Top 20 Nigerian songs of the year

2016 was a reset year for Nigerian music. From the emergence of Mr Eazi and the reinvention of Phyno, the most visible music was the one which embraced novelty in sound. Olamide showed his strength in viral hit music, while Tekno crossed into the year firing from all cylinders.

There’s happiness for Reekado Banks, and also a pop resurgence for Illbliss. Singles from some of the most anticipated releases sounded unfinished. While the recession, which plagued the country all year long bit us hard. But positively, all of the music served to carry Nigeria through and give us light in what has been a pessimistic year.

And here we are making sense of everything, and as voted by our staff, here are the 20 Best Nigerian Songs of 2016.

Phyno- Fada Fada featuring Olamide

This became an anthem fast because it brought two different rappers from distinct backgrounds run on an emotional song we could relate with. Of course Masterkraft killed it with the beat.

Olamide - Who you epp ft  Phyno, Wande Coal

The song that started with just a freestyle became a viral sensation that had practically every other artist making a remix of their own. Thumbs up to Shizzi for the beat.

Tekno- Pana

Tekno’s way with his lyrics and the insane beat from Krizbeatz definitely had a hand in  making this song arguably the biggest song out of 2016.

Adekunle Gold – Pick Up

The song is relatable, so it’s not hard to understand why it is a major hit song of 2016.

Kiss Daniel – Mama

The boy Kiss has his way with his unique vocals, the song produced by Young Jonn is also popular among young and old due to its central love themed story.

Reekado Banks – Oluwa Ni

Banks ‘Oluwa ni’ saw the singer relate to a success story and everybody likes to relate with success stories

Timaya –  Money ft Flavour

The singer rides heavy on this Young D 'monster' beat, with superb assist from Flavour the talented crooner. The average man can relate with the song, which helps the popularity of the song.

Koker – Kolewerk

The success of this tune lies around it being playful and creative with the title of the song going the slang way. Plus his audience can relate to the song’s lyrics.

D’banj- Emergency

Everybody typically loves the energy D’banj brings. The hook and the beat of this song is simply infectious and catchy. That’s why it’s on this list.

Humblesmith – Osinachi feat Davido

Lovely chorus that not only caters to the eastern folks where the singer is from, but carries everyone along with its melodious tune. Also, everyone loves a victory song.

Patoranking – No Kissing baby ft Sarkodie

Good storyline. Great melody and a dope beat produced by GospelOndebeatz makes the song a winner in 2016.

Sugarboy - Hola Hola

If this song hasn’t been played in a club near you, it’s probably a novice club. The song has everything right going for it. It’s your feel good high kind of song.

Mr Eazi – Skin tight ft Efya

The romantic number from the rave singer with Ghanaian flavour does his thing on the song with sweet vocalist Efya we could not get enough of in 2016.

Falz - Bahd, Baddo, Baddest ft Olamide, Davido

This song came correct from the concept to the subliminal humour listeners drew from it ‘Dele na my boy Dele na my boy’ and yeah because it had three big stars on the record.

Tiwa Savage – If I Start To Talk ft Dr. Sid

Perhaps what made this song a big hit asides the video that had a great concept was the rather unfortunate event that immediately followed the release of the visual. But take nothing away from the song, the song has good melody to it.

Illbliss - Jawonlaya ft Reekado Banks, Mr Eazi

Oga boss brought in the new school acts for this record, and delivered they did, as the rapper took care of his own part aptly well. It's one of the standout songs of the MC's "Illygaty 7057" album dropped this year.

Solidstar - Wait refix ft Tiwa Savage, Patoranking

The dancehall reggae singer came through on this love song which was rightly assisted on a brilliant refix featuring Mavin singer Tiwa Savage and fellow dancehall singer Patoranking.

DJ Spinall - Ohema ft Mr Eazi

Mr Eazi and Spinall create a beautiful work of art in the love themed song. As Mr Eazi is already known for his popular love tunes such as 'Skin tight' and 'Anointing',  it's not so hard to see him shine on this record.

Reekado Banks - Problem

The Baby Fresh produced has got that fire beat you can't deny when you listen up to it, and Reeky's voice was the perfect compliment.

Tekno - Diana

Tekno released this song 'Diana' while his song 'Pana' was still blowing up the airwaves and the initial reaction saw some of his fans not liking it, saying he should have held on till the 'Pana' hit died down. However, the more romantic 'Diana' soon began to grow on this same people and has become a favourite in the clubs.