Legendary Nigerian singer 2Baba has once again made history as his classic love ballad “African Queen” takes the No.1 spot on Billboard’s newly released list of the 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time.
Billboard’s editors and writers described “African Queen” as the most foundational and influential Afrobeats track, crediting it with helping to shape the global perception of African music.
Released in 2004, the song became an instant anthem across Africa and beyond, and nearly two decades later, it still remains one of the continent’s most recognizable love songs.
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Over the last decade, Afrobeats has grown into a worldwide movement, dominating charts, festivals, and collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Drake, and Ed Sheeran.
Billboard’s curated list pays homage to the songs that have been pivotal in pushing the genre from the streets of Lagos to the world stage.
Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 songs on Billboard’s list, with 2Baba leading the charge:
Top 10 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time (Billboard Ranking)
1. 2Baba – “African Queen” (2004)
A timeless love ballad that broke barriers and remains an Afrobeats classic.
2. Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014)
A heartfelt story of struggle and success, later remixed with Drake and Skepta, cementing Wizkid’s global rise.
3. Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018)
An anthem of triumph and self-belief, Ye catapulted Burna Boy into international superstardom.
4. Davido – “Fall” (2017)
One of the longest-charting Nigerian songs in the U.S. Billboard history, a true Afrobeats crossover.
5. Rema – “Calm Down” (2022)
The global smash hit that gained even more reach with a Selena Gomez remix, breaking streaming records.
6. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems (2020)
Dubbed the “song of the summer” by international media, Essence put Tems on the global map.
7. Oliver De Coque – “Biri Ka Mbiri” (1980s)
A highlife classic that influenced the Afrobeats sound structure.
8. Fela Kuti – “Water No Get Enemy” (1975)
A protest anthem and Afrobeat (with no “s”) masterpiece, proving the deep roots of today’s Afrobeats.
9. CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
A viral TikTok sensation that became one of the most streamed African songs ever.
10. Asake – “Sungba (Remix)” ft. Burna Boy (2022)
A club banger that introduced Asake’s street-hop fusion to global audiences.
The Full Top 50 List
Billboard’s full list celebrates 50 tracks that shaped Afrobeats, with contributions from stars like Tiwa Savage, Fireboy DML, Olamide, Yemi Alade, and more.
It highlights both the old-school pioneers and the new-school hitmakers driving the genre’s worldwide appeal.
With “African Queen” sitting comfortably at the top, 2Baba has once again been cemented as not just a pioneer, but a legend whose music continues to inspire generations.
