
Country: South Africa, Nigeria
Record Label: Boundary Ent / Spaceship
Date of Release: 13th March 2024
Produced by Thato Seth Mathobela and Bongani Kenneth Sibanyoni, this remix is a cross-continental hit, showcasing the power of African music to transcend borders.
5. Song: Egwu
Artist(s): Chike & Mohbad
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Brothers Records
Date of Release: 15th December 2023
A moving tribute to the late Mohbad, Egwu combines Afro-fusion with heartfelt emotional resonance. Its popularity soared after being included on Chike’s 2024 album, Son of Chike.
6. Song: Love Me Jeje
Artist(s): Tems
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: RCA Records/Since 93’
Date of Release: 25th April 2024
A modern reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s classic Love Me Jeje, this track, produced by Guiltybeatz and Spax, highlights Tems’ evolving sound and global appeal.
7. Song: Higher
Artist(s): Burna Boy
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Spaceship Entertainment Ltd.
Date of Release: 27th June 2024
Burna Boy continues to impress with this Afro-fusion single, which blends international soundscapes with elements of trap and amapiano. Its upbeat lyrics and danceable rhythm have made it a hit worldwide.
8. Song: Ogechi (Remix)
Artist(s): Brown Joel, Hyde, BoyPee, Davido
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Azuri
Date of Release: 26th June 2024
Produced by Dawie, this remix combines catchy rhythms with modern sounds. Davido’s heartfelt contribution to the song, dedicated to his wife Chioma, adds a personal touch.
9. Song: Holy Ghost
Artist(s): Omah Lay
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: KeyQaad
Date of Release: 10th November 2023
A captivating blend of soulful melodies and Afrobeat rhythms, produced by LEKAA. Holy Ghost is one of Omah Lay’s most-streamed songs, following his hit Soso.
10. Song: Big Baller
Artist(s): Flavour
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: 2Nite Music Group
Date of Release: 23rd November 2023
This track combines highlife and modern Afrobeats, showcasing Flavour’s vocal dexterity. Produced by Jaysynths, it is a celebration of luxury and success, leading the charge for Flavour’s upcoming 2024 album African Royalty.
11. Song: Jump
Artist(s): Tyla, Gunna, Skillibeng
Country: South Africa
Record Label: Fax Records
Date of Release: 20th March 2024
A groovy and upbeat track from Tyla’s debut album, blending Afrobeat with South African sounds. The track maintains its popularity with its highly danceable rhythm.
12. Song: Do I (Remix)
Artist(s): Phyno & Burna Boy
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Penthauze Music / Spaceship Entertainment
Date of Release: 19th December 2023
A flawless fusion of Amapiano, Afrobeats, and rap, Do I (Remix), produced by Jaysynths, showcases the power of this cross-genre collaboration.
13. Song: Commas
Artist(s): Ayra Starr
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Mavin Records
Date of Release: 2nd February 2024
A global hit produced by Ragee, London, and AOD. Commas helped solidify Ayra Starr’s position as a modern music trailblazer.
14. Song: Ozeba
Artist(s): Rema
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Mavin Global / Jonzing World Entertainment
Date of Release: 10th July 2024
A standout track from Rema’s Grammy-nominated album HEIS, Ozeba blends edgy melodies with Afro-fusion and shows off Rema’s versatility.
15. Song: Favourite Girl (Remix)
Artist(s): Darkoo & Rema
Country: Nigeria / UK
Record Label: Darkoo LTD
Date of Release: 10th April 2024
A must-listen collaboration with an infectious tune and a flow that has garnered over 9.3 million YouTube views. Produced by Windel Edwards and others, it’s a club staple.
16. Song: Stubborn
Artist(s): Victony & Asake
Country: Nigeria
Date of Release: 10th May 2024
Produced by KTIZO, 1Mind, and Westen Weiss, Stubborn combines captivating vocals with Afro-fusion energy, making it a notable collaboration.
17. Song: Dealer
Artist(s): Ayo Maff & Fireboy DML
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Tunesbid/Ocen Street
Date of Release: 16th April 2024
A soulful, sensual track blending Afrobeats with rich, harmonic rhythms. Produced by Young Daddy and Basically, it has become a fan favourite.
18. Song: Hmmm
Artist(s): Chris Brown & Davido
Country: USA / Nigeria
Record Label: Chris Brown Entertainment LLC
Date of Release: 11th April 2024
This collaboration merges Afrobeats with global R&B, creating unforgettable hooks and seductive vibes. Produced by Yung Alpha, Hmmm is an Afro-fusion hit.
19. Song: Awolowo
Artist(s): Fido
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: Inner Circle Ent
Date of Release: 7th August 2024
A vibrant track with an infectious Afrobeat sound, Awolowo has topped the charts and accumulated over 20 million Spotify streams.
20. Song: Soh-Soh
Artist(s): Odeal
Country: Nigeria
Record Label: OVMR
Date of Release: 5th July 2024
With catchy hooks and rhythmic Afropop beats, Soh-Soh delivers an infectious energy and feel-good vibes, produced by PD and Sunday.
As Afrobeats continues to evolve and captivate global audiences, its future looks incredibly bright. With its unique fusion of rhythms, melodies, and cultural significance, Afrobeats is set to remain a dominant force in the global music industry for years to come.
