Billboard has officially named 2Baba’s 2004 hit “African Queen” the greatest
Afrobeats song of all time.
The magazine released
its 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time list yesterday, celebrating tracks that
have shaped the genre through their cultural significance, commercial success,
and global reach.
According to
Billboard, “African Queen” is “a love letter to a generation of women from the
continent,” praised for its tender admiration and iconic music video. The publication
noted that when Plantashun Boiz split in 2004, many expected 2Baba to shine as
a solo act, but few predicted the scale of impact his debut hit would have. The
song not only revolutionised Afrobeats at the time but also appeared on the
soundtrack of the 2006 Mo’Nique-led film “Phat
Girlz,” affirming its international reach.
The top 10 of the list
features:
·
2Baba – African Queen (2004)
·
Wizkid – Ojuelegba (2014)
·
Flavour – Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011)
·
Rema – Calm Down (2022)
·
Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence (2020)
·
CKay – Love Nwantiti (2019)
·
D’banj – Oliver Twist (2011)
·
Davido – Fall (2017)
·
Burna Boy – Ye (2018)
·
P-Square – Chop My Money (Remix) (2012)
Wizkid is the only
artiste with two entries in the top 10 – “Ojuelegba” at number 2 and “Essence”
featuring Tems at number 5.
The full list also highlights hits from Ayra Starr, Yemi Alade, Flavour, Mr Eazi, Olamide, Wande Coal, Ghana’s Fuse ODG, R2Bees and Sarkodie, Phyno, Fireboy DML, and more.
Ahmedabad