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Burna Boy. Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage (via Getty Images).

The 20 Best Nigerian Songs of 2019

Featuring Burna Boy, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Zlatan, Mr Eazi, Wizkid, Teni, Davido, Lady Donli and many more.

2019 was another huge year for Nigerian music.

Zlatan's presence was ubiquitous and powered by the zeal for zanku, a dance which is now de rigueur. Rema led the charge for a group of young breakthrough artists that include Fireboy DML and Joeboy. They all represent an exciting crop of talents that point the way forward for Nigerian pop.

Burna Boy's new dominance, built around his excellent African Giant album, delivered on his rare talents, while the long wait for Davido's sophomore album, A Good Time, paid off in satisfying fashion. Simi's Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1 announced her departure from her longterm label. Tiwa Savage also made a highly-discussed move from Mavin Records to Universal Music Group. Meanwhile, Yemi Alade exuded female strength with her latest record, Woman of Steel.

Not to be left out, Wizkid sated demands for his fourth album with a new collaborative EP following a year of stellar features that included his presence on Beyoncé's Lion King: The Gift, an album which also boasts Tekno, Mr Eazi and Tiwa Savage. Mr Eazi also notably launched his emPawa initiative to help fund Africa's promising up-and-coming artists.

Asa returned in a formidable form with Lucid, while buzzing artists like Tay Iwar, Santi, and Lady Donli all shared notable releases. Lastly, the beef between Vector and M.I climaxed and sparked a resurgence of Nigerian rap releases from Phyno to Ycee, PsychoYP and more.

Read on for the best Nigerian songs of 2019. Listed in no particular order. —Sabo Kpade

Follow our BEST SONGS OF 2019 playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.

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Wizkid "Joro"

Wizkid Drops New Single 'Joro'

Listen to the new Northboi-produced track and watch its accompanying music video.

Wizkid returns today on Nigerian Independence Day with the drop of a new single, "Joro." The new track sees the Nigerian superstar delivering his signature vocals over a head-nodding mid-tempo beat produced by Northboi.

The accompanying music video follows Wizkid and a companion as they dance across candle-lit rooms, hair salons and the streets of Lagos. It features actress/dancer Georgia Curtis.

Related: Listen to New Wizkid Songs From His Surprise 2019 EP 'Soundman Vol. 1'

"Joro" premiered on Ebro's Apple Music Beats 1 radio show. It follows the recent release of Starboy's first solo single of 2019, "Ghetto Love."

Earlier this year, Wizkid's kept busy with big features including ncluding "Brown Skin Girl" with Beyoncé on Lion King: The Gift, "I like" with Kojo Funds and "Dis Love" with DJ Spinall and Tiwa Savage,

Watch the new music video for "Joro" below.

For more of the latest afrobeats hits, follow our Afrobeats Party playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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