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After three years of supercharged global advancement, Nigerian mainstream pop music saw glimpses of diminishing returns in 2024.
As the industry grappled to find a successor to the era-defining Amapiano fusion, some artists adjusted their creative antenna to be in tune with the home front while others set their glaze on global success.
By and large, 2024 saw a paltry return of hit singles as the songs that managed to garner wide attention lacked staying power.
Nevertheless, some songs have managed to stand out this year for their bold experimentation, infectious melodies, pulsating productions, and the star power behind them.
In shortlisting the top 10 songs for 2024, Pulse Music Desk considers the following criteria:
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Success
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Impact
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Longevity
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The period under consideration: December 1, 2023 – November 30, 2024
Top 10 Songs of 2024
10. POE – Ruger & BNXN
After squashing their beef, Ruger & BNXN decided to celebrate their newfound friendship with the joint EP ‘R&B’.
The project delivered a satisfying experience thanks to captivating records like ‘POE’ that showcases the musicality abound in Afrobeats.
9. Bahamas – Young Jonn
The producer-turned-artist continues to hold his own as a popstar and his debut album ‘Jiggy Forever’ showcased his ability to craft hit records.
‘Bahamas’ is one of the most popular songs on the album as it delivered yet another memorable Young Jonn record to fans.
8. MMS – Asake feat Wizkid
Asake combined with Wizkid for the introspective song off his third album ‘Lungu Boy’.
The song quickly resonated with followers both for the sobriety it offers and the profile of the stars behind it.
The song had an extensive run on the summit of the charts while also becoming a recurring soundtrack on social media platforms.
7. Commas – Ayra Starr
To kick off 2024, Grammy nominee Ayra Starr released ‘Commas’, another showcase of her ability to deliver typical Afropop records expected from a hitmaker.
The song’s positive declarations resonated with listeners and became a commercial success on the charts and digital platforms where it’s one of the most streamed Nigerian songs of 2024.
6. Ozeba – Rema
Rema’s ‘Ozeba’ is one of the inescapable songs of 2024.
This record is the biggest statement in the Grammy-nominated singer’s bold attempt to snatch back Afrobeats dancefloor from the strong grip of Amapiano.
Its heavy baseline and psychedelia-type delivery energetically rub off on listeners.
The party rock anthem ‘Ozeba’ is a chest-thumping record where he borrows from energetic street music to announce his status as a superstar in playing in a different league.
5. Ogechi – Boy Pee, Hyce, Brown Joel feat Davido.
Boy bands are rare in Nigerian music hence it’s always worth celebrating when the industry gets one with the synergy and talent.
Boy Pee, Hyce, and Brown Joel captured attention with their hit single ‘Ogechi’ which became a viral TikTok song before sweeping across the country thanks to its hit remix featuring Davido.
4. Dealer remix – Ayo Maff feat Fireboy
Fast-rising Street pop sensation Ayo Maff rose to mainstream prominence with the release of his hit single ‘Dealer’.
For the remix, he recruited Fireboy who delivered a flawless verse that captures the endless pursuit of solace in a society that gives more than it takes.
The song enjoyed commercial success and went on to finish the year as the most streamed song on Spotify Nigeria.
3. Twe Twe – Kizz Daniel
Released in December 2023, ‘Twe Twe’ would become another quintessential Kizz Daniel hit record as its infectious folk drums, smooth melodies, and entertaining commentary ushered listeners to the dance floor.
On this record, Kizz Daniel shows why he’s the master of easily digestible records that hold songwriting genius within his lyrical simplicity.
The late music sensation left fans with something to savour in ‘Egwu’, his chart-topping collaboration with Chike.
