2016 is widely remembered as one of the most defining years for Nigerian pop music. It was the year of era-defining hit songs with records like Runtown’s Mad Over You, Tekno’s Pana, and Wande Coal & DJ Tunez’s Iskaba, to mention a few, going on to become shorthand for the sound of the time. But history has a way of simplifying things.
In the process of canonising a few songs, we often overlook others that were just as present. Records that dominated airwaves and parties, yet rarely come up when we look back. In this list, we revisit 10 underappreciated Afrobeats hit songs from 2016.
Not forgotten afrobeats hit records, not cult classics, but songs that were genuinely popular in their moment and quietly helped define the year, even if they don’t always get their flowers today.
Solidstar – Wait
Wait stands as one of the most popular and defining records of Solidstar’s career, arriving at the peak of his run as one of Nigerian pop’s most reliable hitmakers. Built on a breezy highlife-inflected groove, the feel-good single championed consent and patience, anchored by lines like “You say make I wait, girl, I go wait / whenever you’re ready, just let me know.” The original version featured Davido, but the song’s impact proved too strong to be left there. Solidstar returned with a refix enlisting Tiwa Savage and Patoranking, effectively giving Wait a second life. While every artist held their own, Tiwa Savage emerged as the undeniable standout, delivering a performance that still shines years later. Coming in the immediate aftermath of a highly publicised personal crisis involving her ex-husband, Tee Billz, her performance on the record was her shaking off the noise and reminding everyone of her supreme musical abilities. And boy, did she do it with aplomb.
Tiwa Savage & Wizkid – Bad
Bad marked the first of Tiwa Savage’s string of hit collaborations with Wizkid, and it announced her full embrace of the African Bad Girl era. With lines like “Yeah, I’m coming to cause trouble” and “You make money, I make double,” Tiwa flexed her confidence, independence, and charisma. Wizkid played the perfect supporting role, delivering a swaggering verse that elevated the record without overshadowing her. Meanwhile, P2J’s signature blend of reggae and Afrobeat gave the song a timeless edge; Bad still sounds fresh on playlists today.
Illbliss, Reekado Banks & Mr. Eazi – OMG (Jawon laya)
In what became a career-defining hit, Oga Boss Illbliss dominated the airwaves with OMG (Jawon Laya), teaming up with then-rising stars Reekado Banks and Mr. Eazi. The record wasn’t just a youth anthem; older listeners couldn’t help but vibe to it, drawn in by its infectious beat, Reekado’s sticky hook, and the bubbling verses from Illbliss and Eazi. Jawon Laya was one of those special songs that brought everyone to the dance floor. Everyone vibed to this song; it was crazy.
Dotman – Akube
In 2016, Dotman broke into the mainstream with Akube, a feel‑good anthem that turned him from a rising act into one of the year’s most talked‑about newcomers. The breezy Afropop anthem quickly became a street and radio favourite thanks to its catchy hook and celebratory lyrics, while the big-money visuals, directed by Avalon Okpe, helped the song rack up impressive numbers, cementing its status as a smash. Akube introduced Dotman’s blend of Yoruba and Pidgin charm to a wider audience and was supposed to lay the foundation for the hits that should have followed. Unfortunately, Dotman was unable to carry the full weight of expectations that came with scoring such a massive record.
Small Doctor – Penalty
Released in December 2016, Penalty was the record that propelled Small Doctor from a niche street-hop act into the mainstream spotlight. While he had flirted with crossover success with 2015’s Mosquito Killer, it was Penalty, produced by 2T Boys, that truly broke through. The song became a classic example of an organic street wave carrying an artist into wider recognition, thanks to its memorable hook and energetic production that made the record impossible to ignore.
Mayorkun & Mr Eazi – Love You Tire
For Mayorkun, the follow-up to his massive debut, Eleko, was always going to be an uphill battle. After his sophomore single Yawa struggled to match the mainstream impact of Eleko, Mayorkun tapped one of 2016’s most popular artists, Mr Eazi, to help craft a record built for the dancefloor and the radio. The result was a banging Afropop anthem defined by its energetic beat, bright synths, and effortless synergy between the two voices. Love You Tire quickly became a party favourite as the duo gave the audience another hit to enjoy in one of the most exciting years for Nigerian pop.
Dice Ailes & Lil Kesh – Miracle
2016 was a rough year for Chocolate City. The label lost major names like Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Milli, and others from its roster, but Dice Ailes gave the imprint something to smile about. The punchy, rhythmic Miracle saw Dice Ailes team up with the then-rave Lil Kesh to deliver one of the year’s most infectious dance tunes. Produced by Chocolate City’s then-new signee CKay and backed by visuals from award-winning director Mex, Miracle quickly became one of Dice Ailes’ breakthrough records, dominating airwaves and playlists with its catchy chorus and upbeat energy as Dice Ailes established himself as a rising voice in Nigerian pop.
Yung L – Pass The Aux
Pass the Aux was one of Yung L’s standout records in 2016. The uptempo party anthem produced by Chopstix became a favourite at clubs and on road playlists that year. The song’s infectious energy and dance-ready vibe helped reinforce Yung L’s reputation as a versatile entertainer, blending catchy hooks with a carefree feel that made it perfect for good-time moments. So popular was the original that later in the year, he released a remix featuring Timaya, giving the track an extra layer of bounce and appeal.
Harrysong & Kcee – Baba For The Girls
Baba For The Girls is one of Harrysong’s most popular records. Released in 2016 at the height of his career, the record was a birthday gift from Harrysong to his fans and featured label boss Kcee. Produced by Dr. Amir, the ggroovy danceanthem was yet another showcase of Harrysong’s knack for moulding catchy melodies and delivering feel-good anthems. The record quickly caught fire and dominated the airwaves thanks to its playful hook and upbeat rhythm. Baba for the girls was one of 2016’s most memorable party anthems.
Korede Bello – Do Like That
At the peak of his run, Korede Bello was crafting irresistible Afropop hit records with remarkable consistency. One record is the enduring Do Like That, as Korede Bello brought to life Altims’ incredible production laced with probing synths, lush drum patterns, a catchy horn riff, and trap syncopation. The song quickly became a fan favourite and revealed a more playful, club-leaning side of Bello’s sound. Do Like That has proven to have lasting appeal too: in 2021, it was certified gold in the United States and Canada and remains one of Korede Bello’s most-streamed records.
