Ever wondered the songs your parents were listening to on the radio — yes, listening to radios was once fashionable — when you were in the womb? Well, Gen Zs, we’re here to help because these were the songs that were bangers in the year you were born.
You’re welcome.
Kukere — Iyanya (2012)
Iyanya had Nigerians in a chokehold the year this song came out. Once you heard, “All my ladies,” you knew it was time to break it down. Kukere was so inescapable, there’s a high chance even your grandma might remember it.
Chop My Money — P-Square (2011)
To think most of us sang Chop My Money even when our broke asses knew there was no money to be chopped. Anyway, if you were born in 2011, you have to work hard so you’ll live out your destiny as a sugar parent.
Oleku — Ice Prince (2010)
The combination of Ice Prince, Brymo and Jesse Jagz was all we needed to start a new decade. Good times for real. Gen Z’s might never know what life was like back when a dollar was just ₦150.
Yori Yori — Bracket (2009)
Everyone complains about Yoruba demons, but have you had an Igbo man try to toast you? Bracket’s Yori Yori is a classic example of an Igbo man’s sweet mouth. You’ll be listening to the song and smiling like a fool. May God save us.
Gongo Aso — 9ice (2008)
No one was doing it like 9ice in 2008. With one of the hottest albums and tracks of the year, this guy was so gassed, he even saw himself winning a Grammy. While that hasn’t happened, no one can contest that Gongo Aso was a major musical moment Nigerians will never forget.
Yahooze — Olu Maintain (2007)
You know your song is big when it inspires a dance craze that becomes so common, people use it for other songs. Yahoozee was THAT GIRL in 2007. We don’t support the message behind this song, but Yahooze walked so Cash App could run. Also, there’s a high chance this was Hushpuppi’s anthem back in the day.
Ijoya — Weird MC (2006)
Ijoya was EPIC, and that intro was such an earworm. But you see its music video? Our minds couldn’t contain it. If you were born in 2006, just know you have no choice but to be a creative genius. The bar was raised to the skies that year.
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Mr. President — African China (2005)
African China released a whole song begging Nigerian leaders to fix up and do their job. I’m sure some Gen Z’s are thinking, “But we’re still asking for the same things boo.” Well, babes, this struggle? Omo no be today e start.
African Queen — 2face Idibia (2004)
Before Wizkid’s Essence or Burna Boy’s Ye became an international cultural movement, father Abraham 2face Idibia was laying the groundwork with this 2004 classic. African Queen shifted the culture and introduced a new wave of Afrobeats to the world. Respect that!
Danfo Driver — Mad Melon and Mountain Black (2003)
We need to bring back the galala and swo dance moves. All this variation of leg work, are you people not tired? Throw on some Danfo Driver and show us what you’ve got. Dear Gen Zs, this song is an important piece of Afropop history; study it.
Mr. Lecturer — Eedris Abdulkareem (2002)
Twenty years later and the message behind Mr. Lecturer is still relevant today. But that’s the thing about Eedris Abdulkareem songs because the last time I checked, Nigeria is still jaga jaga and that’s the (cold) tea.
My Car — Tony Tetuila (2001)
Honestly, Mr. Tony, if more than one person bashes your car in the same day, then maybe you’re the problem. Just let that sink in. Gen Zs born in 2001 are obviously bad drivers — it’s not a coincidence.
Konko Below — Lagbaja (2000)
Before there was Meghan Thee Stallion, Cardi B or Nicki Minaj, there was Lagbaja. Thanks to this OG twerk anthem, Lagbaja had everyone with their hands on their knees popping their bootys. WAP and Anaconda are cute, but none of them come close to the power of Konko Below.
Diana — Daddy Showkey (1999)
A masterclass in storytelling, Daddy Showkey’s Diana is a classic we all love. This man gave us a whole episode of Super Story and This Life in less than five minutes. We just have to stan.
Skakomo — Remedies (1998)
Shakomo takes us back to the days when Nigerian artists used to copy and paste American beats without shame. To be fair, 2pac was busy fighting Notorious B.I.G so I doubt he noticed this hit.
Dem Go Dey Pose — Baba Fryo (1997)
Gen Zs have PrettyBoy DO and Cruel Santino, but right when their era was about to start in 1997, Baba Fryo was the man of the moment.
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