Afrobeats has conquered global airwaves, but at its very heart lies a timeless ballad that still resonates two decades later.
Billboard has officially named 2Baba’s “African Queen” the greatest Afrobeats song of all time, placing the 2004 classic at the very top of its new “Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time” list.
Originally released on his debut solo album Face2Face, “African Queen” is more than just a love song—it is a cultural landmark that helped usher Afrobeats from African dance floors into the global spotlight.
Why “African Queen” Reigns Supreme
Billboard explained that songs on the list were chosen based on stylistic innovation, cultural influence, commercial success, and regional dominance. By those standards, “African Queen” was irresistible. The track, co-written with Blackface Naija, celebrates African beauty in a soulful, stripped-down way that made it an anthem not only for romance but for identity and pride.
Describing the song as “a love letter to a generation of women from the continent”, Billboard praised its warm melodies and cinematic storytelling that have kept it alive across generations. Its impact was so defining that many critics regard it as the song that introduced Afrobeats to international audiences long before the genre’s streaming-era explosion.
The Elite Top 10
Billboard’s list honored a mix of pioneers and modern hitmakers who pushed Afrobeats to new heights. Rounding out the top 10 are:
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2Baba – “African Queen” (2004)
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Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014)
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Flavour – “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
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Rema – “Calm Down” (2022)
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Wizkid ft. Tems – “Essence” (2020)
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CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
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D’banj – “Oliver Twist” (2011)
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Davido – “Fall” (2017)
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Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018)
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P-Square – “Chop My Money (Remix)” ft. Akon (2012)
Each of these songs, Billboard noted, not only entertained but also shifted the soundscape of Afrobeats—marking key moments in its journey from Lagos to London, and from Accra to arenas in New York.
Afrobeats Then and Now
The recognition of “African Queen” underscores how far the genre has traveled. Back in 2004, Afrobeats was still building its foundation; today, it is a global force with artists topping charts and collaborating with the world’s biggest stars.
Take Rema’s “Calm Down”, which shattered records with over a billion Spotify streams and a Billboard-topping remix featuring Selena Gomez. Or Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence”, hailed as a cultural bridge that introduced millions worldwide to Afrobeats’ soulful rhythm.
Billboard’s list tells a story of continuity: from the heartfelt simplicity of 2Baba’s anthem to the genre’s present-day dominance on global playlists.
Fans Remember the Spark
The ranking sparked nostalgic reflections from fans. One Nigerian Reddit user wrote: “In my opinion, this was the song that brought Nigerian Afrobeats and Pop music to the entire African continent.”
It’s a sentiment widely shared—“African Queen” wasn’t just a hit, it was a movement. It gave Afrobeats its first universally recognized anthem and laid the groundwork for the global triumphs of today’s stars.
In Summary
Billboard’s Top Pick: African Queen by 2Baba.
Why It Endures: A romantic ode that became Afrobeats’ cultural and musical blueprint.
The Bigger Picture: The list charts Afrobeats’ evolution—from early love ballads to streaming-era megahits.
Legacy: Two decades later, “African Queen” still wears the crown, a reminder that Afrobeats’ global rise began with one unforgettable serenade.
