Hottest Nigerian Song Of 2023 So Far
Over the years, the Nigerian music industry has continued to Be Hottest Song of 2023 So far Nigerian artists and their amazing voices have earned wide acclaim both nationally and internationally. The year 2023 is no exception as many Nigerian songs dominate the radio waves and streaming charts. From Afrobeat to highlife, hip-hop and other genres, Nigerian music continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its irresistible rhythms and catchy melodies.
Every year, new hopes and aspirations are awakened in the Nigerian music industry. Often referred to as the “Year of Asake”, 2022 appears quite monopolistic in its prospects. In fact, YNBL group Asake has one of the most outstanding performances in the Afrobeat genre, as evidenced by the data. With an EP (Ololade Asake), a full album (Mr Money With The Vibe) and several collaborations in his portfolio for 2022, Asake is dominating the Nigerian radio waves and charts to a remarkable degree. However, there have been other artists who have excelled over the past year, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and Tems, who have been widely hailed as the faces of Afrobeat on the global stage.
Unlike the previous year, where the most important artists were identifiable almost in the first quarter, 2023 is relatively more open, more subtle and at the same time more dazzling. A large number of artists have had a hand in providing hit records. From Spryo’s ‘Who’s Your Guy’ to Kizz Daniel’s ‘Rich Till I Die (RTID)’ to Rema’s ‘Holiday’, these are 2023’s hottest Nigerian songs so far, presented in no particular order.
It should be noted that this list is not limited to Nigerian songs released between January and March 2023, but also includes late 2022 releases that caused a stir in the first quarter of 2023.
Obviously, without Spyro’s Who’s Your Guy, the discussion of the year’s hottest Nigerian songs would not have lasted. After years of being under the radar, this talented singer-songwriter has been blessed with his biggest record to date.
Every time the song is played, the atmosphere is instantly filled with the upbeat energy inherent in Mr. souls. However, Spyro’s attractive hook takes most of the cake. “Who is your boyfriend, na only me walai, see as we dey like beans and rice, I never soft side your side”, the lyrics are about friendship, loyalty, trust and commitment.
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Released in November 2022, “Who’s Your Guy” was hugely popular, especially in 2023, becoming a number one hit in Spyro’s relatively young catalogue. The song was later amplified and refined with a remix assisted by Tiwa Savage, who was hailed by fans as the perfect match for the job.
Kizz Daniel – RTID (Rich Till I Die)
Five days into 2023, Kizz Daniel wasted no time in debuting “Rich Till I Die (RTID)” and the song is already one of the hottest songs released this year. The award-winning singer-songwriter, who composed one of Nigeria’s biggest songs of 2022, “Buga”, is repeating the same tactic this year. With RTID and his strategic stake in Gwagwalada, Keys Daniel is set to depart in 2023.
The song expresses a desire for wealth and success, a theme that resonates with many young people in Nigeria who struggle to succeed in their careers and personal lives. Kizz Daniel’s smooth vocals and catchy lyrics give the song added appeal and make it easier to sing along with.
Kizz Daniel collaborated with Blaise Beatz and Reward Beatz on the production of the song. The song’s music video, which featured Kizz Daniel in various lavish settings, also contributed to its popularity. The video perfectly captures the theme of the song, showing the rich and abundant life for some and the struggles of others.
Rema – holiday
Following the endlessly excellent “Calm Down” and his remix with Selena Gomez, Rema kicked off his 2023 campaign with two singles, one of which (Holiday) became one of the hottest songs of the year.
Immersive storytelling, engaging beats and electrifying beats are the key elements that make it stand out. This track starts with an energetic beat that is guaranteed to grab listeners’ attention. Rema’s singing is also impressive, her unique voice lends a special and unmistakable touch to the song.
Lyrically, “Holiday” is a tribute to how far he has come in the game. “Live from Benin I put out the Rema EP, 2019 I say gbedu done, my music travels from India to Asia to Berlin”, the lyrics are different, considering that Rema has announced a world tour, next level with unlocked stops in India and Jerusalem.
The lyrics are simple yet effective, the international Nigerian singer emphasizing where he came from (“straight from Benin”) and where his music has traveled (“my music traveled from India to Berlin via Asia”). They are acceptable and many listeners can easily understand the emotions expressed in the song.
Adekunle Gold – Party No Dey Stop feat. Zinoleyski
Given the immortality of Adekunle Gold and Zinoleesky’s hot form, their collaboration on “Party No Dey Stop” was a strategic move that proved highly effective in creating what has become one of 2023’s hottest hits.
Collaborations on the track were carefully considered, with both artists bringing their own unique strengths to the table. Adekunle Gold, known for his blend of Afro-pop, urban highlife and alternative sound, brings his songwriting skills and immense vocal range to the song. Zinoleesky, on the other hand, added his trademark booming vocals, bringing a fresh and youthful energy to the song.
Produced by Kel P, Party No Dey Stop is a feel-good song about living life to the fullest and celebrating the joys of the moment. The song features a mix of afrobeats and highlife beats paired with catchy lyrics and an uplifting beat that’s sure to get listeners up and running.
Tiwa Savage – Stamina feat. Ira Starr and Young John
Tiwa Savage has held her ground as Africa’s number one bad girl for years, and it doesn’t look like she’s going to be giving up her spot anytime soon. After collaborating with Asake on his 2022 single “Loaded”, Tiwa Savage kicks off 2023 with his debut single, “Stamina”, featuring Ayra Starr and Young Jonn.
“Stamina” is a mix of Afrobeat and R&B featuring the creative synergy of Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Young Jonn. The song has been well received since its release and has become a fan favorite among music lovers.
The song begins with a catchy beat that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Tiwa Savage’s vocal abilities are on full display as he opens the song with his soulful voice, featuring rich chords and melodies. Ayra Starr’s unique voice complements Tiwa Savage’s vocal prowess, creating beautiful harmonies that captivate the listener. Young Jonn also introduced the electorate and is considered by many to be the soul of the song. Magicstick’s professional production skills come into play as he skillfully blends instrumentation and vocals to create a dazzling sound.
BNXN – Gwagwalada ft. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
BNXN (formerly known as Buju) have been criticized for years and accused of getting carried away with collaborations. His catalog is full and dotted with some hit records, but mostly as established artists; Pheelz’s “Fineness”, Timaya’s “Cold Outside” and Wizkid’s “Mood” are some of them. With that in mind, BNXN infiltrated the hit list and came back with a big haul; Gwagwalada.
BNXN finally answered with one of the most popular songs of 2023 so far, “Gwagwalada”. They say success is the best revenge. Performed by BNXN themselves, the song showcases the best from Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez. All three acts add their own unique style to the song, with Kizz Daniel providing a memorable intro, BNXN providing a catchy chorus and Seyi Vibez providing a moody verse. The collaboration of the three artists was praised for their synergy and ability to showcase their artistic prowess.
“Gwagwalada” was produced by one of Nigeria’s biggest record producers, the one and only Sarz.
Ayra Starr—Sability
Sability ability. Ayra Starr has proven this since her debut and most recently with her latest single entitled “Sability”. Ayra Starr has once again demonstrated her immense talent and skills and cemented her place as one of the leading artists in the Nigerian music industry. His unique musical abilities and style have captivated audiences both locally and internationally, making him a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive and growing music scene.
With “Sability” he continued to push the limits of his artistic creation, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining his signature style. Their ability to blend various musical elements seamlessly and create something completely new and exciting is a testament to their creativity and vision.
The London-led production of “Sability” is top-notch, with seamless transitions between verses and chorus. The use of electronic beats and guitar riffs creates a dynamic sound that perfectly complements Ayra Starr’s vocals. The song is a great mix of traditional and contemporary elements, making it catchy and fresh.
Odumodublvck – Declan Rice
Claims that hip-hop is dead in Nigeria are made by some in the music industry and are not without criticism. Many argue that such statements are stupid and discredit Nigeria’s many talented hip hop artists who continue to produce great music.
One artist who disputes this notion is Odumodublvck, whose latest single “Declan Rice” has been creating a splash in the music industry since its release. The song caught the attention of famous superstars including real-life Declan Rice, an English football player who was honored to be credited in the song.
Odumodublvck’s “Declan Rice” exemplifies the unique sound and creative flair that Nigerian hip-hop artists bring to the table. The song showcases the artist’s skill and ability to write lyrics that are witty, full of ridicule, passionate and compelling. The production is also top-notch, with catchy beats and well-crafted instrumentals that enhance the overall sound of the song.
What Odumodublvck achieved with “Declan Rice” was not only a personal triumph, but a significant one for Nigerian hip-hop. This proves that the genre is not dead but is constantly evolving and producing new talent that can keep up with its Afrobeat counterparts.
Asake-Yoga
After Asake’s overwhelming success in 2022, releasing consecutive chart-topping hits and releasing stellar debut album, Afrobeats, the talented artist continues to skyrocket in 2023. Asake started the year on a low note, delighting fans with the soothing song “Yoga “. The song is accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by TG Omori, which was widely acclaimed as one of the year’s best visuals. “Yoga” quickly became one of the most popular songs of the year, captivating listeners’ hearts and further cementing Asake’s position as a true superstar in the music industry.
