After the darknesss that rocked the world in 2020 as a result of Covid-19, 2021 was packed with lots of compensation for musicians and fans, as concerts eventually held and fans could watch their stars perform live.
2021 was a memorable year for Afrobeats and lovers of the genre. On the Nigerian scene, there were so many breakout stars (Ruger, Ckay, Ayra Star, Lojay, Buju, Fave etc) as well as incrddible contributions from already established artists. Coming into the new year, Wizkid’s Made In Lagos ruled early 2021, with songs like “Smile,” “Essence,” and “Ginger Me” receiving plenty love from fans and DJs. However, the tides slightly turned in Burna Boy’s favour after his Grammy win in March.
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Meanwhile, the likes of Ladipoe, Adekunle Gold, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, and Zinoleesky were also on fire with hit songs that trended all over social media.
It got even more exciting towards the second half of the yaer, with bigger acts such as Davido, Mayorkun, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Timaya, and even Wizkid (when he released the deluxe version of Made In Lagos) joining in on the act.
In a year full of quality music and sounds, we asked our staff to pick their top 5 Nigerian hit songs of 2021 and below is what they came up with.
Zaynab Musa (Social Media)
Zaynab is our social media manager. As well as being an expert in writing, and telling our stories on social media, she enjoys cooking, especially making pastries. Her top 5 Nigerian songs from 2021 are:
- High – Adekunle Gold feat. Davido
- Bounce – Ruger
- Mood – wizkid feat. Buju
- Cold outside -Timaya feat. Buju
- Have fun – Bad Boy Timz
Ruth Ugwu (Administration)
Ruth is our head of admin. She’s a sucker for Pop music and a huge fan of Wizkid and Ed Sheeran. Check out Ruth’s 5 favourite songs of last year below.
- Dior – Ruger
- Alcohol – Joeboy
- Egedege – Larry Gaga feat. Pete Edochie, Theresa Onuorah, Flavour, & Phyno
- Love Nwantiti – Ckay
- Sinner – Adekunle Gold feat. Lucky Daye
Tolu
Tolu is our technical operations guy. He’s a SEO expert, and a huge fan of Afrobeats. Check out his top 5 Nigerian songs from 2021.
- Feel Good – Mohbad
- Felony – Ckay
- History – Cheque feat. Fireboy DML
- Rock – Olamide
- Testimony – Buju
Sandra (Editorial)
Sandra is one of our lead writers. She’s a huge fan of Joeboy and its no surprise “Sip (Alcohol)” is the number song on her top 5. “Peru,” “Ojuju,” “Confident,” and “Monalisa” complete the list.
- Alcohol – Joeboy
- Peru – Fireboy
- Ojuju – Oxlade
- Confident – Savage feat. Buju
- Monalisa – Lojay fest. Sarz
Onyeka (Editorial)
Onyeka is another member of our editorial team. He’s a huge admirer of good lyricism and flow in an artist. His favourite genre of music is hardcore Hip Hop/Rap. However, these are his top 5 Nigerian songs of 2021.
- Cold Outside – Timaya feat. Buju
- Sinner – Adekinle Gold feat. Lucky Daye
- Tonongo – Lojay feat. Sarz
- Shameful – King OT
- Ozumba Mbadiwe – Reekado Banks
What are your own top 5 Nigerian song picks from 2021? Surely some of these songs will make your list.
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