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Billboard has officially declared 2Baba’s timeless hit “African Queen” as the greatest Afrobeats song of all time, nearly two decades after its release.
In a list unveiled yesterday titled 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, the global music authority celebrated tracks that have defined and shaped the genre, spotlighting songs that achieved not just commercial success but also cultural impact and global reach.
Leading the list, 2Baba’s “African Queen” (2004) was described as “a love letter to a generation of women from the continent,” praised for its soulful lyrics, tender admiration, and iconic video. More than just a hit, the track became a cultural moment, transcending music to redefine African pop for the modern era.
Billboard also highlighted the significance of the song in 2Baba’s career. When the legendary Plantashun Boiz disbanded in 2004, fans anticipated greatness from the young star, but “African Queen” far exceeded expectations. It didn’t just announce 2Baba as a solo powerhouse — it shifted Afrobeats into a new era of global recognition.
The song’s influence stretched beyond Africa when it featured on the soundtrack of the 2006 Hollywood film “Phat Girlz” starring Mo’Nique, sealing its reputation as an international classic.
Billboard’s Top 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time
- 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)
- Styl-Plus – Olufunmi
- 9ice – Gongo Aso
- R2Bees ft. Wande Coal – Kiss Your Hand
- Davido – Dami Duro
- Yemi Alade – Johnny
- D’banj – Fall In Love
- Wande Coal – Bumper to Bumper
- Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany – Azonto
- Sarkodie ft. Castro – Adonai
- Phyno ft. Olamide – Fada Fada
- Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy – Eminado
- Burna Boy – Last Last
- Olamide – Bobo
- Afro B – Drogba (Joanna)
- Wizkid – Pakurumo
- Mr Eazi & Efya – Skin Tight
- Wande Coal & DJ Tunez – Iskaba
- Fireboy DML – Peru
- Amaarae & Moliy – Sad Girlz Luv Money
- Burna Boy ft. Zlatan – Killin Dem
- Ayra Starr – Rush
- The Mavins – Dorobucci
- Runtown – Mad Over You
- P-Square – Personally
- Tekno – Pana
- Maleek Berry – Kontrol
- Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa
- Lojay & Sarz – Monalisa
- Skales – Shake Body
- Davido ft. Musa Keys – Unavailable
- Asake – Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)
- Libianca – People
- Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno – Buga
- Ice Prince ft. Brymo – Oleku
- Olu Maintain – Yahooze
- Victony & Tempoe – Soweto
- Jazzman Olofin ft. Adewale Ayuba – Raise Da Roof
- Timaya – Dem Mama
- Nonso Amadi – Tonight
- Weird MC – Ijoya
Interestingly, Wizkid is the only artist with two entries in the top 10 — with his breakout anthem “Ojuelegba” taking the number two spot, and his Tems-assisted global hit “Essence” sitting at number five.
The rest of the list features heavyweights like Ayra Starr, Yemi Alade, Olamide, Wande Coal, Phyno, Mr Eazi, Fireboy DML, as well as Ghanaian stars Fuse ODG, R2Bees, and Sarkodie — showing just how wide and influential Afrobeats has become over the years.
From 2Baba’s soulful declaration of love to Rema’s modern-day global dominance, the list is a celebration of how far Afrobeats has come — and a reminder that its roots remain evergreen.
