We made a list of Nigerian songs that recognise, celebrate and honour the spirit of motherhood.
“Iya Ni Wura” — Dele Ojo
Dele Ojo and his Star Brothers Band released this Mother’s Day celebration staple 74 years ago. Iya Ni Wura (meaning “mother is gold”) talks about the strenuous nine months of pregnancy mothers endure, describing them as jewels of inestimable value.
“Sweet Mother” — Prince Nico Mbarga
The lyrics, “Sweet mother, I no go forget you” quickly rings a bell in the minds of most Nigerians. In this evergreen song, Prince Nico vows to always remember his mum’s sacrifices for him.
“Mummy” — Jesse King
Jesse King, AKA Buga, made one of his biggest hits with Mummy in 2006. The contemporary highlife song prays that mothers enjoy long life without discomfort. Any hater can take it up with God.
“Unconditional Love” — 2Baba
2Baba appreciates his mum in Unconditional Love in 2017, attributing his calm and collected demeanour to her. 2Baba expresses unconditional love at home, and he has his mum to thank for it.
“So Beautiful” — Asa
Off Asa’s debut titular album, she dedicates a five-minute track to her mother. Asa sings of her beauty, strength and love. If we all agree mothers are goddesses, this is one of their worship songs.
“Mama” — Flavour feat. Chidinma
Over warm, serenading piano riffs, Flavour and Chidinma praise their mothers in English, Igbo and Yoruba. They remember her sleepless nights during sick days and pray for blessings for her. The 2016 song appreciates motherhood and promises mothers that they can have anything in life.
“Mummy Mi” — Wizkid
Mummy Mi is the fourth track on Wizkid’s 2014 album, “Ayo”. Even if you don’t have life’s finest things to give your mum like Wiz promised his on this song, you can sing along and count it as speaking them into existence.
“Ochie Dike (Mama)” — Phyno feat. Onyeka Onwenu
In 2016, Phyno honoured his mother with this emotive song in undiluted Igbo. He partnered with the legendary Onyeka Onwenu to deliver one of his best songs ever.
“Mama” — Adekunle Gold
“This is not a regular song, oh mama”; in Yorùbá, AG Baby hails mothers as superheroes and intermediaries between heaven and earth. The refreshing sounds of Gangan drums, guitar and other highlife elements will keep any mum dancing.
“Iya Mi (My Mother)” — Lanre Teriba
On this song, Nigerian Gospel artist, Lanre Teriba, feels he’s running out of time and asks for God’s blessings to come quickly. His mum is getting older, and he needs to spoil her with life’s best things. If you’re looking for a song with a twist of gospel to honour your mum, this is it.
