20 Nigerian songs that crossed over to the international market |

The ever-flowing supply of talent, the growth of the local industry, and the diaspora, coupled with sheer determination and ingenuity have combined to propel Afrobeats to an international audience.

This week's Afrobeats throwback takes a look notable Nigerian songs since 2000 that has left a mark internationally and contributed to Afrobeats' continuous global exportation.

Here are 20 Nigerian songs that enjoyed major international market.

1. 'African Queen' - 2Baba

2. 'Nwa Baby' - Flavour

This single enjoyed a successful run in Nigeria before crossing over to other parts of Africa, especially South Africa where it enjoyed the notable success that made Flavour an international sensation.

3. 'Oliver Twist' - D'banj

This can be regarded as Afrobeats' first notable cross-over record. The hit single from an African megastar crossed over to the United Kingdom where it made an appearance on the UK Official Singles Chart.

4. 'Ojuelegba' - Wizkid

'Ojuelegba' is one of the singles that rocketed Afrobeats internationally. Drake's freestyle on the record was a high point for Wizkid as it brought him to more international exposure and heralded his contribution to the mega smash hit 'One Dance'.

5. 'Fall' - Davido

6. 'YE' - Burna Boy

7. 'Last Last' - Burna Boy

Burna Boy's heartbreak anthem soared internationally as it reached listeners globally. The hit single soundtracked the summer of 2022 spending multiple weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at NO. 4 on the UK Official Singles chart. It also earned an RIAA platinum plaque as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Global Performance.

8. 'Essence' - Wizkid

The charted in multiple countries across Europe, reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, has gone 3X RIAA platinum and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Performance.

9. 'Calm Down' - Rema

After captivating listeners in Nigeria, this single gradually made its way internationally where it received a Selena Gomez remix. The remix rocketed the song to international success where it has received plaques in France, Italy, the UK, the US, Spain, and Switzerland, amongst many other countries. It also holds the distinction for being the first Afrobeats song to surpass 1 billion Spotify streams.

10. 'Love Nwantiti' - CKay

The single charted in over 30 countries reaching NO. 1 in Portugal, France, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, and India. It has received plaques in over 15 countries with platinum plaques in the US and UK.

11. Ameno Amapiano - Goya Menor feat Nektunez

After dominating speakers across Nigeria, 'Ameno Amanpiano' was propelled to global fame by TikTok and it quickly became one of the biggest hits out of Nigeria.

12. 'Peru' - Fireboy feat Ed Sheeran

13. 'Kulosa' - Oxlade

Oxlade had Tiktokers around the world recreating his dance moves in his iconic performance of his global hit single 'Kulosa'.

14. 'Buga' - Kizz Daniel & Tekno

15. 'Soweto' - Victony & Tempoe

'Soweto' enjoyed international success that rocketed Victony to global mainstream sensation.

16. 'Rush' - Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr became the first Nigerian female lead artist to get a Grammy nomination with her smash hit single 'Rush' which has been certified diamond in France.

17. 'Soso' - Omah Lay

Omah Lay's hit single 'Soso' traveled beyond the shores of Nigeria to become his biggest song yet.

18. 'Sungba' - Asake feat Burna Boy

Asake consolidated his surreal rise with the Burna Boy-assisted remix of his hit single 'Sungba'.

19. 'City Boy' - Burna Boy

Burna Boy continued his global hitmaking run with his Grammy-nominated record 'City Boy'.

20. Unavailable - Davido

Davido's 'Unavailable' enjoyed international success that saw it become one of Rihanna's favourite songs of 2023. It also became Davido's first single to surpass 100 million Spotify streams.

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20 Nigerian songs that crossed over to the international market