The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

It’s a list quite in tune with the current ebbs of African music. This list includes everything from a standout track in a veteran’s album to a riveting guitar-based duet, down to the R&B-leaning explorations of contemporary Afropop artists. Every sound gets its space to shine, even the most Afrobeat-evoking record, which reminds one of Fela Kuti’s legendary energy and how that has influenced the artists of today.

Let’s get into it then — these are the Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now.

Davido – “With You” feat. Omah Lay

Veteran star Davido’s collaboration with Omah Lay on “With You” stands out from his beautifully curated new album,5IVE. Touching a host of sounds near Afropop—from R&B to dancehall — Davido showcases his cheeky exuberance and the inevitability of adapting popular lingo on this record. His affirmations are softened by the melodic resonance of Omah Lay, making this one of the more remarkable moments in Afrobeats this year.

Ayra Starr & Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”

WhenAyra Starr first teased “Gimme Dat,” it set social media abuzz, with her fanbase and that of her guest,Wizkid, prodding her to release it immediately. The appeal was evident: with both artists having previously collaborated on “2 Sugar,” there was no doubt their sonic chemistry was already established. Also, both artists flow within similar ebbs of Afro-R&B music, where this record falls. With riveting bass and drum patterns that will inspire many waist movements, “Gimme Dat” is an ode to the freaky dancefloor, a theme that is one of the cornerstones of Afrobeats.

KiDi & Gyakie – “Cheat On You”

Both KiDi and Gyakie have a vast number of R&B hits. They often color within the lines of Afropop, pairing the soft teasing of the heart with the body's movement. In “Cheat On You,” physical excesses spur them to return to love—and they deliver that idea with a searing purpose. Built on string-led production, “Cheat On You” is a promise delivered as a song, as KiDi and Gyakie take up the lives of characters who vow never to cheat again on the other person.

Rema – “Bout U”

WhenRema gets into his bag, there’s little he can’t do. Seamlessly moving from HEIS into the suave perspective that’s marked his recent releases, it’s clear how much of a generational talent Rema is, and the Benin-raised artist shows no signs of stopping. “Bout U” further entrenches him into the vintage R&B tradition he approached on theSade-sampling “Baby (Is It A Crime),” and here his tenderness is even more colorfully expressed. Rema even adapts a flow that sounds straight from 2000s Nigerian R&B, showing his unparalleled ability to move across different generations of sound.

Kizz Daniel – “Police” feat. Angelique Kidjo & Johnny Drille

When compiling a list of the most original Afropop artists,Kizz Daniel would certainly rank very high. Throughout his career, he has consistently produced music that deserves much more critical acclaim than he has received. Never one to let that deter him, the forthcoming Uncle K album got a significant boost with this big collaboration, as the unique duo ofAngelique Kidjo andJohnny Drille came in to create the sunny, dance-along record “Police.”

Nomfundo Moh – “Ndizamshini” feat. Blaq Diamond

Nomfundo Moh has a prolific streak and maintains a distinct edge with her collaborative vision. She has created music with various artists in South Africa and beyond, developing a strong ability to tackle different genres over the years. That range is audible on “Ndizamshini,” which features the vibrantBlaq Diamond. Over soft knocking drums, the duo merges beautifully with her poetic vision, utilizing rap-aligned verses that add a colorful zest to Nomfundo’s serene direction about wanting her love interest closer.

Olamide & Wizkid – “Kai!”

Olamide andWizkid enjoy making music together. Since their first collaboration over ten years ago, both veterans have often walked back into the studio to renew their friendship in sound. On “Kai!,” there’s evidence of a long understanding of each other’s sensibilities as they settle for the nearby theme of a woman’s alluring personality. Olamide’s innuendo-laced lines perfectly complement Wizkid’s renewed zest in this new single.

Agatchu – “Maradona”

Afrobeats wouldn’t be as colorful without the French-speaking world. Artists like the Angola-born Agatchu embody a thrilling sensuality that’s been the dominant vibe of the overall Afrobeats scene. On “Maradona,” he likens a lady’s temperament to the silky tease of the iconic football player. However insistent on his own satisfaction, the mid-tempo production only serves to illuminate his enthusiasm for life while keeping a hopeful eye on the reluctant beauty.

Chrystel & Timbaland – “Treasure”

Earlier this year, we introduced Chrystel as one of the African women artists to watch. Her appeal was evident, blending rapping and singing with a flamboyant sound and aesthetic that drew from her Ivorian roots. On “Treasure,” Chrystel enters more vividly into the arena of greatness as legendary producer Timbaland curates a fun Afropop vibe that produces one of her most impressive vocal performances.