Behind the Lyrics: What these Nigerian hit songs really mean

Nigerian music continues to captivate global audiences, not just with its contagious rhythms but also through lyrics that delve into themes of love, ambition, cultural pride, and money.

Let’s break down 10 of the biggest Nigerian songs of the year and what they really mean behind all the catchy hooks and slangs.

1. “Kai!” – Olamide & Wizkid

From the first “Kai!” you hear, you know you’re in for a groove. But upon listening closely, it becomes clear this single is not just a banger — it’s a conversation. This collaboration from these two top artistes is a celebration of success and enjoyment. It summarizes a carefree lifestyle, emphasizing living in the moment and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.

Olamide’s verse adds that familiar street credibility, mixing Yoruba with street slang to paint a picture of luxury.

2. “Baby (Is It a Crime)” – Rema

This one feels like a diary entry. Rema gets soft and emotional and you can hear it in every line. This isn’t the usual braggadocious Rema we know — this is a young man who’s clearly deep in his feelings. He sings:

“Baby sunmomi, you know say you match my steeze / You know I’m a G, shawty, I’mma always keep it real.”

Meaning, he’s found someone who gets him — same vibe, same energy — and now he’s wondering why love suddenly feels like something he has to apologize for.

The chorus, inspired by Sade’s classic “Is It a Crime”, is a smooth and soulful cry for clarity: “Is it a crime, crime to love you?”

What makes this song hit harder is how simple it sounds. There’s no overthinking, just raw, honest feelings. It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone who has ever loved too much and has been left wondering why it feels like a bad thing.

In true Rema fashion, he blends vulnerability with smooth vocals — and just like that, heartbreak becomes a beautiful melody.

3. “Ginger Me (Alum) ” – Niniola

This particular songs is a banger and very explicit. The lyrics is also not that shocking if you’re an ardent listener of Niniola and that’s what truly sets the track apart. She doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, instead embracing them with confidence and flair. She takes us into the world of fierce sexual empowerment in “Ginger Me.” In the chorus, she sings:

“Ginger me, ginger me, ginger me, my kopiko Physical, physical, what I feel is physical”

Here, ‘ginger me’ is an informal expression, meaning to excite or stimulate, and ‘kopiko’—a popular coffee candy—serves as a playful figure of speech for something sweet and energizing.

Delving deeper, she addresses topics often considered taboo in Nigerian society. Lines like:

“Lo alum, lo alum to ba fe ko tight
“Lo condom, lo condom
“Ko ma doyun ka ma gbo story to touch”

Which is on sexual practices and safety. ‘Alum’ refers to a substance allegedly believed to tighten the vagina, and Niniola mentions it alongside condoms, sensitizing on the importance of safe sex. She warns against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, urging listeners to be cautious. She then encouraged women to embrace their sexuality unashamed. Her lyrics are a call to action for self-confidence and liberation.

“Ginger Me (Alum)” is a track that not only gets you dancing but also makes you think—a testament to her artistry and fearless approach to music.

4. “Laho” – Shallipopi

Shallipopi is in his bragging rights era, and he’s not hiding it. “Laho” is loud, flashy, and unapologetically confident.

Lines like “Minister of Enjoyment” remind us to live big and enjoy every moment. It’s about success, money, and having fun — especially after struggle. Shallipopi reveals that his level has changed and he is no longer the struggling boy of yesterday, but a success who has “paparazzi” and “ladies taking me photo”.

But beneath the hype, there’s a subtle message: he didn’t just wake up rich. This is the reward for hard work and staying consistent. Street king energy with a message.

5. “All The Love” – Ayra Starr
Ayra comes with a healing anthem here. In “All The Love”, she’s basically telling us: give yourself the love you keep waiting for from others.

She acknowledges the prevalence of insincere expressions of love, urging listeners to open up to genuine affection—starting from within. She adds that she is ready to give genuine love to replace heartbreak.

The song’s production is a seamless blend of Afro-pop and R&B and provides a soothing backdrop to Ayra’s introspective lyrics. Co-produced by Teemode and Johnny Drille, the track’s mid-tempo rhythm complements its message of self-acceptance and personal growth.

With “All The Love,” Ayra Starr not only delivers a sonically pleasing track but also contributes to the broader conversation about self-worth and emotional authenticity. It’s a timely reminder that before seeking love from others, we must first nurture it within ourselves.

6. “Offa Me” – Davido ft. Victoria Monét

Now here’s a spicy one. “Offa Me” is about being addicted to someone, even when you know they’re trouble.

The song is playful, but the message is relatable, in the sense that sometimes attraction comes with chaos, and even when we want to let go, we can’t. Victoria Monét brings that silky, American R&B smoothness, balancing Davido’s raw Naija energy.

It’s a musical push and pull — just like that complicated “situationship” we all know too well.

7. “Money” – Teni
Teni’s “Money” may sound like a flex at first, but it’s actually bittersweet. She highlights how wealth cannot fix everything but still, she wants all the money in the world. It’s about grief, loneliness, and the silence that money can’t fill.

Teni successfully blends humor with heartbreak. This is the kind of song that makes you dance… then pause and reflect mid-step.

8. “Ogechi (Remix)” – Brown Joel ft. Davido, BoyPee & Hyce
This is a song for days. Pure love song vibes. “Ogechi” is the kind of track you’d dedicate to your crush or lover. The lyrics are sweet and simple but they hit hard because they’re so real.

Davido’s part brings that grown-man assurance, adding weight to the young love storyline. It’s not complicated — just honest affection and commitment in musical form.
This is unarguably wedding playlist material.

9. “Why Love” – Asake
Asake, the philosopher of the streets, questions everything in “Why Love”. He also speaks of a particular “sabi girl” who is his type, urging her to give him the light of day so he can treat her right.

Musically rich with Yoruba street slang, it’s a cultural diary disguised as a bop.

10. “Update” – Burna Boy
You know Burna always comes with fire and “Update” is no different. This track is about growth, knowledge, and staying ten steps ahead.

He urges his listeners to also stay up to date so as to be wealthy singing “Gba update, ko le pa’wo (so you can have money).”
He add that one should keep moving forward, silence the noise and elevate in peace.