Within the period of 1998-2009, a lot of Nigerian classic songs were released. Here are 50 of them.
With regards to contemporary music and sounds, this period saw the rise of legends, the production of classic albums and evergreen songs. It was also this moment that helped shaped the sound of not only modern Nigerian pop song but laid the foundations for Nigerian rap hits as well.
It was a defining moment for our culture. Today Pulse Music brings to you ‘50 defining urban Naija songs’ from 1998 to 2009. By no means is this list exhaustive but we believe these songs adequately represent the talent brewing during this period.
Enjoy.
*Not in ranking order
1) Shakomo by the Remedies (1998/Kennis Music)
This interpolation of the MC Lyte hit song ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’ announced the birth and subsequent take over of the mainstream music scene by a Hip-Hop influenced generation, that had been dominated by the sounds coming from Ajegunle in Lagos.
2) Beng, Beng, Beng by Femi Kuti and The Positive Force (1998/Barclay)
The lusty and sweaty Afrobeat piece by Femi Kuti signalled the maturation of the heir to the Afrobeat throne. The huge success started Femi Kuti’s reign as the King of Afrobeat three months after the death of his iconic father.
3) My Car by Tony Tetuila (2001/Kennis Music)
Then the kid with the golden (later platinum) hair, Tony Tetuila scored the biggest hit of his career by narrating a string of funny incidents with his car as the focal point. A sly diss at his former group mate Eedris Abdulkareem and a shout out to then Governor of Lagos state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the song larger than life.
4) Oya by Da Trybe (2001/Trybe Records)
There is no posse rap cut that is slicker than this and that has 100% finesse. Legend and rap music architect eLDee the Don gathered his rap Avengers to come up with an unforgettable rap track. Future solo stars Freestyle, Sasha, Dr Sid and 2 Shotz would hold their own on the song.
5) Mr Lecturer by Eedris Abdulkareem (2002/Kennis Music)
The towel rocking MC was not only controversial. Eedris had his moments when he crafted social-political classics. 16 years after the release of ‘Mr Lecturer’ the humorous but serious song about sexual harassment in universities is unfortunately still relevant today.
6) Jaga Jaga by Eedris Abdulkareem (2004/Kennis Music)
Two years later, Eedris Abdulkareem would grab the attention of not only the most populous black nation on earth but the President, Olusegun Obasanjo as well. Eedris broke down the ills that plagues Nigeria so well it made OBJ diss him publicly in the media.
7) African Queen by 2face Idibia (2004/Kennis Music)
This is one of those songs that is timeless, never fades and flows from one generation to another. It’s a classic love song that has arguably influenced Nigerian love songs that came after it. There is hardly any Nigerian that doesn’t know the chorus to this love song.
8) Plenty Nonsense by Trybesmen (2000/Trybe Records)
The trio of eLDee the Don, Freestyle the Shogun and Kaboom the Detonator used their effortless flow, use of Pidgin, excellent storytelling technique to make a strong commentary on the everyday struggles of Nigerians.
9) E Be Like Say by 2face Idibia feat. Soul E Baba (2006/Kennis Music)
This is probably the most meaningful song off 2face Idibia’s solo sophomore effort. Featuring Soul E Baba (who was touted as the next 2face), the Kennis Music superstar lamented about the evils of Nigeria’s political and ruling class.
10) Mo So Rire by Paul Play Dairo (1999/Kennis Music)
The son of the legendary IK Dairo, the singer/producer went into his father’s vault and put a modern twist on the evergreen Highlife success. Till today, Paul Play’s version is one of the best contemporary Highlife songs in the country.
11) Omode Meta N Sere by Tony Tetuila feat. Plantashun Boiz, Ruff Rugged ‘N’ Raw’ (1999/Kennis Music)
Produced by Paul Play, Tony Tetuila took his FESTAC comrades with him to drop the first official Nigerian rap diss record aimed at his former group The Remedies. Faze was yet to join the Plantashun Boyz then, so 2face Idibia handled the hook and Blackface delivered the historic bars that would ignite a response from Eedris a few years later.
12) You and I by Plantashun Boiz (1999/Dove Records)
This unarguably one of the best R&B songs to come out of Nigeria within the last two decades. Prior to Plantashun Boiz stepping on the scene, R&B was hardly mainstream. This song changed all that and would pave way for other R&B acts.
13) Ijoya by Weird MC (2006/0907 Entertainment)
There are a few dance tracks that will have you moving 12 years after it was released. Co-produced by Don Jazzy and JJC, this classic song is a blend of Hip-Hop & Yoruba music elements. Never has the talking drum ever been so sweet.
14) Tongolo by D’banj (2004/Mo’ Hits Records)
This was the start of an empire. With a hard as concrete bassline, enchanting harmonica intro and sparkling synths, D’banj infused energy and overt sexuality into the DNA of modern Nigerian pop music. You know the rest.
15) Fall In Love by D’banj (2008/Mo’ Hits Records)
Dumping his playboy toga for a bit, D’banj sang his heart about the love of a woman. The production and backing vocals from Don Jazzy and Wande Coal adds to the reason why this song is one of the best of D’banj’s career.
16) Booty Call by Mo’ Hits All Stars (2007/Mo’ Hits Records)
One of the best posse pop cuts you can find within the last 20 years. D’banj leads the way, Don Jazzy creates the foundation, Wande Coal adds the sauce while Dr Sid, D’Prince and Kay Switch sprinkle their various styles on the hit tune.
17) You Bad by Wande Coal by Wande Coal (2009/Mo’ Hits Records)
This is the man who single handedly re-wrote the DNA of pop music in Nigeria just a few years after 2face Idibia did it. His trademark syrupy flow, and high pitch vocal delivery would influence pop singers after him to craft their songs according to his style.
18) Yahooze by Olu Maintain featuring LKT (2007/Kentro World)
After leaving the pop/rap group Maintain, Olu struck 21ct gold in ‘Yahooze’ a song that (very) subtly references the excessive lifestyle of ‘Yahoo boys’. It birthed a dance trend and one of the first songs that infused Fuji boldly into a pop song.
19) Pon Pon Pon by Dagrin (2009/Misofunyin Entertainment)
You could say Naija rap lacked proper grit and street credibility until this Sossick produced track dropped. Taking a leaf from 50 Cent, Dagrin created a menacing rap song filled with hometown pride. The song started the integration of the streets into Nigeria’s rap DNA.
20) Safe by M.I (2008/Chocolate City Records)
With a waltzing wordplay that would you leave you dizzy, M.I announced his entrance to the Lagos crowd with this rhyme juggling song. Using title of popular songs and lyrics as well, M.I gained a new fan base overnight.
21) Kini Big Deal by Naeto C (2008/Storm Records)
Naeto C gave birth to swag in Nigerian Hip Hop. This song is a flawless display of a laid back, cool personality. A decade old, Kini Big Deal would rock the club better than your current favourite Naija rap tune.
22) Cry by Modenine (2007/Question Mark Records)
Ditching his tried and true formula of punch lines on hard body beats, Modenine jumped on the softer track produced by Cobhams Asuquo. With the tongue of a seasoned storyteller, Modenine narrated riveting tales about widows rights in Igbo land and cultism in Nigerian universities.
23) Na Beans by Terry Tha Rapman (2006/November Records)
Hands down one of the most popular rap hooks in Nigeria. You might not like rap music but you must have repeated the chorus to this song at a certain point. This just shows the prowess of Terry Tha Rapman’s writing skills that blends Hip Hop lyricism with populism easily.
24) Strong Ting by Banky W (2009/Empire Mates Entertainment)
With a menacing flute riff by Cobhams Asuquo, Banky W laid claim to the position of Nigeria’s hottest R&B singer. His smooth delivery and solid penmanship announced that a new music star had been born.
25) Big Boy by eLDee the Don feat. Banky W, Olu Maintain and OlaDEL (2009/Trybe Records)
If you ever create a playlist to dance to while flaunting your wealth, eLDEE’s ‘Big Boy’ should be first. Cocky, confident and dripping with swagger, the four acts on this track did it justice and made it an undeniable classic effort.
26) No One Like You by PSquare (2007/Square Records)
It is hard to pick from PSquare’s expansive discography but ‘No One Like You’ is a no-brainer. A melodious love song it is a must play at wedding receptions even 11 years after its release.
27) Gongo Aso by 9ice (2008/Alapomeji Records)
This song is more than a classic hit record, it is a monster hit record. Produced by ID Cabasa, the song remains one of the best pop songs of our generation. It is yet to decay in quality. Its impact is still felt today as it helped Nigerian pop music move towards more street and cultural content.
28) Ehen by Ruggedman feat. Nomoreloss (2003/Rugged Records)
This song was the rude awakening Nigerian rap music needed. Ruggedman brought the attention back to lyricism and top-notch ryhmes. He didn’t mince words as he took shots at the biggest rappers of the day. Not many have been bold to tow Ruggedman’s path.
29) Stylee by DJ Jimmy Jatt feat. 2face Idibia, Elajoe and Modenine (2007/Storm Records)
This is a proud anthem dedicated to the “city of hustlers”, Lagos. Featuring a peak 2face Idibia and Modenine as well as lord of the underground, Elajoe, DJ Jimmy Jatt came up with a timeless track for Lagosians in the everyday struggle.
30) Free Madness by Terry G (2009/Bluemoon Entertainment)
If you ever wondered why Nigerian singers started to mumble their lyrics some years ago, this track is the reason. Freestyling on a beat he had produced for another artist, Terry G grunted and mumbled his way to nationwide stardom. He also started a worrisome trend that we are still plagued with.
31) Dem Mama by Timaya (2006/DM Records)
From the creeks of the Niger-Delta came the dreadlocked singer with the harrowing tales of violence and murder in Nigeria’s oil rich restive region.
32) Konko Below by Lagbaja (2000/Motherlan’)
The masked contemporary Highlife singer was a mainstay in the Nigerian music scene from the mid 90s to the mid 00s. Konko Below was a groovy number that highlighted Lagbaja’s deft touch of mixing several genres.
33) Far Away by Lagbaja (2005/Motherlan’)
Lagbaja’s orchestra composition is a sweeping testament of Lagbaja’s prowess as a master composer.
34. Kolomental by Faze (2006/Independent Entertainment)
This was a smash hit track from the third member of Plantashun Boiz. Upon its release, the song burnt dance halls all over the country. Its neck break speed, and twist of reggaeton landed Faze the biggest hit of his career.
35) Jailer by Asa (2007/Naive Records)
Brimming with soulful poetry and social-political depth, this classic song is one of the most defining songs of our era. It creates a well lit path for alternative acts to follow. Despite its depth, it is a sing-along masterpiece embraced by a wide range of people.
36) Fire on the Mountain by Asa (2007/Naive Records)
Another ingenious song by the soulful songbird. This is a foreboding song that predicts anarchy and doom if we do not change our ways. With the present state of the nation, this song is more relevant than ever.
37) Danfo Drivers by Mad Melon & Mountain Black (2003/Okoli Music)
Post-Ajegunle dominance in Nigerian music, the duo of Mad Melon & Mountain Black came up with this simplistic but catchy ode to the drivers of commercial buses in Lagos. Danfo Drivers was such a huge song that music lovers turned it into the name of the group.
38) Forever by Paul Play Dairo (2006/Playground Music)
Perhaps the most perfect Nigerian R&B song, Paul Play Dairo’s ‘Forever’ is a timeless effort that showcases his talent as a singer and skill as a top notch music producer.
39) Hard Life by Blackface feat. Alabai (2004/Murder Riddims Records)
During his post Plantashun Boiz career, Blackface took on a more conscious style of music. He did away with the love tracks and started composing more gritty and political songs. The best out of the lot is Hard Life, a sweeping proclamation of the hardship in Nigeria. Oh the song also took shots at President Obasanjo too.
40) Like Play by Kelly Hansome (2008/Kennis Music)
After 2face Idibia’s exit from Kennis Music, Kelly Hansome was positioned as the next superstar to emerge from the label. Despite issues with the label and controversies, music wise Kelly Hansome delivered especially on the track ‘Like Play’, which is an understated cult classic.
41) No Be God by Gino (2006/MOBB)
All Gino needed was one shot to make his mark. The gravel-voiced MC became a rap star overnight with his rags to riches story on the track ‘No Be God’. With a classic music video to accompany his intelligent song, rap fans still have a place in their hearts for Gino.
42) Julie by Shank (2008/Starville)
Hard knocks and a sweltering Jamaican rhythm and a pop tinged Patois delivery, Shank stopped everything moving with this Sossick produced classic. You can’t talk about dancehall in Nigeria without talking about ‘Julie’.
43) Delicious Remix by 2Shotz & Big Lo (2005/Dope Traks Entertainment)
Way before Phyno took Igbo rap to the heights of the mainstream, the duo of 2Shotz and Big Lo scored an anthem with the bouncy remix of Delicious. While the original had a sinister undertone, the remix was a bouncy composition that eventually earned them a Headie in 2006.
44) Nibo Lawa Gbe Lo by Maintain (1999/XL House)
In the era of interpolating American Hip-Hop tracks, Maintain (Olu Maintain & Tolu) scored a huge hit with Nibo Lawa Gbe Lo. The effortlessly cool track that paid homage to their city Ibadan was a hilarious tale of struggling to hook up with a chick while driving with a rickety car.
45) New Dance (Swo) by Marvellous Benjy (2006/Kennis Music)
Within this period, Ajegunle had a bit of resurgence in the music scene. Marvellous Benjy was at the forefront of this revival and thanks to his hit ‘New Dance (Swo)’ showcased the new dance of the streets.
46) Oruka by Sunny Neji (2007/Ojez Music)
A veteran at this time after an extensive performing career in the late 80s and 90s, Sunny Neji turned back the hands of time to deliver one of the most famous wedding songs in Nigeria of all time.
47) Mathematics by Sound Sultan (2000/Naija Ninjas)
As a fresh faced, new kid on the block, Sound Sultan quickly separated himself from his peers with the analytical ‘Mathematics’. The song, a true classic in every sense of the word borrows a leaf from Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s styles of deduction and reasoning.
48) Crisis by African China (2000/Globedisk Music)
Armed with a gripping voice, African China sang about the unjust killings in his hood and the extra judicial activities of the militia arm of the Oodua Peoples Congress.
49) Do Me by PSquare (2007/Square Records)
At the peak of their creative powers, PSquare slapped this instant hit on the industry. It was another catchy and melodious tune from the Okoye brothers that featured the uncredited vocals of a young Waje. You can’t talk about PSquare’s illustrious career without mentioning this song.
50) I Go Yarn by eLDee (2005/Trybe Records)
Another classic from eLDee the Don is this moving piece that touches on the problems of Nigeria. While this far from a new topic, eLDee was able to harness his emotions to sing about the shortcomings of our dear country.