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How Nigerian Music Walked Into Football’s Biggest Stage

Tomide Marv — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:04:56 +0000

Ask a certain generation of Nigerians about their first memory of hearing their local music in a video game, and some will name (2006) in a pirated version of PES/Winning Eleven. For some, it was “For Instance” and other songs. Officially, Konami never put them there.

PES/Winning Eleven is Konami’s football game series, the one that reigned in Nigerian game centres through the 2000s alongside FIFA. It came pre-installed with composed instrumental music and stadium staples, like Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” There were no Nigerian songs on it. The 2Baba and other local songs were a bootleg among Nigerians to create a familiar sound while gaming.

This is the unofficial origin of Nigerian music in football and football gaming. The song didn’t get there through a licensing deal. It was through piracy. Bootleggers who copied and resold the game swapped its audio, so a whole generation grew up with a Nigerian song built into their football game. Nigerian music got into football through the back door, facilitated by the very people playing it.

But music has always gone hand in hand with football, and it’s through EA’s FIFA franchise, which launched in 1997, that it became part of gaming. FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 was the first game in the series to license real pop music (not commission its own). Blur’s “Song 2” blared over the intro. That was the beginning. Under Steve Schnur, who has run EA’s music operation for most of the years since, the FIFA soundtrack became a tastemaker. The soundtracks became the reason a teenager in Lagos or London might discover Phoenix through FIFA 09 or Sigur Rós through FIFA 11. EA chose the songs and, in doing so, shaped global taste in music. “That’s a FIFA song” became its own category of music.

Africa began showing on that official stage before the decade was out. (sung partly in Nigerian Pidgin) on the 2009 FIFA 10 soundtrack. This makes her the first Nigerian artist on an official FIFA game.

The next year, EA built a dedicated soundtrack for its 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa game, and Schnur singled out the Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji among other African artists. But that was world-music curation for a tournament staged in Africa, not Nigerian pop music. Afropop, soon to be everywhere on the current soundtrack, was still warming up.

The big breakthrough came on FIFA 20. London-based on the official soundtrack. There was also “Awa Ni” by American duo The Knocks with Nigerian artist Kah-Lo on it. They became the first of a new generation, and the wave came fast behind them. FIFA 21 brought Fireboy DML’s “Scatter,” with Rema, Skepta and Burna Boy appearing on the game’s VOLTA street-football playlist. By FIFA 23, the presence had swelled: Seun Kuti, Pheelz, BNXN, Olamide, Bad Boy Timz. In the space of four years, Nigerian music went from “Oou, we made it” to expected.

Then it wobbled. When EA dropped the FIFA name and launched the rebranded EA Sports FC 24, Nigerian music was left entirely off the main soundtrack. The only Nigerian on it was Obongjayar, and only through a guest feature on a British rapper’s track. FC25 brought Nigerian music back the next year, with Rema and Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys,” Omah Lay, and Obongjayar again. Then FC26 dropped it once more, leaving Obongjayar—on his fifth appearance across four editions—as the lone Nigerian-born name while bigger stars came and went. The relationship, in other words, is real but not guaranteed. Each year, EA decides again whether Nigerian music is in or out.

ALSO READ: 10 Performances from the 2020s that turned Nollywood Actors Into Stars

10 Performances from the 2020s that turned Nollywood Actors Into Stars

Ini-Abasi Jeffrey — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:25:12 +0000

As an actor, there are many performances you will give on the big and small screen and your mission is always to leave a mark in your audience’s mind. Sometimes these performances end up marking a turning point in an actor’s career, transforming them from just an actor to a movie or TV star. In Nollywood, many of these performances exist so we decided to highlight 10 performances that turned Nollywood actors into stars.

Chimezie Imo in(2023)

Before his career defining role in this faith based drama, Imo had always shown promise. He was the runner up in the talent show The Next Movie Star Reality Show and took roles in Shuga and Kayode Kasum’s Kasala, he was on a path to greatness and his role in Breath of Life solidified that notion, Sharing scenes with veteran, Wale Ojo, he stood his ground and etched his name in the acting books.��

Mike Afolarin in (2022)

As the demand for coming-of-age stories in Nollywood reached a fever pitch, Far From Home emerged to fill the void. Mike Afolarin stepped into the spotlight, carrying the weight of an entire genre with a performance that masterfully balanced frustration and hope. No matter how many hurdles Ishaya encountered, Mike’s portrayal ensured the audience never stopped rooting for his success.

Uzor Arukwe in (2025)

The film that launched a thousand careers, this YouTube mega hit solidified Uzor in cultural memory as the magnificent Odogwu. A role that escaped containment thanks to Uzor’s braggadocious Igbo flair, it moved him from regular recurring character actor to a household name.

Nancy Isime in (2020)

In Kambili, Nancy melts into her role as the messy, ambitionless titular character in career defining performance. She leads the romcom with the required frustration and charm demanded from the genre’s main character. For a film that crossed many hurdles before it was finally released, its staying power is proof of Nancy’s talent and dedication to the role.

Tobi Bakre in (2023)

The pivot from reality star to actor is often bumpy and unsuccessful. The audience has a set impression of you and breaking that mold requires intention and hard work which are all things Tobi nurtured on his path to stardom. Starting with small roles, he chipped away at the public’s perception of him till he broke out with two fully formed action performances that year, Brotherhood and Gangs Of Lagos, making him the action leading man of his generation.

Kehinde Bankole in (2022)

Kehinde is no stranger to complex roles but none have given her as much star power as this moving story of motherhood. Her performance was a force that made everyone stop and reassess her career with new and appreciative eyes. She had always given star worthy performances but this time, the world was finally catching up with her.

Bucci Franklin in (2025)

Sometimes an actor is on the cusp of a breakthrough and they find a performance that pushes them into the limelight. The first time we meet Bucci Franklin as Oboz, it’s an immediate starmaking entrance. It’s a role unlike any other and he finds depths in a character that could have missed the mark in any other hands.

Stan Nze in (2020)

To revisit a Nollywood classic and give a performance that announces your prowess as an actor is no easy feat. Stan brings a force to the film that keeps it from sinking and he was deservedly rewarded with an AMVCA for Best Actor in a drama 2022.

William Benson in (2025)

William Benson has been the king of stealing scenes for a while now. Films deployed him in minor roles that gave him small moments to shine. All this finally came together in To Kill A Monkey where he defined himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Sharing many scenes with Bucci Franklin, it was a concern that he was going to be swallowed by the performance. Instead, they both elevated themselves into cultural royalty.

Genoveva Umeh in (2022)

Many star making roles happen after an actor has had a couple of mini moments. For Genoveva it all came together in the first season of Blood Sisters where she was able to balance a softened and maniacal performance that kept her in conversations consistently. She has continued to prove worthy of her accolades with every performance after that.

10 Nollywood YouTube Movies To Watch When You’re Tired Of Romance

Genre: Comedy

A man (Uzor Arukwe) is attempting to keep his dignity and his household despite his poverty. This leads him on a series of hilarious misadventures which gets even more complicated when he finds out his wife (Jessica Obasi) is pregnant.

Nollywood Actors Whose Characters Have Stuck With Them

Tomide Marv — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:43:04 +0000

In Nollywood, sometimes an actor will play a character so exceptionally well that the Nigerian public unanimously decides to shred their birth certificate. It’s the hallmark of a legendary performance in the Nigerian movie industry.

Becoming this iconic takes more than just a great acting performance. The character must establish a distinct cultural persona, birth everyday slang, or capture a specific Nigerian reality so well that the script becomes a part of them. Here’s a look at ten legendary Nollywood actors whose iconic characters have hijacked their real names.

1. Funke Akindele as Jenifa

Before 2008, Funke Akindele was known for her roles in Yorùbá movies. Then came Jenifa, the hilarious village girl trying to live a fake big life on the university campus. Jenifa became such a huge success and cultural reset that Funke Akindele eventually built an alter ego, a movie sequel (the second-highest-grossing in Nollywood), and a television series around the character. Today, millions of Nigerians refer to her as Jenifa and she hasn’t stopped answering the iconic name.

2. John Okafar as Mr. Ibu

The late comic legend lived and breathed the Mr. Ibu character in the 2004 movie of the same title. The character of the dim-witted, funny father with a big belly was so iconic that he gets called Mr. Ibu before John Okafor. Even in media headlines, he was generally referred to as Mr. Ibu until his passing. Today, his cultural staying power remains unmatched, as his iconic facial expressions and funny movie scenes continue to live on as some of the internet’s most viral memes and reaction images.

3. and as Aki and Pawpaw

The 2002 comedy Aki na Ukwa introduced us to two mischievous characters who acted as brothers. The chemistry between Chinedu (Aki) and Osita (Pawpaw) was so natural that they became a package deal in Nollywood for over a decade. Many years later, they’re still globally recognised by these names, especially with Pawpaw becoming a worldwide internet meme sensation.

4. Nkem Owoh as Osuofia

Osuofia in London was a cultural movement when it was released. Nkem Owoh played a cunning, loud village man who inherits wealth and travels to London. While he was already a veteran actor, this specific role cemented his legendary status. You could yell “Osuofia!” anywhere in West Africa in the mid-2000s, and the majority would know exactly who you meant.

5. Hafiz Oyetoro as Saka

If you asked 100 Nigerians on the street for Hafiz Oyetoro’s real name, 95 of them would fail. He’s known entirely as Saka, a comical, slightly naive character he once played and later carried over into viral telecom advertising campaigns, famously porting from Etisalat to MTN.

6. as Mr. Latin

The current president of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) is known to everyone simply as Mr. Latin. He got the name way back in a 1992 movie titled 50-50. During a scene, he was speaking French, but the movie’s producer mistook the language for Latin and started calling him “Mr. Latin”. The name stuck, and it’s been his brand ever since.

7. Abiodun Ayoyinka as Papa Ajasco

When you say Abiodun Ayoyinka, it rarely rings a bell. But when you say Papa Ajasco, everyone instantly pictures the bald, wrapper-tying, hilarious man hitting his head and shouting “Ojigbigbigbi!” Ayoyinka brought the beloved comic book character to life in Wale Adenuga’s famous television series Papa Ajasco and Company. He completely surrendered his real identity to the role.

8. as Sanyeri

When you hear Sanyeri, the first thing that comes to mind is the tribal-marked actor known for playing a mischievous village rascal in movies. He earned the stage name early in his theatre career, but it permanently swallowed his real identity as he rose to dominate Yoruba comedy in the 2000s and 2010s. Sanyeri often starred alongside his frequent collaborator Adekola Tijani (who similarly adopted his character’s name, Kamilu Kompo).

9. Ime Bishop Umoh as Okon Lagos

In 2011, Ime Bishop Umoh starred in the comedy Okon Lagos, playing a funny, food-obsessed guy from Akwa Ibom trying to navigate life in Lagos. His comedy and heavily accented English were so hilarious that he became a popular face in Nollywood comedy. The viewers loved the character so much that Okon Lagos became his name. He went on to star in several spin-offs (Okon Goes to School, I Come Lagos), establishing the alias.

10. as Mama No Network

Kudirat Atinuke Kazeem found her propeller to fame when she played the character of Mama No Network. The character is a woman who constantly struggles to hear what people around her are saying because she has no “network” in her ears. She’s always quick to say “Enipe” (meaning “you said what?” or “come again?”). The genius of the character lies in her ridiculous misinterpretation of normal conversations. Today, this is her identity and how she’s addressed in both movies and real life.

If Nollywood Remade The Odyssey, This is Who We’d Cast

Ini-Abasi Jeffrey — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:51:50 +0000

Over the past weekend, everyone has been talking about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. The film is an adaptation of Homer’s poem which recounts the perilous journey of Odysseus, king of Ithica, as he tries to get back home after the Trojan war.

Whether it’s an argument about the format you’ll be seeing it in () or an alternative casting choice, the conversations are many. So, we decided to throw our hat in the ring by recasting the stars of the film with Nollywood stars. Here’s who we think will star in our version of The Odyssey.

William Benson as Odysseus

His ability to capture fear and dread makes him perfect for the battle worn king trying to get home.

Rita Dominic as Penelope

She is able to carry herself with grace while holding the weight of expectations. She is the emotional core of The Odyssey.

Mike Afolarin as Telemachus

Mike can wield the boyish ambitious energy of a young man trying to step into his father’s shoes.

Kehinde Bankole as Athena

She has proven that her range makes her the right choice for the strategic goddess both guiding and haunting Odysseus’ journey.

Bucci Franklin as Antinous

He has the wicked charm that can transform to violence at any time. The recipe for this important character in The Odyssey.

Charles Inojie as Eamaeus

He can hold the mix of loyalty, humour and drama needed for this character that holds important sway in Odysseus’ journey.

Omoni Oboli as Helen of Troy

The face that launched a thousand ships. Do we even have to say more than that?

Sola Sobowale as Circe

The sorceress who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs needs to have the dramatic chops that only she can bring to the role.

Genevieve Nnaji as Calypso

She has the seductive energy for this character that keeps Odysseus stranded for seven years.

Mavo as The Bard

Continuing in the tradition of stunt casting, who wouldn’t want to hear “your body na meatpie” in ancient Greece?

Who would you cast in your own version of The Odyssey?

Nigerian One-Hit Wonders Who Deserved Way More Hits

Tomide Marv — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:07:01 +0000

Every music scene has them: the artists who owned the airwaves for one blazing season, then vanished from the spotlight. The Nigerian music scene is especially rich with them. A single song could once dominate every party, every radio station and then define an entire career forever. But the “one hit” is never the whole story. Behind almost every unforgettable smash sits a catalogue of songs that deserved more but never got their moment.

These are the artists, the hits that made them, and their songs worth listening to.

1.

Konga hit big with “Kabakaba,” a mid-2000s street-pop smash featuring Remi Aluko and the late Dagrin. After that peak, nothing stuck the same way. His songs like “Baby Konga”, “Ja Won Si” (with 2Baba), and “Lori Le” with X-Project, kept him working but never restored the spotlight. He’s since left the public eye, remembered almost only for “Kabakaba.”

2.

Jazzman Olofin’s big hit is “Raise Da Roof”, featuring fuji legend Adewale Ayuba. It launched his solo career after his time in the group, X Appeal. A frequently overlooked follow-up is “Eko Ile,” and his 2006 album Mr. Funky. Jazzman is a case of a talented artist whose fame rests almost entirely on one enduring party classic.

3.

Weird MC broke through with “Ijoya” (2006), a Don Jazzy/JJC-produced smash that became a dancefloor hit and won awards. As one of Nigeria’s pioneering female rappers, her influence outweighs her hit count. Her historically important “Allen Avenue” (1996) was one of the first Nigerian songs released as a video single, and tracks like “Iwaju Iwaju (Moving Up)” showed range. But none broke through commercially the way “Ijoya” did.

4.

“Shayo” was Bigiano’s peak. It’s a dancehall-flavoured party anthem that owned airwaves during its time. But the Shayo Master never came close to repeating it. His worthwhile songs like “Iwofa,” “Won Serawon,” and “One & Only”, went largely unnoticed, and even a 2012 single, “Chillings,” featuring a young Wizkid, couldn’t bring back the spotlight.

5.

“Awww” made Di’Ja a name. It’s a tender ballad that became a nationwide favourite among lovers. But her output stayed slim as she stepped back for family, and worthy tracks like “Falling for You,” “Air,” and “Sowemo” never got their due.

6.

Soty went viral in 2006 with “Malaria,” a love song about being lovesick. In her prime, she collaborated with 2Baba and shared stages with the likes of Akon. But that one song has been her whole legacy. She followed up with an album and singles like “Nobody,” “Igbisii,” “Wicked Boyz” and “Guys Dey Love.” She even rebranded as Soty Da Grey, but nothing sold or stuck. She went underground for over a decade, and a 2024 interview brought her back to the public eye. But that was it.

7.

“Hola Hola” (2016) put Sugarboy everywhere. But it stayed his defining moment. Off his debut album Believe (2017), the singles “Double,” “Legalize,” and “Dada Omo” are solid follow-ups but largely forgotten.

8.

“Osinachi”, featuring Phyno, launched Humblesmith to the mainstream and was later remixed with Davido. But he never topped it. “Jukwese” (2016, with Flavour) charted, and his 22-track album Osinachi (2018) was stacked with A-list features like Tiwa Savage, Davido, Olamide, and yet none eclipsed “Osinachi”. Every big name he pulled in couldn’t manufacture a second hit.

9. J’odie

J’odie broke through in 2010 with “Kuchi Kuchi (Oh Baby).” But nothing after that song reached the same heights. Her 2012 album African Woman has sleepers like “Sugar Coconut,” “I Lost My Mind” and “Under the Mango Tree,” and later singles such as “Fresh Palmwine,” “No Running Away,” came and went.

10. Zule Zoo

Zule Zoo blew up in the mid-2000s with “Kerewa,” whose suggestive lyrics and dance got it banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) for obscenity, which only made it bigger in clubs and at parties. They’re credited as pioneers of the “Takuraku” beat, fusing traditional Nigerian sounds with hip-hop and reggae. But “Kerewa” remains their magnum opus. Follow-up releases like “Chin Kpan,” “Angelina,” and “Song for Mama” never came close. The duo split in 2008 after Aboh’s solo album E Dey Pain Me, and they’ve gone quiet.

ALSO READ: ��The 20 Catchiest Nigerian Choruses of the 21st Century

10 Nigerian Fashion Brands That Frequently Sell Out

Tomide Marv — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:52:25 +0000

A new generation of homegrown designers is rewriting what it means to get dressed, and the world is paying attention. Celebrity co-signs and international recognition matter, but nothing says they’ve arrived like a “Sold out” announcement minutes after a new release.

These are the brands whose pieces you have to move fast for. The ones with waitlists, restock announcements that send the timeline into a frenzy, and pop-ups that draw crowds across major cities in the country and beyond. Some have built dedicated followings by filling gaps the industry ignores. Others have turned unconventional materials into pieces you’d wear anywhere in the world. What they share is a devoted community that keeps coming back and clothes that disappear almost as fast as they’re released.

Here are ten Nigerian fashion brands that consistently sell out, what they’re known for and what you can expect to pay.

1.

Price range: ₦40,000 – ₦150,000

Bawsty is a size-inclusive womenswear brand for busty, fuller-figured women. The brand is a play on the word “busty,” born out of frustration with clothes that never fit properly. It has grown into one of Nigeria’s best-known slow-fashion names, with a devoted community that’s fondly called “Baws Babes.” Its pieces are supportive, form-flattering dresses, often marketed with the tagline “This model is not wearing a bra,” which is a nod to the built-in support that sets it apart.

Founded in 2022, Bawsty had sold over 15,000 pieces within roughly four years. It’s renowned for selling out almost the moment drops go live, driven by scarcity, FOMO, and strong online community building.

2.

Price range: ₦36,000 — ₦344,000

DYE LAB is a Lagos-based fashion brand founded in 2020. It specialises in Àdìrẹ, batik, and Aso Oke, using locally sourced, hand-dyed textiles. Its signature piece is a modern, colourful reinterpretation of Agbada, reimagined as flowy, oversized kaftan-style dresses.

It got popular for its unique prints, sustainable made-to-order model, and high-profile collaborations, most notably a kaftan collection with British luxury brand Anya Hindmarch. DYE LAB pieces are made to order in limited quantities (often around 15 days to ship), demand routinely outstrips supply.

3.

Price range: ₦137,800 — ₦580,300

This brand is best known for bold, retro-inspired swimwear, resort wear, ready-to-wear and bridal, all drawing on African culture and nature. It’s headquartered in Toronto, with a flagship store in Lagos and a location in New York. It’s one of Nigeria’s most globally recognised fashion exports. It has been worn by Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Issa Rae, and has been featured in Vogue.

Note that the price here is the Naira equivalent; it shifts with the exchange rate.

4.

Price range: ₦18,000 — ₦250,000

Bola PSD is a Gen-Z-facing Lagos streetwear label known for nostalgic designs, bold visuals and hype-driven drops. It has run pop-up tours across Lagos, Abuja and Toronto, building a following that spans Nigeria and the diaspora. The brand solidified its status through fast-selling drops, through visibility, like when Rema wore a Bola PSD polo in “FUN” music video. Its mix of creative art direction, jewellery/hardware-heavy “drip” styling and cultural relevance keeps it a streetwear label for the coolest kids on the block.

5.

Price range: ₦156,000 — ₦600,000

KAI Collective is a London-based contemporary womenswear brand built around celebrating women’s bodies through well-fitting dresses. Its defining moment was the 2020 launch of the Gaia dress, a semi-sheer, swirl-print mesh maxi that went viral and was named “dress of the year” by OkayAfrica. It appeared on Saweetie and Michaela Coel, and was featured in Beyoncé’s Black-owned business directory. KAI is in such high demand that it sells out almost immediately at launch and spawns countless knock-offs.

6.

Price range: ₦30,000 — ₦150,000

The name means “double” in Yorùbá, and the brand blends a Y2K aesthetic with African heritage. Think stretch-mesh tops, baby tees, matching sets, and skirts printed with Danfo buses, vintage Nigerian packaging, and its “Meji Meji Mama” character. Meji Meji positions itself as an archive, turning family memory and everyday life in Lagos into wearable storytelling. It has become a Gen-Z favourite with major celebrity co-signs including Tems, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage, driving sales.

7.

Price range: ₦250,000 — ₦750,000

Hertunba is a sustainable womenswear fashion brand known for architectural shapes and fluid tailoring. Its style is built around traditional Nigerian textiles, and is notably pioneering in its contemporary use of Akwete cloth (as well as Aso Oke). They’re reimagined into tailored dresses, kaftans, blazers and suits. Sustainability is core: the brand upcycles production waste and channels a portion of profit toward adult education for underprivileged Nigerian women. Its royalty appeal and heritage storytelling make it a repeat favourite.

8.

Price range: ₦14,000 — ₦93,000

CIAR is a made-in-Nigeria women’s fashion brand. It describes itself as fast fashion done right: quality clothing at affordable prices, fully sourced and made in Nigeria. Its aesthetic is sharp tailoring and subtle sensuality. Its designs range from resort wear to showstopper dresses. CIAR has built strong traction as a go-to for occasion and evening looks. Due to its dedication to locally made, on-trend pieces at accessible prices, it remains in high demand.

9.

Price range: ₦70,000 — ₦400,000

Named after the historic heart of old Lagos, the brand pays homage to the city’s heritage. Its pieces come in linen, organza, Adire and hand-me-down Aso Oke (a reimagination of Derin’s mother’s Aso Oke into modern, passed-down-worthy pieces). The brand does pop-ups, held everywhere from Lagos and Port Harcourt to Paris, that draw crowds and sell out quickly.

10.

Price range: ₦75,000 — ₦350,000

Melira is a contemporary womenswear brand known for fine detailing and handcrafted pieces. Melira grew from a one-bedroom operation into a brand reporting millions of naira in revenue by building buzz on X and Instagram. She recently shifted from made-to-order toward ready-to-wear to serve demand faster. Its signature dresses (Solene, Luna, Mira, Nirela) are released in limited runs and sell out quickly among its young-women audience.

ALSO READ: A Dress Mishap at 16 Inspired Oluwasewa Akinrimisi to Build a Global Fashion Brand

The 20 Catchiest Nigerian Choruses of the 21st Century

Tomide Marv — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:33:11 +0000

The chorus is an important element in music. A great chorus barges into your head, settles in and refuses to leave. You hear it once, and before you know it, you’re humming it everywhere.

Nigerian pop has produced hundreds of memorable choruses over the last 25 years, but some have become unforgettable. These are the choruses that launched dance crazes, inspired remixes, crossed borders, filled stadiums and are still bangers today. From timeless classics to global anthems, here are 20 Nigerian choruses that have outlived the moment that created them.

1. “” — Olu Maintain (2007)

The “Yahooze” chorus was impossible to escape in 2007. It’s built around repetition and a dance craze of the same name, turning simple lyrics into a nationwide anthem. The infectious chorus “Ya-hoo-ze, yahooze / Ya-hoo-ze, yahooze” is just sounding out the song’s title, but the melodious, staccato of Maintain’s voice makes it catchy. It was a staple at parties for years after its release.

2. “” — P-Square (2007)

“Do Me” is P-Square’s magnum opus of club anthems. “So make you do me (do me 6x)” is a repeated, playful plea that complements the duo’s dance-pop production in this song. The driving bassline and Waje’s unique background vocals gave the chorus and the track as a whole its selling point. It was one of the defining pop songs of its time.

3. “” — Styl-Plus (2008)

At one time, this song was the graduation anthem across the country. It taps into the triumph of completing a university education in Nigeria. The chorus is also the most catchy part: “Four years don waka / We still dey carry go / Nobody waka / Nobody go solo.” The catchiness comes from the group’s layered vocal delivery. Its pidgin English relatability makes it a nostalgic sing-along that guarantees a loud response at any reunion or graduation party.

4. “” — 9ice (2008)

The booming “Gongo Aso” chorus became a popular catchphrase almost overnight. The aggressive, percussive flow and the indigenous flavour of the Yorùbá lyrics in the chorus was everywhere. And people loved it. Unarguably, a top-2 song of the year it came out.

5. “” — Wande Coal (2009)

Yes, this song is a relentless, uptempo party track driven by Wande’s incredible vocal agility and well-placed ad-libs. But the chorus is the party fuel. “Bumper to bumper, make you follow me…” gives you something to party and dance to till date. A Wande Coal and Afropop classic song.

6. “” — Bracket (2009)

Bracket struck gold with this chorus: “With you everything is welli-welli / Your love dey make my heart do yori yori.” It’s a made-up phrase meant to express an overwhelming feeling of love, and its repetition makes the chorus catchy. Its simplicity is its strength; the chorus is easy to remember and hard to forget.

7. “” — Dagrin (2009)

The repetitive “Mo lenu bi, pon, pon, pon, pon” line, backed by booming Hip-Hop production, created a chorus that audiences could instantly shout back, whether at concerts or on the streets. It’s a chest-thumping track that commands the room the second it plays. The late Dagrin revolutionised indigenous Yorùbá rap, and “Pon Pon Pon” remains his undisputed magnum opus.

8. “” — Ice Prince feat. Brymo (2011)

The instantly memorable “Oleku, tell me something wey I no fit do..” chorus is one of the greatest in Nigerian pop music history. It’s melodic, easy to sing, and balances Ice Prince’s cool-headed rap verses with a chorus everyone can sing along to. erformed by Brymo, the chorus of this rap song contributed to its status as a continental mega-hit.

9. “” — P-Square feat. May D and Akon (2011)

“Chop my money, chop my money / I don’t care, ‘cause I get am plenty” goes the chorus of this smash hit by P-Square. It’s the repetition and the sheer audacity of inviting someone to spend all your cash, chanted over a pulsing club beat, that makes it an inescapable singalong for the fans, big spenders and aspirational hustlers.

10. “” — Wizkid (2014)

Named after the Lagos neighbourhood, “Ojuelegba” is Wizkid’s ode to struggle and triumph. Its chorus is carried by emotion more than his vocal work. Its melody and repeated title make an unmistakable chorus: “Ni Ojuelegba o, they know my story / From Mo’Dogg’s studio, I been hustle to work.” This uplifting chorus is central to the song’s lasting impact.

11. “” — Olamide (2015)

Olamide created a cultural moment with “Bobo.” Its chant-heavy chorus and the accompanying “shakiti bobo” dance made it a club and street hit. The chorus became one of the most prominent from his commercially dominant run and the mainstream at large in the mid-2010s.

12. “” — Runtown (2016)

“Mad Over You” gave Runtown one of his biggest hits. The mellow, sway-inducing chorus is romantic and undeniably singable. “I dey mad over you, girl / I dey mad over you, girl” is a repeated declaration of affection that’s easy to remember. Straight banger.

13. “” — Tekno (2016)

The cheeky lyrics: “They say you like wahala o…I get am for here…Folake give me love o” — and the bouncing melody rides over the production with remarkable ease. It’s definitely one of the biggest songs of 2016.

14. “” — Davido (2019)

Davido’s “If I tell you say I love you…” chorus is conversational, romantic and catchy. The lines flow smoothly and feel like something people actually say, rather than just lyrics. That accessibility makes this chorus one of the biggest sing-alongs in Afrobeats history.

15. “” — CKay (2019)

The “Ah ah ah…” is one of the simplest yet most effective choruses in Afropop. The lyrics mix English, Pidgin, and Igbo. The vocal performance is a humming melody that creates a hypnotic, catchy chorus universally accessible.

16. “” — Rema (2021)

“Calm Down” has one of the most unmistakable choruses of modern Afropop. The repeated “Baby, calm down, calm down…” hook is simple and melodic. This chorus was on so many lips that it went global; got a remix with Selena Gomez, and set records as the most successful African song of all time on the Billboard Hot 100.

17. “” — Ladipoe feat. BNXN (2021)

The chorus says: “I like the way I’m feeling now / No come use your reggae spoil my blues and rhythm now.” Rapper Ladipoe teamed with singer BNXN for a feel-good song whose chorus became everyone’s favourite part. It’s about having interrupted joy and chasing away bad energy.

18. “” — Ayra Starr (2021)

“Rush” is one of the most popular songs of the 2020s. “E dey rush, e dey rush well, well / E dey rush” makes up the chorus. The slang “e dey rush” (meaning abundance or overflow) made this song sit on everyone’s lips. The simple yet punchy chorus is celebratory and confident; a young Starr revelling in momentum and gratitude. It went viral on TikTok and earned her a Grammy nomination.

19. “” — Burna Boy (2022)

Burna Boy turned heartbreak into a big hit song. “Last, last, e don cast / Na everybody go chop breakfast” on the beat drop makes a party go crazy. The chorus is honest, catchy and made around everyday language that listeners quickly embraced. “Chopping breakfast” is Nigerian slang for getting your heart broken. Its emotional relatability made it one of the defining global Afrobeats records of the decade.

20. “” — Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno (2023)

“Buga” is built around one irresistible instruction: show yourself off. The chorus is repetitive and celebratory; the “lo lo lo” refrain and its accompanying dance made it impossible to ignore even for older folks. It’s a song for crowd participation.

BBNaija Season 11 Is Almost Here. Here’s Everything We Know So Far

Adaora Obeleagu — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:20:52 +0000

The countdown is officially on for BBNaija.

If you’re a fan, you’re in for a good time because Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, July 26, at 7 p.m. Expect a fresh set of housemates, new alliances, plenty of drama and enough gbas gbos to keep everyone talking.

We got a first look at what to expect at the BBNaija Season 11 media launch, and here’s everything we know so far.

The biggest prize in BBNaija history is up for grabs

This season comes with the biggest prize package in BBNaija history. The winner will walk away with a ₦160 million grand prize, including ₦100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV, raising the stakes like never before.��

Ebuka is back

Would it really be BBNaija without Ebuka?

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returns as host for another season of BBNaija, bringing the signature looks, memorable live shows and the questions housemates never see coming.

The organisers are still keeping a few secrets

Not everything has been revealed just yet.

The theme for Season 11 of BBNaija and the number of housemates are still under wraps. But one thing the organisers did reveal at the media launch is that they flipped the switch on the audition process. They haven’t shared exactly what changed, but they hinted that viewers should expect a different kind of lineup this season.��

Here’s how to watch

The grand premiere airs on Sunday, July 26, at 7 p.m.

You can watch it live on Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv Channel 7), or stream via DStv and GOtv.

One thing’s for sure: with a record-breaking prize, a fresh crop of housemates and a few surprises still under wraps, Season 11 of BBNaija is already shaping up to be one to watch. So, are you excited?

10 Nigerian Remixes That Beat the Original

Tomide Marv — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:38:24 +0000

Some songs just need one more ingredient. Sometimes it’s a superstar feature or a new verse or a different production or another kind of chemistry that makes you forget there was ever another version. Nigerian music has produced plenty of remixes, but only a handful have outperformed the original.

From the mid-2000s dance-floor staples to the 2020s smash hits that dominated streaming charts, remixes continue to expand the artist’s horizon. In some cases, it turned promising records into career-defining hits. In others, it gave already-great songs a second life that eclipsed everything that came before.

Here are 10 Nigerian song remixes that prove the best version doesn’t always come first.

10. “” — BoyPee feat. Hyce & Brown Joel & Davido (2024)

The original “Ogechi” was a catchy, fast-rising love anthem and TikTok sensation, driven by the youthful synergy of BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel. But Davido’s feature in the remix came just in time for his viral wedding. His verse matched the song’s romantic mood while giving it the mainstream visibility it needed to reach an even bigger audience.

9. “” — FOLA feat. BNXN (2024)

FOLA’s original “Alone” is a poignant, soulful Afro-fusion song that carries heartbreak and highlights his emotive penmanship. The addition of BNXN in the remix, however, gives the song a mainstream sheen. BNXN’s signature buttery, meandering voice fits into the song’s melancholic ambience. The remix takes the crown because BNXN’s voice adds a layer that deepens the song’s emotional weight.

8. “” — Humblesmith feat. Davido (2016)

The original “Osinachi” blends gospel themes with highlife-infused Afropop. The song introduced Humblesmith as a major new voice. But the best of this remix comes down to one thing: context. Davido uses his guest verse to directly address a highly publicised, real-life family drama involving his baby mama and Dele Momodu. By bringing his personal life to the track, Davido turns a catchy song into a viral hit without disrupting its thanksgiving message. The Davido feature cemented the remix of “Osinachi” as one of 2016’s biggest songs.

7. “” — Skales feat. Burna Boy (2017)

The original “Temper” is a decent, upbeat afropop track, but not memorable. The remix completely changes the song’s DNA. Producer Krizbeatz flips the beat, slows the tempo and injects a genius interpolation of Fela Kuti’s “Sorrow, Tears and Blood.” Burna on the remix takes over the song with a laid-back, catchy hook that matches the Afrobeat sample. The remix is better because it trades a generic pop bounce for a mid-tempo groove that feels timeless.

6. “” — Marvellous Bengy feat. Dalvin & Kolman (2006)

Marvellous Bengy’s original “Swo” was a big Gala song with regional appeal, getting listeners to do that signature dance. But the remix, featured in the Take Control album, pushed the street and club appeal to a new level. Having Dalvin and Kolman on the remix introduced a gritty, fast-paced dancehall style that goes well with Bengy’s ragga flow. It sounds crowded, but its high-energy collaboration makes it a classic.

5. “” — Oritse Femi feat. Vector (2013)

The original “Better” is already an uplifting grassroots anthem, but the remix elevates it. Vector’s verse injects rap, urgency and socio-politically conscious bars that slice through the dancehall beat. “Better (Remix)” balances the song’s street-hop with hip-hop flair.

4. “” — Dr Sid feat. Wizkid & Phyno (2013)

Dr Sid’s original “Surulere” was already a huge song built on Don Jazzy’s production. It celebrates perseverance, but the remix gives the message extra weight through star power and chemistry. Wizkid makes it more melodious while Phyno adds a reflective rap verse that reinforces the song’s central theme. This remix is outstanding because it turns a solo victory lap into an all-star celebration.

3. “” — Kizz Daniel feat. Tiwa Savage & Davido (2015)

The original “Woju” introduced Kizz Daniel as a formidable pop voice, but the remix takes the song from a breakout single into a national hit. Davido brings his signature bravado, while Tiwa Savage delivers a smooth, melodic R&B counterpoint that gives the song a new edge. The remix outshines the original because the chemistry among the three artists feels organic and fills every pocket of DJ Coublon’s production with star power.

2. “” — Asake feat. Burna Boy (2022)

Asake was already on a generational run when the original “Sungba” came out, but the remix with the globally-famous Burna Boy served as his cushion to a bigger stage. Burna matched Asake’s choir backup with an authoritative delivery. The remix is better because Burna Boy’s deep, grounded baritone anchors Asake’s high-pitched fuji-pop vocals. Their chemistry is effortless.

1. “” — Flavour (2010)

Originally titled “Nwa Baby,” Flavour’s first version is a traditional, slightly slower highlife tune. “Ashawo” remix completely changes the song, speeding up the tempo and adding a heavy, pulsating bassline made for the dancefloor. It’s one of the links between Eastern Nigerian highlife and mainstream African club music. The remix is a better song due to its infectious, waist-winding production that the original lacks. This song propelled Flavour to African-wide superstardom.

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9. Ime Bishop Umoh as Okon Lagos

10. as Mama No Network

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William Benson as Odysseus

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