10 Top Afrobeats Songs That Shaped 2021 (Playlist)

As we welcome the brand-new year 2022, let us take you down the memory lane of the Afrobeats songs that shaped year 2021.

These songs stood out from many other music that made spotlight in the year. Musically, 2021 was a competitive year that saw a lot of unexpected hits.

Nigerian musicians churned out songs with premium qualities. However, some were at the center stage. We carefully reviewed 300 Nigerian songs for this list. We didn’t pay special attention to any musician, no favoritism at all. WithinNigeria is for quality music.

We evaluated all the songs for critical assessments. For this list, we didn’t let the international acceptance of some songs influence our decision. Before the songs became recognised in the international scene, how well did the songs do in Nigeria? Are they still thriving?

Considering their lyrical contents, production qualities, the impacts they had (are having) on listeners and the society at large, these 10 songs are the top Afrobeats songs that shaped 2021.

10. High By Adekunle Gold Ft. Davido

Adekunle Gold can be unpredictable with his creative direction. He approached ‘High’ from a relaxing yet energetic angle that blends his energy with that of Davido, who is always hyper.

Released in September 2021, the effect of ‘High’ is very much around and the song is still making waves in Nigeria. The audio for ‘High’ was produced by Pheelz, mixed and mastered by Vtek, while Nicholas Maggio directed the official music video.

‘High’ preaches about enjoying life and forgetting about one’s worries.

9. Sip (Alcohol) By Joeboy

Joeboy knows how to penetrate the hearts of his fans. On ‘Sip (Alcohol)’, he delivered easy-to-recall lyrics to the infectious beat produced by Tempoe.

‘Sip (Alcohol)’ is an Afrobeats song that blends Amapiano rhythm in a low-tempo cadence. Oozing sweet harmonies, Joeboy poured out his mind in the addictive track.

Released in September 2021.

8. Understand by Omah Lay

Omah Lay’s ‘Understand’ is another song that made Nigerians high in 2021. Released in July 2021, Omah Lay maintained his stylish and mollifying music knack.

‘Understand’ tells a story of a man who was in love with a user. Apparently, Omah Lay was being used by a lady who he did so much for, only for him to be friend-zoned later on.

‘Understand’ was produced by Tempeo, the same producer who engineered ‘Sip (Alcohol)’ by Joeboy.

7. Bloody Samaritan By Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr has no business with negativity in ‘Bloody Samaritan’. She expressed optimism throughout the song. No wonder it became an instant hit upon its release.

She released the song at a time new variant of COVID-19 was threatening to take the world on another lockdown, but ‘Bloody Samaritan’ re-energized and gave hope.

The amazing songstress held that she is in control of her own fate, rhyming that anything she believes will happen will definitely come to pass.

Ayra Starr flowed intelligently on London’s captivating production.

6. Holy Father By Mayorkun & Victony

Do you still think men don’t fall in love? Well, Mayorkun’s ‘Holy Father’ with Victony says differently.

‘Holy Father’ is a song about masculine vulnerability, and a man who is ready to be submissive while his woman dominates him. Despite pointing at heartbreak, Mayorkun sang to clarify his state of mind, and struggle to reactivate the dead romance.

‘Holy Father’ was released in October 2021 and produced by TBD.

5. Big Thug Boys By AV

Are you still doubting the power of social media? ‘Big Thug Boys by AV is a song that was very popular in 2021, however, not the singer.

AV, in ‘Big Thug Boys’, boasts about the financial strength of his crew and their habit of using money to entice ladies.

The song is all about the luxury lifestyle they live and their fear for police. ‘Big Thug Boys’ was produced by Kulboy, mixed, and mastered by Ultra Sounds. Director Dindu directed the flick.

4. Feelings By Ladipoe Ft. Buju

Ladipoe lectures us on living a stress-free life in the Andre Vibez-produced ‘Feelings’.

Ladipoe’s confidence in this song, matched with Buju’s honeyed and melodious lines, are all listeners need to get their state of mind rejuvenated.

They both sang about how they used to struggle, but that was their past. Ladipoe and his visitor, Buju, want their listeners to be unflustered, and they achieved it.

They dropped ‘Feelings’ in May 2021.

3. Peru By Fireboy DML

‘Peru’ gave Fireboy DML the spotlight he deserved in 2021. Fireboy displayed his expertise in word play, sharp lyricism and Afrobeats wit.

The song centered on love, dance, and struggle. Without losing out on his attractive melodies, Fireboy reflected on his exciting lifestyle.

2. Monalisa By Lojay and Sarz

You want a sure hit? Go to Sarz! From the beginning to the end of ‘Monalisa’, if care isn’t taken, you’ll be enchanted.

This is arguably the finest song of 2021, thanks to Sarz’s expertise and Lojay’s sweet chorus on ‘Monalisa’.

1. Somebody’s Son By Tiwa Savage Ft. Brandy

Tiwa Savage’s honesty about her relationship status on the song ‘Sombody’s Son’, featuring Brandy, is quite stunning.

The song didn’t give the best of Tiwa Savage’s vocal prowess; however, she made her stand and gave hope to single ladies.

If you’re single, searching, or in a toxic relationship, this song is the perfect song of hope you need.

‘Somebody’s Son’ has grown to become an anthem for spinsters.

Notable Mentions

Essence By Wizkid Ft. Tems
Yaba Buluku (Remix) By Dj Tarico & Burna Boy
Love Nwantiti Remix By CKay Ft. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene
Forever (Remix) By Gyakie & Omah Lay
Ke Star (Remix) By Focalistic & Davido Feat. Vigro Deep

Listen to 10 Top Afrobeats Songs That Shaped 2021 (Playlist)