The Most Popular Afrobeat, Ranked

Choose the Afrobeat you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:28
In the rhythmic world of Afrobeat, every beat and melody carries its unique flavor, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and modern influence. Finding the most resonant tunes can be a challenge amidst such a dynamic array of choices. Ranking these tracks allows fans to navigate through the vibrant landscape of Afrobeat, ensuring they encounter the songs that strike the deepest chord with listeners worldwide. By casting your vote on these Afrobeat tunes, you contribute to a community-driven guide that highlights the best of what this genre has to offer. Your participation not only influences the list but also supports artists by boosting their visibility and showcasing their work to a broader audience. This interactive process fosters a deeper connection between the music and its fans, creating a perpetually updated resource that reflects the true pulse of Afrobeat popularity.

What Is the Most Popular Afrobeat?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    This song is a classic in the Afrobeat genre, with its political commentary and infectious rhythm.
    Fela Kuti - 'Zombie' is a popular Afrobeat music track that was released in 1976. It is widely regarded as one of Fela Kuti's most iconic and politically charged compositions. The song criticizes the Nigerian military regime for their oppressive tactics and blind obedience to authority.
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Release year: 1976
    • Length: 12:25
    • Language: English
    • Album: Zombie
  2. 2
    47
    votes

    Burna Boy - "Ye"

    Burna Boy
    This song has become one of the most popular Afrobeat songs in recent years, with its catchy chorus and danceable beat.
    Burna Boy - 'Ye' is a popular Afrobeat song that was released in 2018. It became a massive hit and showcased Burna Boy's talent in blending Afrobeat rhythms with catchy melodies and captivating lyrics. The song explores themes of love, ambition, and perseverance.
    • Release Date: 2018
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Length: 3 minutes and 54 seconds
    • Language: English
    • Album: Outside
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    This song helped to popularize Wizkid's unique sound and style, and has become a staple in the Afrobeat canon.
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    This song has been a massive hit in Nigeria and beyond, with its infectious beat and catchy chorus.
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This song showcases Tiwa Savage's incredible vocals and has become a popular club anthem.
    Tiwa Savage - All Over is a popular Afrobeat song that was released in 2017. It is a vibrant and catchy track with infectious beats and lyrics. The song showcases Tiwa Savage's versatile vocals and her ability to captivate listeners with her unique style. It has gained significant international recognition and has become a club anthem in many African countries.
    • Release Date: 2017
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Duration: 3 minutes and 36 seconds
    • Label: Mavin Records
    • Songwriter(s): Tiwa Savage
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    This song became a massive hit across Africa and beyond, with its catchy chorus and danceable rhythm.
    Yemi Alade - "Johnny" is a popular Afrobeat song that was released in 2013. It became a major hit and helped to elevate Yemi Alade's career in the music industry. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, energetic vocals, and vibrant production. It delivers a powerful message about infidelity and the consequences it can have on relationships. The lyrics are in a mixture of English and Nigerian pidgin, adding to its authenticity and appeal in the African music scene. Yemi Alade's strong and soulful voice shines throughout the song, showcasing her talent as a vocalist. "Johnny" has gained international recognition and has been praised for its infectious rhythm and danceable beats.
    • Release Date: 2013
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Language: English, Nigerian Pidgin
    • Message: Infidelity and relationship consequences
    • Vocals: Energetic and soulful
  7. 7
    11
    votes

    Olamide - "Wo!"

    Olamide
    This song has become a popular street anthem in Nigeria, with its energetic beat and catchy chorus.
    Olamide - "Wo!" is a popular Afrobeat song by Nigerian artist Olamide. Released in 2017, it quickly became a hit in Nigeria and across Africa. The song has an energetic and catchy beat, with lyrics and vocals that blend English and Yoruba languages. It is known for its street vibe and danceable rhythm, which quickly gained popularity among music lovers and became a club anthem. Olamide, a renowned Nigerian rapper and singer, is the creator of this hit track.
    • Release Date: 2017
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Language: English, Yoruba
    • Popularity: High
    • Danceability: High
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    This song has become a popular club anthem, with its infectious beat and catchy chorus.
    Tekno - 'Pana' is a popular Afrobeat song released by Nigerian artist Tekno in 2016. The track combines elements of Afrobeat, Afropop, and R&B to create an infectious and upbeat rhythm. It quickly became a hit and gained international recognition within the Afrobeat genre.
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Release Year: 2016
    • Label: Made Men Music Group
    • Duration: 3:47
    • Producer: KrizBeatz
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This song has become a popular hit across Africa and beyond, with its unique sound and catchy chorus.
    Mr Eazi - 'Leg Over' is a popular Afrobeat song that was released in 2016. It is a catchy and upbeat track with a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian afrobeats influences. The song showcases Mr Eazi's smooth vocals and playful lyrics, making it a favorite among fans of the genre.
    • Release Year: 2016
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Origin: Nigeria/Ghana
    • Main Language: English
    • Length: 3 minutes and 47 seconds
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This song has become a worldwide hit, with its infectious beat and catchy chorus.
    Afro B - 'Drogba (Joanna)' is a popular Afrobeat song that was released in 2018. It gained widespread recognition for its infectious beats and catchy melodies. The song is named after Didier Drogba, the former Ivorian football player, and pays homage to his fame and success. 'Drogba (Joanna)' became a hit in African and international music charts, propelling Afro B to global recognition.
    • Release Year: 2018
    • Genre: Afrobeat
    • Famous Line: 'Joanna eh eh, Jo-Jo-Jo-Joanna'
    • Artist Nationality: Ivorian/British
    • Duration: 3 minutes and 18 seconds

Missing your favorite Afrobeat?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular Afrobeat

  1. Artist popularity
    The popularity of the Afrobeat artist can also play a critical role in determining the popularity of a song. Famous artists automatically attract more attention and can impact the overall popularity of a song.
  2. Cultural impact
    Afrobeat songs that have made a significant cultural impact should be considered as well. This can include songs that have been used in films, television shows, or commercials, or have become anthems for social or political movements.
  3. Longevity
    The staying power of an Afrobeat song can also be an important factor in determining its popularity. Songs that continue to be enjoyed and celebrated long after their initial release may have a greater impact on the genre than those that fade quickly from public consciousness.
  4. Collaborations
    Afrobeat songs that feature collaborations with other popular artists can also contribute to a song's popularity. Collaborations can introduce new fans to the genre and can lead to an increase in the song's overall popularity.
  5. Danceability
    One of the core elements of Afrobeat is its danceability. Songs that have catchy rhythms and can get people dancing are generally more popular in the genre.
  6. Lyrics and message
    The content of the lyrics can play a role in the popularity of an Afrobeat song. Songs with meaningful, relatable, or powerful messages may resonate more with listeners and contribute to their popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Afrobeat. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Afrobeat is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1534 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Afrobeat once every 24 hours. The rank of each Afrobeat is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular afrobeat

Afrobeat is a vibrant music genre that originated in West Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a fusion of traditional African rhythms and Western jazz, funk, and soul music. The genre gained popularity across Africa and internationally, with artists such as Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, and Miriam Makeba leading the way. Today, Afrobeat continues to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians and fans. At StrawPoll, we aim to celebrate the diversity and richness of this musical genre by hosting polls and rankings on the most popular Afrobeat songs, artists, and albums.

Share this article