GRAMMYS ACKNOWLEDGE AFROBEATS’ GLOBAL RISE, UNVEIL TOP 10 SONGS OF ALL TIME
INTERNATIONAL - Posted on: 7th Jul. 2025 at 12:02AM
The organizers of the Grammy Awards have formally recognized the global impact and evolution of Afrobeat, spotlighting the genre’s growth from its regional roots to a dominant force in international music.
In a recent feature, the Recording Academy traced Afrobeats’ trajectory from its mid-2010s surge to its current global popularity, crediting artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema for playing pivotal roles in its rise. “From its popularization in the mid-2010s to current global, chart-topping dominance by the likes of Wizkidayo, Burnaboy and Heisrema, the sound of Afrobeats is constantly shifting,” the Academy noted.
As part of the celebration, the Grammys released a curated list of the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time, blending genre-defining classics with modern chart-toppers. The list include:
1. African Queen – 2Baba (2004)
2. Do Me – P-Square (2007)
3. Bumper 2 Bumper – Wande Coal (2009)
4. Pon Pon Pon – Dagrin (2009)
5. Azonto – Fuse ODG ft. Tiffany Owusu (2014)
6. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
7. Mad Over You – Runtown (2016)
8. Maradona – Niniola (2017)
9. Sungba – Asake (2022)
10. Ozeba – Rema (2024)
While the feature drew praise for acknowledging both Afrobeats pioneers and contemporary stars, it also sparked debate among fans. Some questioned the criteria used in the selection, particularly noting the absence of key figures like Davido, whose influence and hit records have been instrumental to the genre’s growth.
Despite the controversy, the Grammys’ recognition marks another milestone for Afrobeats on the global stage, underscoring its growing influence and cultural reach.
The organizers of the Grammy Awards have formally recognized the global impact and evolution of Afrobeat, spotlighting the genre’s growth from its regional roots to a dominant force in international music.In a recent feature, the Recording Academy traced Afrobeats’ trajectory from its mid-2010s surge to its current global popularity, crediting artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema for playing pivotal roles in its rise. “From its popularization in the mid-2010s to current global, chart-topping dominance by the likes of Wizkidayo, Burnaboy and Heisrema, the sound of Afrobeats is constantly shifting,” the Academy noted.
As part of the celebration, the Grammys released a curated list of the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time, blending genre-defining classics with modern chart-toppers. The list include:
1. African Queen – 2Baba (2004)
2. Do Me – P-Square (2007)
3. Bumper 2 Bumper – Wande Coal (2009)
4. Pon Pon Pon – Dagrin (2009)
5. Azonto – Fuse ODG ft. Tiffany Owusu (2014)
6. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
7. Mad Over You – Runtown (2016)
8. Maradona – Niniola (2017)
9. Sungba – Asake (2022)
10. Ozeba – Rema (2024)
While the feature drew praise for acknowledging both Afrobeats pioneers and contemporary stars, it also sparked debate among fans. Some questioned the criteria used in the selection, particularly noting the absence of key figures like Davido, whose influence and hit records have been instrumental to the genre’s growth.
Despite the controversy, the Grammys’ recognition marks another milestone for Afrobeats on the global stage, underscoring its growing influence and cultural reach.
Posted by: Emdee David
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