BOMBSHELTER TOP 20 OF ‘21 - Bombshelter Entertainment

There’s no doubt the African music scene delivered some of the best music worldwide in 2021. Here are the top 20 songs of 2021 as ranked by Bombshelter:

MONALISA – Lojay & SARZ

Did you attend a December function if you didn’t hear this song or any others on the ‘LV N ATTN’ EP at least 5 times? Please anywhere you see Lojay this January, bill him… he sure made a fortune last year. This song is a viable contender for song of the year.

Pronto – Ajebo Hustlers ft. Omah Lay

Addictive, catchy, and heavy replay value. The perfect pairing with Omah Lay, the marriage of the different styles of that Port-Harcourt vibe was just what the track needed.

Bloody Samaritan – Ayra Starr

In less than a year since her very first release, Ayra Starr rose to #1 with ‘Bloody Samaritan’, a song she dedicated to hypocrites.

REPUTABLE MENTIONS

Essence – Wizkid & Tems / Love Nwantiti – Ckay

‘Essence’ and ‘Love Nwantiti’ are reputable mentions as they rose to the peak of their success (so far) in 2021 and continues to flood our speakers and hearts.

Alcohol (Sip) – Joeboy

In typical Joeboy style, this song captivated the country pushing some fans to extremities in social media challenges – A clear indication of the impact of Joeboy’s music.

Bounce – Ruger

This sweet tune off Ruger’s ‘Pandemic’ EP was the theme song for summer in Lagos. His style and vocal texture are so unique it leaves you wanting more. This song is definitely a contender for song of the year.

Understand – Omah Lay

It seems the boys were really in their feelings last year, as this song had one of the longest reigns on the Top 10 across Nigeria.

B.D’OR – Burna Boy ft. Wizkid

Another hit single, like ‘Ginger’, Burna and Wiz made a notable dent in the scene with this song just a few weeks to the end of the year. The chemistry between these two is undeniable.

Peru – Fireboy DML

This was one of the biggest songs from Africa across the world last year. The remix featuring British singer Ed Sheeran released just a few days to the end of the year replaced the Mariah Carey Christmas song as the #1 song in the US.

Lie – Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel remains a force to reckon with in the industry and remains relentless in delivering hits upon hits, which never fall short of rave and support by his fanbase.

Feeling – Ladipoe ft. Buju

Another contender for the song of the year, Buju had us singing our lungs out whenever this song came up. A very clever, easy and enjoyable tune that sat at #1 last year.

Bling – Blaqbonez ft. Buju & Amaarae

The devil works hard but Blaqbonez works harder. The first release off his ‘Sex Over Love’ album, this song was explosive across the continent.

Rock – Olamide

A subtle cutaway from Olamide’s usual style, this song was a sweet reminder of all the reasons we stan Olamide and his versatility.

Move – Bad Boy Timz

It seems everything Bad Boy Timz jumps must be a hit. This infectious song had a lot of us on the move all year round.

Ameno Amapiano Remix – Goya Menor & Nektunez

‘You want to bam ba? You want to chill with the big boys?’ A song made famous on Tik Tok for this line, this song rose to the top both locally and internationally.

Found – Tems ft Brent Faiyaz

We never knew we needed this song and this collaboration, but we are thankful for its existence.

Early Momo – Vector ft. Good Girl LA

The sweet chords and texture of this song paired with the storytelling and delivery of both Vector and Good Girl LA is what makes it so enjoyable for their listeners.