Zlatan 'Zanku (Leg Work)'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="444156679b50e54c6608c4a1043e4385"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tupb4xV-15w?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Zlatan </strong>ordained himself the originator of the zanku craze in January with the release of "Zanku (Leg Work)," which phased out shaku as 2019's <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/zanku-dance-craze-2019-zlatan-ibile/" target="_blank">new dance craze</a>. The specific origin of the name is uncertain but the dance itself, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AbeDSIhZAM" target="_blank">says the artist</a>, is one he noticed while visiting The Shrine in Lagos. Zlatan was sensible to capitalize on the attention the dance was getting by naming his single after it, as well as his 17-song debut album, <em>Zanku</em>. —SK</p>
Santi 'Sparky'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ccb9dc00115647eecf304e6939e2c8c5"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tpc-qsVY-BA?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>A large part of <strong>Santi</strong>'s charm is what he shrouds in metaphors and mystery. "Sparky" runs through strong imagery ("<em>bon chiga with a darkie")</em> layered with unexpected references like <em>"sexy punkie rider," </em>which could be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw_bOymS3G0" target="_blank">a nod</a> to Sean Paul. The Nigerian artist delivers all of this in a mumbled-patois that draws the listener in to his hazy world. —SK</p>
Rema 'Dumebi'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c871f512b7a348888bcc922cf1a926d8"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zUU1bIWpH5c?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>"There's no actual box I belong to" said <strong>Rema</strong> <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/rema-interview-bad-commando/" target="_blank">in a recent interview</a> with <em>OkayAfrica,</em> " I create different types of sounds. I'm led by my spirit to create." These sounds range from trap, afrohouse, R&B, and the near-perfect<em> </em><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=okayafrica+soco+wizkid&oq=okayafrica+soco+wizkid&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i64.4419j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">"Soco"</a>-style beat heard on "Dumebi." Produced by <strong>Ozedikus</strong>, the song perfectly presents the musical brain showcased across Rema's three EPs—<em>Rema, Freestyle</em> and <em>Bad Commando</em>—which all have the brilliance of being both promising and fully formed. —SK</p>
Burna Boy 'Anybody'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="51d02b9dbfbb89fa911b598225e27a51"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/so4dgTRaWFk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-stream-burna-boy-new-album-african-giant/" target="_self">African Giant</a> </em>saw <strong>Burna Boy</strong> deliver several addictive shades of his signature afro-fusion sound by blending influences from afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, RnB and more. It's nearly impossible to pick just one (or two) tracks to highlight from the album for this list, but we're going with "Anybody." The <strong>Rexxie</strong>-produced song follows Burna as he sends a message to his naysayers over smooth saxophone riffs and rhythmic percussion. As the second track on <em>African Giant</em>, it conveyed the album's energy perfectly. The song was also Burna's choice when performing on big stages like <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-burna-boy-perform-anybody-and-collateral-damage-on-late-night-tonight-show-with-jimmy-fallon/" target="_blank">The Tonight Show</a>, where he could be seen delivering the zanku and several "<em>gbeses</em>" for U.S. TV audiences. —OKA</p>
Lady Donli 'Corner' feat. VanJess & The Cavemen
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6a3f5eeae7a7db6454f65f1a08b0a4d6"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krrg3Vr8OJU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>"Corner" is a tale of an unfaithful lover that cleverly layers soulful harmonies over a rich highlife arrangement. Rather than present a simple throwback, <strong>Lady Donli</strong> brilliantly retools highlife in her debut album, <em>Enjoy Your Life,</em> which is packed with similar mercurial turns. —SK</p>
Tiwa Savage '49-99'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1d9208a9be281ba9cec1d69a756977d1"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOoNEi8BlgM?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This pulsating single sees <strong>Tiwa Savage</strong> referencing <strong>Fela Kuti's </strong>famous "49 sitting, 99 standing" line from his 1978 song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y--5IlljO78" target="_blank">Shuffering and Shmiling</a>." Throughout "49-99," Tiwa sings about the pursuit of money in her home country, offering commentary on widespread poverty."'49-99' is a term coined from the hard life many Nigerians go through," she explained. "A transit bus serves as a case study. It ought to have only 49 seated passengers, however due to poor economic conditions, we often have nearly twice that number of passengers standing (99)." —OKA</p>
Olamide, Wizkid, Id Cabasa 'Totori'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a7d49471cc50b99c68af59a0f06face6"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgzrVs2eilU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Producer <strong>Id Cabasa</strong> scored a massive hit with the help of Nigerian stars <strong>Wizkid</strong> and <strong>Olamide</strong>, who once again prove themselves a potent combination following "Kana" and other collaborative hits. "Totori" is a head-nodder that's sure to get stuck in your head. <em>—</em>OKA<span></span></p>
Tems 'Try Me'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6d9a8c3108a32e80b30bad624f26ed9f"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVEp-P2-rqY?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><em>"Wanna lock me away? I'm winning. You wanna add to my pain? I'm shining,"</em> belts <strong>Tems </strong>on "Try Me," a feminist ballad that's equally powerful as a stance against any kind of oppression: physical, mental or existential. "Try Me" is the breakout single by the newcomer, whose other high notes of 2019 include her single "Looku Looku" and a feature on Lady Donli's <em>Enjoy Your Life</em>. —SK</p>
Kizz Daniel 'Fvck You'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9219123b6396cd61882c3a8a4eace5ee"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yGGu65glWpU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>"Fvck You" is a marvel of a song about a spurned love: <em>"Na you the cheat na me the beg / make una check ogbanje / shebi na me the find sisi yellow."</em> The repetition of the offensive song title has real bite and could've easily been tasteless if done by another singer. But it's well presented here by Kizz Daniel's supreme delivery, which spawned endless covers as part of the #FvckYouChallenge from the likes of <strong>Tiwa Savage, Falz, Sarkodie</strong> and others. —SK</p>
Odunsi (The Engine) 'Wetin Dey'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ea762cef9156792f7b0155047f2d72bb"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xyJUyQHtrZg?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Odunsi (The Engine)</strong>, one of the leading artists coming out of Nigeria's new wave, came through with a surprise drop of the hip-hop-leaning "Wetin Dey" alongside the hazier "Better Days." "Wetin Dey" samples a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtZZOXYl0Ow" target="_blank">classic tune</a> from Nigerian underground rap pioneers Ruff Rugged & Raw. "I wanted to express the youth in Lagos going out and having fun," Odunsi has <a href="https://www.thefader.com/2019/08/15/odunsi-wetin-dey-better-days-premiere" target="_blank">mentioned</a>. "I was inspired by the Will Smith 'Summertime' video." —OKA </p>
Reekado Banks 'Rora'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="de29510a2b3305f417cd6c6aee681641"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rLSi6m2Ll4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Reekado Banks</strong><strong> </strong>returned after a quiet period with <a href="https://reekadobanks.ffm.to/rora" target="_blank">"Rora,"</a> his first single of 2019 and the lead track from his upcoming album. "Rora" (translated from Yoruba as 'Take It Easy') offers a highly-addictive production built on mid-tempo beat work, highlife influences, and playful lyrics aimed at a love interest. The song, produced by <strong>Tuzi </strong>and <strong>Altims</strong>, "is really chill, it relaxes you," Reekado Banks <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/reekado-banks-rora-listen-nigeria-music-video/" target="_blank">told <em>OkayAfrica</em></a>. "The message is quite playful and sexual <em>(laughs)</em>." —OKA</p>
Beyoncé, Wizkid, Saint Jhn 'Brown Skin Girl' feat. Blue Ivy Carter
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b9a2dab2257aa27926e707895f529a95"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXrhqhW2kiU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>The global impact of <strong>Beyoncé,</strong> <strong>Wizkid, </strong>and<strong> Saint Jhn</strong>'s single "Brown Skin Girl" is irrefutable. From <strong>Lupita Nyong'o</strong> to the adorable <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/this-clip-of-the-dream-catchers-dancing-to-brown-skin-girl-is-the-cutest-thing-youll-see-today/" target="_self"><strong>Dream Catchers</strong>' viral video</a>, it's clear that this song, and more especially its lyrics, affirms and continues to affirm brown skin girls in every corner of the world. From its minimal afro-fusion inspired beat to Wizkid's outstanding lead verse, this was a major moment that showcased just how far Nigerian music is going. —OKA</p>
Burna Boy 'Killin Dem' feat. Zlatan
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d509e5f1251964d3dc9f9e533a8136e5"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_EfSs6-Pxx8?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>"Killin Dem" sees <strong>Burna Boy</strong> and <strong>Zlatan</strong> going in over some highly-infectious beat work produced by <strong>Kel P</strong>. The song is a straight-up banger that seamlessly blends Zlatan's energetic 'zanku' style with Burna Boy's afro-fusion. While the single dropped in early 2019, it later was included as one of the many standouts in Burna's <em>African Giant </em>album. —OKA</p>
Simi 'Ayo'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bfe6ccd701c8a9d35d68105373603309"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gT69SMs486c?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>A psalm for good fortunes inspired by Nigerian jùjú music legend Ebenezer Obey is tastefully crafted here by <strong>Simi</strong> and the production duo <strong>Legendury Beatz</strong>. "Ayo" was the third single from the singer's standout album, <em>Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol.1,</em> released in March. —SK</p>
Davido 'Risky' feat. Popcaan
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e53a5159041ad9446be167bee89c0fda"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B9H3iinXZv0?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Davido </strong>initially dropped "Risky" as a taste from his long-awaited album <em>A Good Time. </em>The single sees the Nigerian heavyweight connecting with Jamaican star <strong>Popcaan</strong> as they both go in over afrofusion-meets-dancehall production. It was produced by DMW's in-house beatmaker <strong>Speroach Beatz. </strong>The track notably features Davido doing a cheeky flip of <a href="https://twitter.com/insanespotter/status/1103247975122436096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1103247975122436096&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdenisemubikapr.wordpress.com%2F2019%2F03%2F06%2Fdavidos-latest-freestyle-causes-a-stir-on-social-media%2F" target="_blank">his own freestyle</a> he did on Shade 45 earlier this year, which was made fun of across social media. "What you all laughed at !! You will dance to !! " Davido posted <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_Davido/status/1186915169756164096" target="_blank">on Twitter.</a> —OKA</p>
Naira Marley x Zlatan 'Am I A Yahoo Boy'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="542ef895b93c728081b7c4d2e5a18826"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vvBZk4a871I?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>The beat here is a delight and, while <strong>Naira Marley</strong> is a strong individual presence, tag-teaming with <strong>Zlatan</strong> adds even more gusto. "Am I A Yahoo Boy" is a song that both disavows internet fraud and heartily embraces it. It led Marley and his cohorts to be arraigned before Nigerian courts. Periods of incarceration and continuing legal cases at the hands of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission continue to contribute to the rising profile of the newcomer. —SK</p>
Yemi Alade 'Shake' feat. Duncan Mighty
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7302da437dbf7db1a335e709fed64ad3"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IZ7454nLASs?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>The slink and bounce of twin guitars introduce "Shake," a fine duet between <strong></strong><strong>Yemi Alade</strong> and <strong>Duncan Mighty</strong>. The track, which is one the the highlights from Alade's <em>Woman of Steel </em>album, follows the two big Nigerian names as they connect seamlessly in a song filled with sexual overtures. <em>—SK</em></p>
Mr Eazi, J Balvin, Bad Bunny 'Como Un Bebé'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="aeb83e04bdb35fed65381a4c70a7cbd3"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HcwEyLhwL54?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>'Como Un Bebé,' featured on Latin superstars <strong>J Balvin</strong> and <strong>Bad Bunny</strong>'s collaborative album <em>Oasis, </em>was built on Nigerian framework. The beat, produced by Nigerian duo <strong>Legendury Beatz</strong>, is an ear-catching blend of a dancehall bass line and afro-fusion percussion, over which <strong></strong><strong>Mr Eazi</strong> delivers the song's best verse. "Como Un Bebé" is an exciting example of the many musical conversations between West Africa and South America that we could be seeing in 2020. —OKA</p>
Teni 'Power Rangers'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a20ffc9f55c572a8f335546bca0d3688"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nuQWr8__Eng?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Teni </strong>continued her ascension in 2019 with the release of her <em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/teni-billionaire-video-watch/" target="_blank">Billionaire</a></em> EP and standout loose singles. "Power Rangers" was produced by <strong>JasSynths</strong>, the man behind her previous smash hit "Case." Her strongest single of the year, the track follows Teni as she sings about how much she cares for her man. —OKA</p>
Adekunle Gold 'Kelegbe Megbe (Know Your Level)'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a6bceca164746be7daef5722a465999d"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MucSft25l6I?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Adekunle Gold</strong>'s "Kelegbe Megbe ("Know Your Level") is as spirited as it is absolutely beautiful. The mellow high-life track, which was produced by <strong>Sess</strong>, showcases some clear Fela Kuti influences. Its accompanying music video, directed by <strong>Clarence Peters</strong>, shifts between shots of Adekunle Gold and his performers in both couture and quirky clothing. It's a stunning visual that feels like a high fashion photo-shoot in motion. —OKA<strong></strong></p>
<h2></h2><p><br></p><h2>Follow our BEST SONGS OF 2019 playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xA3INDoNu2ixbqazmzJoD?si=7ynJGVDoRemK4KwY6k77MA" target="_blank">Spotify here</a> and <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/best-songs-of-2019/pl.7d4a328fbdac4c329d0c7566376dc8ca" target="_blank">Apple Music here</a>.</h2><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/4xA3INDoNu2ixbqazmzJoD" width="300"></iframe></div><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *;" frameborder="0" height="450" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.music.apple.com/us/playlist/best-songs-of-2019/pl.7d4a328fbdac4c329d0c7566376dc8ca" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;background:transparent;"></iframe></div><p><br></p>