Trending Nigerian Songs Of 2021
2021 saw the surge of remarkable afro beat sounds from our faves and the newbies. From mega collaborations to unusual melodic track, the Nigerian sound has put the country on the map.
1. Essence by Wizkid featuring Tems
Released during the lockdown of 2020, “Essence” is the global hit single off Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos Album.”
The fourth track on the music album, the song features vocals from Tems. “Essence” was produced by P2J and Legendury Beatz.
Tagged the official song of the summer, “Essence” has become a worldwide sound while making history as the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.
Drawing global attention, Wizkid’s Essence got additional features from Canadian singer Justin Bieber. Also known as the deluxe edition, it was released on the 13th of August 2021.
In this article, Wizkid’s Essence has reportedly sold 1.9m units in the US. And is predicted to end up going 2x platinum by Jan ending.
The smashing hit record has been nominated for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance.
2. Feeling-Ladipoe featuring Buju
Taking over the Nigerian music streams, “Feeling” is a groovy record that no one can ignore.
The Mavins record rapper Ladipoe raised the bar with his sleek rap bars while Spaceship recording artist Buju serenade’s us with a smooth chorus.
Ladipoe’s “Feeling” is a feel-good song that takes the listener on a joy ride.
The song topped the Spotify-wrapped list of 2021.
“Feeling was released on the 7th of May 2021.
3. Love Nwantintin-Ckay
A global phenomenon that features the sonorous voice of Ckay can be termed TikTok’s global sound after it hit 15million streams on the app.
This comes after the song was certified platinum in France on November 5, 2021; and Gold in the UK on November 7, 2021
Various versions of “Love Nwantiti” have contributed to its success on TikTok, which has helped turn it into one of the most significant global songs on the Spotify and YouTube charts, racking up over 100 million weekly streams.
The most baffling of all is the song had no promotion or advert.
Reaching the Top 5 in Canada and storming its way to No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, Ckay’s hit single” Love Nwantintin has been nominated in the “International song of the year” category.
This is coming ahead of the award event on February 8, 2022, at the O2 Arena in London.
4. High-Adekunle Gold featuring Davido
You can call it an addictive catalog but “High” is an addictive masterpiece that makes you feel you are on steroids. Musical steroids precisely.
The trending single surpasses the 23million streams on Audiomack.
Produced by frequent collaborator, Pheelz, High was released September 3, 2021. High is Adekunle Gold’s official third single this year.
5. Bloody Samaritan-Ayra Starr
Call it bougiee, savage or classic, “Bloody Samaritan” is a smoldering melodic dance track.
The song is a single from her forthcoming debut album “19 & Dangerous”,
Released on 30 July 2021, Ayra Starr’s hot single received airwaves all over Nigeria and abroad.
Co-written by Ayra Starr and produced by London, the song is the national anthem of the gen Z republic.
Bloody Samaritan reached number one on Nigeria iTunes and peaked atop the Apple Music charts of countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. It was also charted at number four on the TurnTable Top 50.
Outside Nigeria, it peaked at number 15 on the Afrobeats Singles Chart in the UK.