Billboard has officially declared 2Baba’s timeless hit “African Queen” as the greatest Afrobeats song of all timenearly two decades after its release.
In a list unveiled yesterday titled 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Timethe 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 – Figure (2014)
- Flavour – Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011)
- Rema – Calm Down (2022)
- Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence (2020)
- CKay – Love Nwantiti (2019)
- D’Abaj – Oliver Twist (2011)
- Davido – Fall (2017)
- Burna Boy – Ye (2018)
- P-Square – Chop My Money (Remix) (2012)
- Style-Plus-Olufunmi
- 9cei – Gongo’s clothes
- R2Bees ft. Wande Coal – Kiss Your Hand
- Davido – Dami Hard
- Yemi Alada – Johnny
- D’banj – Fall In Love
- Wande Coal – Bumper to Bumper
- Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany – Azonto
- Sarkodie ft. Castro – Adonai
- Phyno ft. Olamide – Falling fighting
- Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy – Eminado
- Burna Boy – Last Last
- Olamide – Bobo
- Afro B – Drogba (Joanna)
- Wizkid – on a hill
- 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
- Techno – Ste
- Maleé Berry – Control
- Oxlade – ka t
- Lojay & Sarz – Monalisa
- Skales – Shake Body
- Davido ft. Musa Keys – Unavailable
- Asake – Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)
- Libianca – People
- Kuzz Daniel ft. Techno – Birth
- Ice Prince ft. Brymo – the status
- Olu Mantain – Yahooze
- Victony & Tempoe – Soweto
- Jazzman legal ft. Adewale Aldba – Raise Copy Rooof
- Timaya – Dem Mama
- Nonso okes – tonight
- Weird MC – Ijoya
Interestingly, Viskid is the only artist with two entries in the top 10 — with his breakout anthem “PLIOD” 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 Star, Yemi Aladade, Olamide, Wando Cal, Phyno, Mr Er. The Fireboy DMLas 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.
