5 Nigerian Classics to Add to Your Playlist This New Week

Some Nigerian songs only need a few seconds to play before the memories come rushing back. They are the songs you heard from cars, shops, parties and radio stations, the ones whose lyrics you somehow knew even when you were not the one playing them. For many listeners, hearing them again can bring back a particular school year, a favourite party or simply a time when these songs seemed to be everywhere. If you are in the mood to revisit some of those familiar hits from the 2000s and 2010s, here are five Nigerian classics worth adding to your playlist this week.

2Baba – “African Queen”

Photo: Instagram/@official2baba

Released in 2004, “African Queen” became one of the songs that defined 2Baba’s early solo career after Plantashun Boiz. The track was part of his debut solo album, Face 2 Face, released by Kennis Music on May 15, 2004, and quickly became one of the best-known records from the project.

The song also gave 2Baba a stronger presence outside Nigeria. “African Queen” featured on the soundtrack of the American film Phat Girlz.

Wizkid – “Ojuelegba”

Photo: Instagram/@wizkiddayo

Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” draws from the period of his life before fame, using the Lagos neighbourhood that shaped some of his early experiences as the setting for the story. The song appeared on his 2014 album Ayo and was produced by Legendury Beatz, with Wizkid reflecting on the struggles and ambitions that came before his rise in Nigerian music.

The song later gained another level of attention when Drake and Skepta joined Wizkid for its official remix. “Ojuelegba” went on to win Song of the Year at The Headies in 2015, adding to the song’s place in Wizkid’s growing catalogue.

D’banj – “Oliver Twist”

Photo: Instagram/@iambangalee

D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” was released in 2012 and quickly became a major moment in his career, particularly after the song gained attention in the UK. The track stood out for its playful concept and catchy production, with D’banj using the character of Oliver Twist to express his desire for more. Its success was also reflected on the UK charts, where it reached No. 9 on the Official Singles Chart and spent 14 weeks on the chart. It peaked at No. 2 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.

D’banj’s delivery and the song’s memorable hook made it easy for listeners to recognise and sing along to the record. Its chart run also made “Oliver Twist” one of the notable Nigerian pop records of the early 2010s.

P-Square – “Personally”

Photo: Instagram/@peterpsquare

Released in June 2013, “Personally” was one of P-Square’s memorable songs from the period when Peter and Paul Okoye were among Nigeria’s most popular music duos. The song was produced by Vtek, with its accompanying video released alongside it.

The video is particularly recognisable for its tribute to Michael Jackson, who had a major influence on P-Square’s music and performances. The Lagos-shot visual was co-directed by Jude Engees Okoye and Clarence Peters.

Yemi Alade – “Johnny”

Photo: Instagram/@yemialade

“Johnny” tells the story of a woman dealing with an unfaithful lover, turning a familiar relationship problem into one of Yemi Alade’s most recognisable songs. Its playful sound and humorous storyline helped the record connect with listeners when it was released in October 2013 as the lead single from her debut studio album, King of Queens. Selebobo produced the song, while Clarence Peters directed the official music video, which followed in March 2014 and brought the story to life with a comic touch.

The song became an important part of Yemi Alade’s rise in Nigerian pop music and found listeners in several African countries. It also helped introduce her music to audiences beyond Nigeria and remains one of the recognisable Afropop songs from the 2010s.

For anyone looking to revisit the sounds of the 2000s and 2010s, these songs are worth putting back on the playlist.