The Best Nigerian Songs Right Now

Every month, Nigerian music artists release new songs in hopes of momentarily owning the hearts and ears of current and new fans amidst a barrage of new Nigerian releases.

Here’s a list of the best new songs and music videos from Nigeria this month for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Olamide & CKay “Trumpet”

Olamide, the founder and head of YBNL (home to stars like Fireboy and Asake who’ve become global stars), steps away from his corporate duties to show us he’s still got it as an artist with the release of his first song of the year “Trumpet” featuring Ckay. The mellow but bouncy track produced by P.Prime & Ckay is a significant return for Olamide with over 2 million views on the video on the day of release.

Rema “HOV”

Multi-platinum selling artist Rema released the Ultra version of his record breaking debut album Rave and Roses which recently became the highest streamed project by an African act in Spotify history with over 1 billion streams. The new version features three new tracks, “HOV”, “Charm”, “Dunno Me (Freestyle)”, and previously released singles “Holiday” & “Reason You.”

Zinoleesky “Many Things”

Rising star Zinoleesky finally feeds his fans with his first single of the year “Many Things” following a stellar performance on Adekunle Gold’s hit track “Party No Dey Stop” earlier this year. On the new track, Zinoleesky reflects on his life, career and blessings that have allowed him to reach certain heights, focusing on his path and ignoring distractions.

Joeboy “Duffel Bag”

Ahead of his anticipated sophomore album Body and Soul releasing in May, Joeboy is back with a new single “Duffle Bag.” The track’s cheery tempo perfectly allows Joeboy’s vocals glide across the track, focusing his lyrics on empathy for women who seek men that treat them with respect, subsequently insisting his quality to fill that void. “Plenty of money for my duffel bag / Let me know when you don’t want to see me, darling”

Johnny Drille “Believe Me”

Mavin Records’ signee Johnny Drille released “Believe Me” after the positive reception to his Home EP which housed the hit track “How Are You (My Friend).” His new track, produced by Nigerian music legend and Mavin founder Don Jazzy, fuses subtle Amapiano elements with highlife and is another episode of Johnny Drille’s disposition for romance, this time, with a rumored partner kept under the wraps, but finally coming to light.

Asake “2:30”

Asake keeps the momentum going with the release of his second single of the year “2:30.” On the upbeat Blaisebeatz produced track, Asake celebrates his authenticity and accepts his new self. “2:30” thematically follows his previous single “Yoga” which also explores the importance of understanding one’s individualism. The new single is yet another testament to Asake’s ability to artistically blend different musical styles into something refreshing.

Wande Coal “Let Them Know”

Wande Coal releases his new single “Let Them Know” ahead of his anticipated album Legend Or No Legend, expected later this year. On the Kel-P produced track, Wande Coal asserts his one-of-a-kind nature, telling listeners that the mystery in his journey is reserved solely for his detractors. The percussion and guitar chords shine as he sings, “I will rather get the money in a foreign currency/And get rich or die while trying.”

Young Jonn “Aquafina”

With the release of his first single earlier in the year “Currency” featuring Nigerian rap luminary Olamide, Chocolate City’s Young Jonn is back with his second “Aquafina.” On the track, he channels his inner Amapiano mastery with sultry lyrics that tell the dire need for love and attention in a one sided relationship. Speaking on the making of this track, Young Jonn says, “This song is just me further expressing my passion for music and my ability to always deliver hits, I want my fans to always listen to my songs and feel good”.

Prettyboy D-O “Korokoro”

Prettyboy D-O second single of the year “Korokoro” comes just days after releasing his first “It’s Different.” After months of teasing on social media, D-O’s hard hitting bars rhythmically flow on the DaRE-produced track. On the track D-O says a prayer for his enemies never to see him fall, “May my pride never a weakness, If I fall may my opps never bear witness.”

Mohbad “Ask About Me”

Mohbad is back on the scene with the release of his new single “Ask About Me.” The Amapiano-infused track comprises mellow drums, and soft saxophone chords, while allowing Mohbad’s vocals to take center stage as he appreciates his journey thus far, shuffling his lyrics between Yoruba and English.