The Most Popular African Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:28
In a continent as musically diverse as Africa, where numerous languages and cultures mix to create rich soundscapes, it can be challenging to pinpoint which songs truly capture the hearts of people. Charting the top hits not only celebrates these musical achievements but also illuminates the trends and rhythms preferred by listeners across different regions.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a broader understanding of African music's impact and reach. This process helps in identifying emerging artists and sounds that might otherwise go unnoticed. Each vote casts a spotlight on what resonates with the masses, shaping a roadmap of popular taste and influence in African music.
What Is the Most Popular African Song?
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163votesThis song went viral on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic and became a global hit, inspiring a dance challenge that involved millions of people. It has over 400 million views on YouTube and topped charts in multiple countries.Jerusalema is a popular African song by Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode. It is an uplifting gospel-infused house music track that has gained tremendous international popularity.
- Genre: Gospel-infused house music
- Featured artist: Nomcebo Zikode
- Release date: 2019
- Language: Zulu, English
- Length: 4 minutes and 15 seconds
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237votesThis Nigerian songstress is known for her energetic Afro-pop and "Johnny" is one of her biggest hits, with over 100 million views on YouTube. It tells the story of a cheating boyfriend and the revenge of his girlfriend.
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319votesWizkid is one of the most popular and influential musicians from Nigeria, and "Soco" is one of his most successful songs, featuring a blend of Afrobeat and dancehall. It has over 100 million views on YouTube.Soco is a popular African song by Wizkid featuring Terri, Spotless, and Ceeza Milli. Released in 2018, it quickly became a hit and gained widespread popularity across Africa and beyond. The song falls under the Afrobeat genre and is characterized by its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and energetic vocals. Soco is known for its captivating lyrics and vibrant production, making it a favorite on dancefloors and at parties. The collaboration between Wizkid, Terri, Spotless, and Ceeza Milli results in a highly enjoyable and memorable track that showcases the artists' talent and versatility.
- Year of Release: 2018
- Genre: Afrobeat
- Featured Artists: Terri, Spotless, Ceeza Milli
- Lyric language: English
- Length: 4 minutes and 23 seconds
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416votes
"Khona" by Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru
Mafikizolo ft. UhuruThis South African duo is known for their catchy and danceable tunes, and "Khona" is one of their biggest hits, with over 25 million views on YouTube. It combines house music with traditional African rhythms.Khona is a popular African song by Mafikizolo featuring Uhuru. Released in 2013, it became an instant hit and gained international recognition. The song blends elements of South African house music with catchy melodies and energetic beats. It is sung in Zulu, one of the widely spoken languages in South Africa.- Release Date: 2013
- Genre: South African House Music
- Language: Zulu
- Collaboration: Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru
- Chart Success: Reached number one on various African music charts
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513votes
"Drogba (Joanna)" by Afro B
Afro BThis British-Ivorian artist created a global sensation with "Drogba (Joanna)", a tribute to the Ivorian football player Didier Drogba. The song has over 200 million views on YouTube and features a fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, and soca.Drogba (Joanna) is a popular African song by Afro B, a British/Ivorian artist. It is a catchy afrowave/afrobeat track that gained international recognition and became a dance anthem in 2018-2019. The song is named after the Ivorian professional footballer Didier Drogba, as it pays tribute to his skills and charisma. It blends Afrobeat rhythms with Afrotrap elements, creating an energetic and infectious vibe. Afro B's smooth vocals and the vibrant production make it a captivating and feel-good track.- Genre: Afrowave/Afrobeat
- Release Year: 2018
- Length: 3:18
- Language: English/French
- Label: Polydor Records
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610votes
"Ojuelegba" by Wizkid
WizkidAnother hit from Wizkid, "Ojuelegba" tells the story of his humble beginnings in the Lagos slum of the same name. It has been remixed by Drake and Skepta and has over 20 million views on YouTube.Ojuelegba is a popular African song by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It is a vibrant blend of Afrobeats and Hip-hop, delivering a catchy and infectious rhythm that has captivated audiences worldwide. The song was released in 2014 as part of Wizkid's second studio album, Ayo.- Release Year: 2014
- Genre: Afrobeats, Hip-hop
- Language: English, Yoruba
- Length: 5 minutes, 44 seconds
- Album: Ayo
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74votes
"Skelewu" by Davido
DavidoThis Nigerian singer and producer is known for his catchy hooks and dance moves, and "Skelewu" is one of his most popular songs, with over 50 million views on YouTube. It features a fusion of Afrobeat and EDM.Skelewu is a popular African song, originally released by Nigerian artist Davido in 2013. The song quickly gained international popularity and became a viral dance sensation.- Genre: Afrobeats
- Release Date: August 2013
- Language: English, Nigerian Pidgin
- Duration: 3 minutes and 56 seconds
- Album: The Baddest
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84votesAnother hit from Davido, "Fall" became the longest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100, staying for four weeks in 2019. It has over 200 million views on YouTube and features a mix of Afrobeats and R&B.
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911votesThis Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer is known for his fusion of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and R&B, and "Pana" is one of his biggest hits, with over 100 million views on YouTube. It features a catchy melody and romantic lyrics.
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109votes
"Aye" by Davido
DavidoYes, another Davido song, but he is one of the most successful and popular artists from Africa, and "Aye" is a beautiful love song that showcases his vocal and songwriting skills. It has over 70 million views on YouTube.Aye is a popular African song by Davido, a Nigerian singer-songwriter, and record producer. The track was released in 2014 as the second single from his second studio album 'The Baddest'. Aye showcases a fusion of Afrobeats and Highlife styles, featuring catchy melodies, vibrant instrumentals, and heartfelt lyrics. The song became an instant hit, receiving massive airplay and topping various music charts across Africa.- Year of Release: 2014
- Album: The Baddest
- Genre: Afrobeats, Highlife
- Language: Yoruba, English
- Length: 3 minutes, 56 seconds
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Number of streams/downloadsOne of the primary indicators of a song's popularity is the number of times it has been streamed or downloaded on various platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, etc. This helps in understanding the reach and influence of the song among the audience.
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Radio airplayRadio stations play a vital role in the promotion and popularity of a song. The frequency at which a song is played on radio stations highlights its popularity among the audience.
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Chart performanceThe ranking of the song in music charts, both local and international, is a strong indicator of its popularity. It shows the song's performance in comparison to other songs released during the same period.
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Awards and accoladesWinning awards and receiving nominations for a song's musical excellence, composition, lyrics, and the overall impact can contribute to its popularity.
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Public opinion and critical receptionThe way people talk about the song, its impact on social and cultural conversations, and the reviews from music critics and publications can also influence its popularity.
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Social media engagementThe number of shares, likes, and comments the song receives on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok can help in understanding its impact on the audience and its popularity.
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Concerts and live performancesThe popularity of a song can also be gauged by the audience's response during live concerts and performances. A song's demand and the energy it generates during a live performance is a strong indicator of its popularity.
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Cultural impactA song's popularity can also be determined by its contribution to the culture and society. Whether it sparks a dance craze or becomes an anthem for a particular movement, the cultural impact plays a significant role in the song's popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular African song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2559 views
- 183 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular african song
Background Information: African Music
African music is a diverse and vibrant art form that has inspired countless musicians and listeners across the globe. With a history that spans thousands of years, the music of Africa is deeply interconnected with the continent's rich cultural heritage and complex social dynamics.
From traditional folk music to modern genres like hip-hop and afrobeat, African music encompasses a wide range of styles and sounds. Many African songs feature complex rhythms, intricate vocal harmonies, and a strong emphasis on storytelling and social commentary.
Over the years, African music has had a profound impact on the global music scene, influencing countless artists across a variety of genres. Today, African music continues to evolve and thrive, with new and exciting voices emerging from all corners of the continent.
So, what is the most popular African song? With so many incredible artists and songs to choose from, it's a tough question to answer. But one thing is for sure: the music of Africa is as vibrant and diverse as the continent itself.
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