LagosExplorer reports: In a historic recognition of Afrobeats’ global influence, legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has seen his timeless anthem “African Queen” officially ranked as the greatest Afrobeats song of all time by American music powerhouse Billboard. The announcement, which instantly ignited celebration across the Nigerian entertainment scene, comes as Billboard unveiled its carefully curated list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time.
“African Queen,” released in 2004 as part of 2Baba’s breakthrough album Face 2 Face, has long been considered one of the defining tracks that introduced Afrobeats to the world. Its soulful melody and romantic storytelling not only cemented 2Baba’s legacy as one of Africa’s most influential musicians but also laid the foundation for the global acceptance of Afrobeats as a genre. By clinching the number one spot, Billboard has reaffirmed the song’s enduring legacy and its cultural impact that continues to span generations.
The list also highlighted the dominance of contemporary Nigerian superstars. Grammy-winning singer Wizkid emerged as the only artist with two entries in the coveted top ten, with “Ojuelegba” ranking second and the international smash “Essence” featuring Tems taking the fifth spot. Flavour’s evergreen “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” came third, while Rema’s record-breaking “Calm Down” secured the fourth position, underscoring the new wave of Afrobeats’ global success.
Other Nigerian heavyweights featured prominently, with CKay’s viral hit “Love Nwantiti,” D’banj’s club anthem “Oliver Twist,” Davido’s chart-shattering “Fall,” Burna Boy’s global hit “Ye,” and P-Square’s Akon-assisted “Chop My Money” all making the top ten. Yemi Alade’s “Johnny” stood out as the highest-ranked female-led Afrobeats track, coming in at number 15, a testament to her influence on the genre’s international appeal.
While Nigeria dominated the rankings, Ghanaian stars also made their mark. Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” featuring Itz Tiffany landed at number 18, and Sarkodie’s classic “Adonai” featuring Castro took the 19th spot, showcasing the pan-African reach of the Afrobeats movement.
The Billboard ranking, which spans classics from Styl-Plus’s “Olufunmi” to Phyno’s “Fada Fada” featuring Olamide, not only celebrates the pioneers who laid the groundwork but also acknowledges the new generation of artists who have carried Afrobeats onto the global stage.
With Afrobeats now enjoying mainstream recognition across Europe, America, and beyond, Billboard’s nod to “African Queen” as the greatest of all time is both a tribute to 2Baba’s legacy and an affirmation of Nigeria’s role as the epicenter of the Afrobeats.