10 best Nigerian music collaborations of the year

Some of the best hits of 2016 were collaborations between artistes from different genres combining to create immersive art. From the magic of Mr Eazi’s ‘Skin Tight’ – which transformed him from a Ghanaian hopeful, to a Nigerian star – to the supreme turn up of ‘Jawon Laya’, this has been the year of collaborations.

Patoranking – ‘No kissing’ ft Sakodie

Released as the lead single following the run-up to the unveiling of his “God Over Everything” album, Patoranking and Sarkodie bring forth the best of two countries to create the ultimate pan-African hit collaboration.

Phyno – ‘Fada Fada’ ft Olamide

This is the biggest song of 2016. Phyno and Olamide combine together once again to provide the country new material from their often-potent partnership. This song, which lasted as the most played song on radio is a tune for everyone and every moment, traversing the clubs, the church and every other social function.

Mr Eazi – ‘Skin Tight’ ft Efya

This song started the incursion of the new wave into the Nigerian soil. Mr Eazi and Efya come through on a sensual love song crafted in Ghana, but which found itself rocking the streets of Nigeria and beyond the continent.

Falz – ‘Bahd, Baddo, Baddest’ ft Davido, Olamide

The ultimate radio single, Falz continues his quest for dominance with this uber-collaboration between three strongmen of the industry. And Davido, who channeled one of his most personal controversies on to the song created the most perfect of lines: “Mr Dele na my boy, Dele na my boy.”

Humblesmith – ‘Osinachi’ remix ft Davido

A shoo-in for one of the singles of the year, Humblesmith threw his name on to the radar by featuring Davido in what became a crossover hit song from the East. One again, Davido delivered the goods with “No be by force to go Dubai…”

Korede Bello – ‘Romantic’ ft Tiwa Savage

This right here, is the slow-burn, which is largely underappreciated by mainstream media. But digitally, the numbers say it is soaring. Over 15 million views on Youtube and many more gives Korede Bello and Tiwa Savage the edge over others. And by the way, it is a damn fine song.

Solidstar – ‘Wait’ refix ft Tiwa Savage

Underrated but not underappreciated, Solidstar continues to silently deliver ear worms, as he recruits Tiwa Savage for one of the biggest hits of the year.

Illbliss – ‘Jawon Laya’ ft Reekado Bank, Mr Eazi

A late bloomer, Illbliss struck a pot of gold, by embracing the new school. Reekado Banks and Mr Eazi dovetailed with Oga Boss to create a late runner for the single of the year.

Timaya – ‘Money’ ft Flavour

“When money no dey..” Timaya shows up with a unique song, and leaves the scene swimming in more cash than he could manage. Flavour’s Highlife edge is the perfect foil for Timaya’s brilliance once again, as he stays winning.

Olamide – ‘Who u epp’ ft Phyno, Wande Coal

This right here, is a result of strategic execution. The most collaborative song of the year. Olamide found a way to convert a regular track into a national hit by relying on collaborations and vacant spaces on the single to make it work. It is telling that his chosen version featured Phyno and Wande Coal, people who never actually did record with him.