MTV base Africa recently released its list of Top 20 Greatest Nigerian Songs of All Time. However, what it should have tagged it is MTV Base Africa’s Top 20 Greatest Nigerian Songs of The Last Nine Years. The oldest song on its list is 2Face’s ‘African Queen’ released in 2006 and the most recent song is ‘Surulere’ by Dr Sid which was released in 2013. That’s a seven year window for all the songs on its list.
It is noteworthy that MTV Base Africa was created in 2005 (nine years ago) so it is safe to assume that it has arrived at its list based on viewing and listening figures generated from its database of airplays and charts since that period. This makes it plausible for MTV Base Africa to release a chart of the biggest Nigerian songs on its platform within that period – after all it’s the MTV Base list … but certainly not OF ALL TIME!!!
I’ve had numerous debates over the years with DJs and industry heads on songs that would make my Top 20 Greatest Nigerian songs of all time and number one for me remains Nico Mbarga’s ‘Sweet Mother’, a hit that has sold well over 13 million copies. Other songs come to mind – Fela Kuti’s ‘Lady’, Majek Fashek’s ‘Send Down the Rain’, Sir Shina Peters’ ‘Ace’ and 2Face’s ‘African Queen’. Opinions would always differ on such a very controversial subject but the generality would not argue with some inclusions.
Now, looking at MTV Base’s Top 20 of the last nine years, I’m amazed that Iyanya’s ‘Kukere’ did not make the list. That was a monster hit all over Africa. I’m sure some of you out there would perhaps question how some songs made the list. But hey, it’s the MTV Base Africa list. I wouldn’t complain about it. Perhaps this is the catalyst needed to get the debate going. I look forward to various Nigerian media and music organisations coming up with their own list(s). Now that should be interesting.
MTV Base Africa’s Top 20 Greatest Nigerian Songs of All Time
1- African Queen – 2FACE
2-Gongo Aso – 9ICE
3- Oliver Twist – D’BANJ
4- Do Me – P-SQUARE ft Waje
5- Holla at your boy – WIZKID
6- Dami duro – DAVIDO
7- Oleku – ICE PRINCE ft Brymo
8- Why me – D’BANJ
9- Safe – M.I
10- Yahozee – OLU MAINTAIN
11 – Kini Big Deal – NAETO C
12- Skelewu – DAVIDO
13- Lagos Party – BANKY W
14- Pakurumo – WiZKID
15- Jailer – ASA
16- Chop my money – P-SQUARE
17- Bumper to bumper – WANDE COAL
18- Surulere – DR SID
19- Nwa baby (remix) – FLAVOUR
20- Limpopo – KCEE
- DJ Abass is a London based DJ, compere and media/entertainment/events consultant.
