10 Wave-Making Nigerian Songs in the New Year

How does one forecast music? How can you tell what will be popular? Are the 2020s going to be as rebellious as the 1920s? Are we going to continue on this upward trajectory and grow as an industry or will we fall off? What is the Nigerian music of 2020 going to sound like?

Although the year is quite young, these ten songs released at the end of the decade are proof that 2020 is going to be a completely different era in terms of soundscapes and genre-bending. In no particular order, these songs are currently ruling the waves and making Nigerians love homemade music more. Here they are…

1. Vibration by Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML took the world of Afropop by storm when he dropped his viral hit track Jealous back in May 2019. He then released a spectacular album titled Laughter, Goosebumps, and Tears, words that capture how you feel listening to it.

In Vibration, Fireboy combines the sharp piano notes and acoustic guitar strums with a smooth trumpet solo. The lyrics of the song and the percussion evoke the imagery of an Afro-Carribean romance.

What is most amazing about Fireboy DML is his originality, which we hope he doesn’t trade down in the years to come.

2. Sweet in the Middle by Davido ft. Wurld, Naira Marley, and Zlatan Ibile

There’s nothing more indicative of the entry of alte into the more mainstream spheres of music than this song. A collaboration of artistes from three different realms of Nigerian music; it carries the star power of Davido, the grittiness of Naira Marley and Zlatan’s street rap, and the smooth sensuality of Wurld’s vocals.

The lack of the over-the-top instrumentation that characterizes Afrobeats is more evidence of this new fusion of sounds. It looks as though Afropop is going to get slower and more chill. It is a welcome development. I don’t know if they know this, but they really did something here.

3. Try Me by Tems

When it comes to female artistes, vocal ability is usually judged by how high she can go. And although Teni plays with both high and low ranges, it is refreshing to hear Tems’ lower-register riffs and runs.

Tems’ singing packs a gritty and soulful punch that demands attention and remains worth your while. The way she climbs up and down the lyrics of this song keeps winding you up for an explosive and catchy chorus.

With her energy and pure talent, Tems is bound to deliver a fresh perspective to Afropop and inspire other artistes to experiment with new sounds. We hope to see more of her in 2020.

4. Lady by Rema

There is something so reminiscent about Rema’s Lady that is difficult to put a finger on. And while the Next Rated artiste has had a slew of big hits like Dumebi and Iron Man, this one just seems different.

Like Burna Boy’s Anybody, the song has a bright and vibrant Afro-Carribean instrumentation. Coupled with sharp ‘k’ sounds and street lingo, it is a fun and sexy song exalting the beauty of a woman in a way that escapes being corny by the skin of its teeth.

It also moves you to do what Nigerians love to do; dance!

5. Tesumole by Naira Marley

Although learning this dance would be akin to a full-time job, Tesumole is a jam that makes you move. Naira Marley’s music is mostly in Yoruba so a lot of people might not understand anything except “inside life”.

But like the Azonto, Skelewu, Shakiti Bobo, Gbese, and Zanku of the 2010s, songs that come accompanied with new dances will remain a thing in 2020. So watch out for tutorial videos.

6. Wahala on the Rocks by Gigi Atlantis

There is a whole different type of Afropop sound that has been wrongfully classified as alte because it would be work to classify it. But mark my words, Gen Z ajebutter musicians are carving their niche this year, and Gigi Atlantis is riding in on that wave.

Serving Euphoria-inspired looks, IJGB vocals, and wahala on the rocks, Gigi hypes herself throughout this chill, fun song. We’re keeping an eye out for her. Let’s see what else she comes up with this year.

7. Cash Remix by Lady Donli ft. Davido

Lady Donli’s Cash is a simple and fun song that served as the lead single for her first album Enjoy Your Life. Lady Donli dropped the remix featuring OBO Baddest Davido and it is the chillest track about the hustle that you can come across.

With funky highlife instrumentation, sultry vocals from Donli, and Davido’s obvious cash addiction; this song is a feel-good soundtrack for the days you’ll spend by the pool or clubbing with your friends, just enjoying your life.

8. Omo Rapala by Niniola

Niniola has no intention of slowing down this decade. On January 8, she dropped this funky house Afrofusion track. This is a fun tune to dance to and a reminder that in any genre, music sung in Yoruba will always take centre-stage in the Nigerian music industry. The video features Fuji artiste, Abass Akande Obesere, whose stage name is Omo Rapala

8. Nana by Peruzzi

Peruzzi’s Nana is an Afropop hit with a plucky perky acoustic guitar and guiding base that makes it sound folky and reggae-infused. The bright and happy love song portrays young love as intoxicating.

Peruzzi shows off his songwriting skills with this song and delivers simple yet stunning vocals that will have you singing this in the shower.

Straying from the usual temptation to load it up with beats, this is a more organic sound that would be refreshing to hear in another format.

9. Omo by Burna Boy

This list won’t be complete without the current biggest Nigerian export, Burna Boy. Burna Boy’s career has skyrocketed in the past year and he is not just an Afrobeats artiste but now a pop mainstay.

Burna Boy dropped Omo back in November and we were hypnotized by the “baby, your body dey for my eye” line. The mid-range pop beat goes perfectly with Burna’s vibratos and empowering lyrics.

Knowing the African Giant, he has a lot more in store for us when he comes back from his world tour.

10. Billionaire by Teni

Teni Makanaki is the sweetheart of the Nigerian music history and keeps producing hit after hit. The singer has made a reputation of delivering beautiful vocals in a relatable and exciting way.

The one thing every Nigerian can relate to the most is wanting more money and Teni paints a picture of this fantasy in her song Billionaire. This song sees bright moments like her high pitching and using bass vocals as instruments.

Fireboy DML and Burna Boy also use vocals and instruments to make the soundscape more organic. Hopefully, moving performances about things we can relate to and complex soundscapes are here to stay, because we love to hear it.