2Baba’s ‘African Queen’ Crowned Best Afrobeats Song of All Time by Billboard, Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’ Takes Second Spot

Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia), has secured the number one spot on Billboard’s “Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time” with his timeless classic, African Queen.

The ranking, curated by Billboard’s editorial team, celebrates the genre’s biggest global hits and cultural milestones.

Notably, Wizkid stands out as the only artist with two entries in the top 10: Ojuelegba at number 2 and his Grammy-nominated smash hit Essence featuring Tems at number 5.

Other tracks rounding out the top five include Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) at number 3 and Rema’s Calm Down at number 4.

Billboard’s list reaffirms Afrobeats’ meteoric rise as a global phenomenon, with Nigerian and Ghanaian artists at the forefront of shaping the genre’s history and worldwide impact.

Billboard’s “Best Afrobeats Song of All-Time” list is out, and 2Baba’s “African Queen” has taken the top spot. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10.

1. 2Baba – “African Queen” (2004): A timeless love ballad that broke barriers and remains an Afrobeats classic, featuring a soulful reggae touch fused with West African traditional sound and R&B.
2. Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014): A breakout anthem showcasing Wizkid’s talent.
3. Flavour – “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)”: An evergreen floor-filler highlighting Flavour’s unique style.
4. Rema – “Calm Down” (2022): A protest anthem and Afrobeat masterpiece proving the genre’s depth.
5. Wizkid feat. Tems – “Essence” (2020): A Grammy-nominated hit putting Tems on the global map.
6. CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (2019): A viral TikTok sensation becoming one of the most streamed African songs.
7. D’banj – “Oliver Twist” (2011): A classic Afrobeats track with lasting impact.
8. Davido – “Fall” (2017): A chart-topping hit solidifying Davido’s global presence.
9. Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018): An anthem of triumph and self-belief catapulting Burna Boy to international stardom.
1. P-Square – “Chop My Money (Remix)” (feat. Akon): A popular Afrobeats track with a catchy beat.

Some notable mentions outside the top 10 include:

Styl-Plus – “Olufunmi” (11)
9ice – “Gongo Aso” (12)
P-Square – “Do Me” (13)
Davido – “Dami Duro” (14)
Yemi Alade – “Johnny” (15)

Wizkid is the only artist with two entries in the top 10, while Nigerian artists dominate the top 20, with Ghanaian stars Fuse ODG and Sarkodie making appearances.