Billboard Names 2Baba’s ‘African Queen’ Best Afrobeats Song Of All Time

Billboard has officially named 2Baba’s 2004 hit ‘African Queen‘ the number one ‘Best Afrobeats song of all time’.

The list, released on Tuesday, celebrates the genre’s most impactful songs based on criteria including cultural significance, commercial success, and global expansion.

The magazine said the songs reflect how Afrobeats first gained ground in Nigeria before spreading globally and earning international recognitions.

Billboard hailed ‘African Queen’ as “a love letter to a generation of women from the continent,” praising its tender admiration and iconic music video.

“From 2Baba’s tender admiration of African women’s beauty to the striking warmth of the song’s video, “African Queen” is a love letter to a generation of women from the continent,” the magazine wrote.

Wizkid was the only artiste with two entries in the top 10: ‘Ojuelegba’ at number 2 and ‘Essence’ featuring Tems at number 5.

The list also featured major hits from Rema, Burna Boy, Davido, D’banj, P-Square, Flavour, CKay, and Yemi Alade.

Below is the full top 10:

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)