For many, the Nigerian music scene currently feels like it’s stuck in neutral, waiting for the next big hit to reignite the spark and bring the usual excitement back to the fore. The midpoint of 2024 is almost here, yet there are still complaints about the glaring lack of established “bangers” — which is especially surprising given the incredible momentum built up in 2023, a year that saw the rise of breakout stars and some truly great music, setting the bar high for 2024.

Many artists and producers keep churning out formulaic tracks, heavily reliant on the same amapiano-driven, log drum-heavy sound that was popular in 2020 through 2023. This creative stagnation is likely sponsored by a desire to replicate past successes and appease mainstream audiences. However, this has snowballed into the homogenization of sound, with many tracks being plain boring. Perhaps, the forthcoming heavily-awaited albums from Tems, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr may be just what will resuscitate the scene.

In any case, the near absence of supposed hits doesn’t mean that good music hasn’t been made. While the year has so far lacked a defining anthem or a potential game-changing summer release, there have been some songs that have been good enough to sustain our interest. There are still many artists pushing the boundaries of what Nigerian music can be, and producing high-quality music that deserves to be heard. Many of these releases may have flown under the radar, not having reached the same level of ubiquity as previous years, but they’ve still managed to interest listeners and keep the scene afloat. 

We’ve compiled a list of top 20 Nigerian songs released so far in 2024 that you should be listening to.

20. “Dey Your Dey” – Timaya

It’s perfectly normal for Timaya to deliver a feel good bop that becomes an anthem and also has a call to action. In this song, the message is clear and you can tell Timaya is so done with drama and bad vibes. I really love the Afro-dancehall vibe it has. – Ebube

19. “How Low (Remix)” – Kashcoming ft. Zlatan & Rayvanny

This song is literally a “hold my glass I’m going to the dance floor” type of jam. All the outsiders love it. Even the homebodies can’t resist the temptation to do a little shoulder wiggling and finger pointing. It’s a club banger that can exist outside the club. – Ebube

18. “Romeo Must Die” – Ruger & BNXN

Not so long ago, this would have been an unimaginable combo, based on their very public mutual disdain. Thankfully, they both chose peace and collaboration. The tape as a whole sounds like the soundtrack to a long chilled, thoroughly fun weekend at a lush beach resort, partying from dusk till dawn. BNXN and Ruger compliment each other very well. This list also features POE from the same project, which is a testament to the overall quality and impact. – Akintunde

17. “Egberi” – Kaestyle

Kaestyle’s “Egberi” is a very interesting mix of genres. One hand, it has all the hallmarks of drill music, with its heavy, repetitive beats, distorted 808 basslines, and snappy snares. On the other hand, it is has elements of highlife and a tinge of R&B which all combine to produce a melodic cut assisted also by the artist’s commendable execution. – Melony

16. “ASAP” – Shallipopi

“ASAP” is the opening track of Shakespopi, an album where the lyrically-gifted streetpop rapper feels sorely underutilized. It samples the work of Sir Waziri Oshomah against the foundation of vigorous Ogene drums. And it does it so well that it’s good enough to do the heavy lifting on the project, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, barely. – Melony

15. “POE” – Ruger & BNXN

The collaboration between Ruger and BNXN still remains a curious thing that their releases haven’t quite been able to address. The structure and pacing of “POE” are sufficiently crafted. The sound is familiar, drawing from the same sonic trope. It feels like there is still a certain creative restraint on both artists’ parts, preventing a deeper exploration of their combined potential.- Melony

14. “Belong To You” – Fave

From the intro, you can already tell you’re about to fall in love. The storytelling is exquisite as it’s backed up with Fave’s distinct voice. The melody is infectious and once the hook begins you know you’re to prepare your lungs to scream. The real “lovers” of our time had a good time with this one. It’s insane that we live in a time when Fave would venture into drill. We’re lucky to witness it, in my opinion. “Belong To You” is packed with both vocal and guitar riffs that carry a message of long lasting love, hope and tenderness. Lastly, she’s lucky it’s a bop after the chaos she caused on social media when she was scouting for the perfect cover art. – Ebube

13. “Technician” – ODUMODUBLVCK & BlaqBonez ft. Lekaa Beats

This song is not skipping the long list of Odumodu’s songs that have an unforgettable hook. Emeka always shines; so the rapper really came through on this, too, with his distinct style and comical lyrics. – Ebube

12. “Crown Bounce” – Odunsi The Engine 

This is quintessential Odunsi at his very best, low tempo, seductive and dreamy soundscapes. Killer features from Leather Park and Minz. One of my favorite songs this year for sure. Feels like he’s back in his bag. Hopefully he can keep up the momentum. – Akintunde

11. “Everything” – Victony 

If Victony’s voice were sugar, I would be an ant. Victony always pops out at the right time to display versatility and talent. It’s clear that the artist has poured his heart and soul into this piece, delivering a truly remarkable musical experience. That “Sunflower” sample couldn’t have been used any better. I certainly love the passion the song carries. – Ebube

10. “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn

“Big Big Things” is a party starter that unabashedly revels in hedonism. Further, it’s a song built for singalongs with its relentlessly catchy hook. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, both artists who consistently elevate any feature they touch, add their own flourishes to Young Jonn’s confident delivery making it an irresistible tune. – Melony

9. “Wahala” – CKay & Olamide

CKay and Olamide have discovered their creative synergy which has become a key factor in making their collaborations successful. “Wahala” is proof of this. Maybe it’s the Spanish Guitar against CKay’s emo Afrobeats (as he calls it), but there’s something very earnest about this song. It’s like both artists are whispering sweet nothings in your ear, and you can’t help but get swept up in it. – Melony

8. “High and Sober” – YKB

YKB’s vocals are smooth and you’re sure to have eargasms. The song is filled with the right melodies and the musical composition is beautiful. It has already been established that YKB is a lover boy, so seeing more of that in this jam is refreshing and assuring. This song is a bop, a crowd favourite and an anthem for the few lover boys left. – Ebube

7. “Bust Down” – Zlatan & Asake

Zlatan summons fellow street disciple Asake on “Bust Down”, yielding a record that balances authenticity with enjoyment. Despite the initial sense of sonic fatigue from the production’s familiarity, the duo manage to salvage the track, leveraging their chemistry. – Melony

6. “Love Me JeJe” – Tems

Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” is an effervescent uptempo song. It features an interpolation of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit of the same title, although her version is recontextualised and built upon a driving percussive foundation which makes it an exuberant Afropop song. It has a nice groove complemented by Tems’ cool, uninhibited vocals that makes it an enjoyable listen. – Melony

5. “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel & Davido

While Davido’s verse has been panned for its perceived weaknesses, it’s paradoxically what intensifies the charming, playful quality of the song. Both artists lean into the song’s carefree and lighthearted energy, embracing the absurd against bouncy percussion reminiscent of Fuji drums. – Melony.

4. “Only Me” – Asake

In the context of Asake’s discography, “Only Me” feels like a natural progression. It is such a beautiful song with a sweet melody. I believe he was trying to recreate “Lonely at the Top” and build on its success. But overall, it was good one to start the year and definitely one of my favourites this year. – Eddy

3. “Folake” – Taves

“Folake” glides with a sleekness reminiscent of languidly driving down a neon-lit highway at night. It ventures into a poppier, synth-heavy production with hollow drums. The futuristic atmosphere fuses with Taves’ vocals which remain calm and smooth. It’s just the right type of experimental. – Melony

2. “Tony Montana” – Skepta & Portable

On paper, a joint track between a UK grime pioneer like Skepta and a Nigerian street-hop artist like Portable might seem unlikely, given the sonic and national divides between them. If anybody had suggested that this joint would ever be made and that I would be actively listening to it, I wouldn’t believe it.  Yet against all odds, both artists have managed create a fun, feel-good song heightened by Portable’s lamba. – Feyikemi

1. “Commas” – Ayra Starr

This song makes me feel like a bad b**ch. From the opening notes, it’s clear that “Commas” is something special. Ayra Starr’s ability to build tension and release is on full display here, as the song expertly builds up to a thrilling chorus that’s impossible to sit still to. The Sabi Girl is one of the leaders of contemporary Afropop and each of her releases validates that status. – Ebube