The Traffic

2Face’s ‘African Queen’ Crowned No. 1 on Billboard’s Afrobeats All-Time Songs List

Billboard has unveiled its Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, and at the very top of the historic list sits none other than 2Face Idibia’s timeless ballad, “African Queen.”

Released in 2004, the song has stood as one of the most recognizable African love anthems globally, earning its place as a cultural milestone that introduced Afrobeats to a wider international audience. Billboard editors hailed the track as “the eternal crown jewel of Afrobeats,” cementing 2Face’s legacy as a pioneer.

Trailing close behind at No. 2 is Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba,” a street-to-stardom anthem that captured Nigeria’s hustle spirit and placed Wizkid among Afrobeats’ global icons. Wizkid also holds another top 10 spot with “Essence” featuring Tems, ranked No. 5 — making him the only artist with multiple entries in the top 10.

At No. 3 sits Flavour’s evergreen “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix),” while Rema’s global smash “Calm Down” takes the No. 4 spot, a nod to Afrobeats’ present-day dominance. CKay’s “Love Nwantiti,” which became a viral sensation on TikTok and streaming platforms, landed at No. 6, further highlighting how digital culture has propelled Afrobeats beyond Africa.

The top 20 list is stacked with Nigerian heavyweights. Styl-Plus’ soulful “Olufunmi” (No. 11), 9ice’s breakout hit “Gongo Aso” (No. 12), and P-Square’s infectious “Do Me” (No. 13) showcase the genre’s golden era of the 2000s. Wande Coal, Phyno, and Davido also secured high-ranking spots, reinforcing Nigeria’s dominance in the genre.

But the list was not exclusively Nigerian. Ghanaian stars also carved out a presence — Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” featuring Itz Tiffany was ranked No. 18, while Sarkodie’s “Adonai” featuring Castro followed closely at No. 19.

Among female trailblazers, Yemi Alade’s “Johnny” emerged as the highest-ranked female-led song at No. 15, celebrated for its playful storytelling and global reach.

The Billboard ranking underscores Afrobeats’ evolution from a West African sound into a global movement, blending love songs, street anthems, and international collaborations. With legends like 2Face, pioneers like P-Square, and new-generation stars like Rema all featured, the list reads like a timeline of Afrobeats’ journey — from Lagos dance floors to world arenas.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna