Jollof rice, especially Nigerian Jollof, is THAT girl. There’s no comparison — even though those boiled egg-loving people like to argue. To celebrate World Jollof Day, I’m combining Jollof with something else Nigerians are known for, music.
We’re ranking Nigerian songs that reference the glorious taste of Jollof rice from the party Jollof songs to the stale J-rice ones.
Jollof on the Jet — DJ Cuppy with Rema & Rayvany
Lyrics: “Oya, pass the Jollof — Jollof on the jet. The party Jollof — Jollof on the jet.”
Say what you want about my girl, Florence (DJ Cuppy to non-Otedolas, please), but this babe is in her lane. Jollof on the Jet combines two of my favourite things: Jollof rice and jets. Even though I can only afford the Jollof part of the song, I listen to it as a prayer point for literal and financial upliftment.
Ginger — Wizkid and Burna Boy
Lyric: “If you want make I ginger give me the Kokoro, ma ko je bi Jollof.”
Are you wondering why Ginger is so high up on my list? Well, it’s one of the best songs on one of the best albums of the last five years. It’s also a Wizkid and Burna Boy collab, so where did you think it’d be? Let’s all be serious here.
Issa Goal — Naira Marley with Olamide & Lil Kesh
Lyrics: “Ghana Jollof Issa goal jor. Naija jollof issa goal jollof.”
We all love Naira Marley, and I personally like Issa Goal, but as a country and people, we can’t turn a blind eye to the “Ghana Jollof Issa goal jor” line. What does that even mean? He should’ve just sung the Naija Jollof part and kept it moving. You can’t have it all, Naira. Pick a side.
New Pammy — The Cavemen
Lyrics: “My jollof rice. My fried rice.”
Palm wine, highlife and a hot plate of jollof rice sound like the perfect combination thanks to The Cavemen’s New Pammy. My only problem with this song is the inability to decide what food their babe really reminds them of. How can one person remind you of jollof rice, fried rice, shawarma and potatoes all at once? It all sounds a bit extra.
Tere — Kizz Daniel with Diamond Platinumz
Lyrics: “Baby, you so fine. You so sweet oh. I call you jollof rice.”
Kizz Daniel might be late to shows, but best believe he has no bad songs to his name. Tere, from his 2018 album, No Bad Songz, is an excellent example of Kizz’s consistency even on songs that may have been album fillers.
Rock Your Body — Burna Boy
Lyrics: “If you give me the shitor, then I go ginger the Jollof oh.”
The fact that Burna Boy said “Ginger the Jollof” on Rock Your Body, and then, went on Ginger with Wizkid to say “Ma ko je bi Jollof” feels like a full circle moment for me. This weird coincidence and how Rock Your Body makes my waist feel is enough reason to put it on this list. T for Tanks.
Quiz: What Kind of Jollof Are You?
Things I Need — Peruzzi
Lyric: “Sweetie, sweetie, you’re like party Jollof.”
We all know party Jollof is the best, and the fact that Peruzzi was this specific shows he’s a man of intention. I stan. That being said, I’m still upset I had to wait until the end to hear this line. Peruzzi, next time, start with the important compliments.
Tumbum — Yemi Alade
Lyrics: “I know you like Nkechi Jollof eh Nkechi Jollof. I know you like my beans eh.”
Nigerian men have shown Yemi Alade pepper. If they’re not out giving Cynthia belle on Johnny, they’re eating someone else’s jollof rice on Tumbum. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with liking Jollof and beans. I just hope Yemi’s man isn’t mixing them because that sounds nasty.
Che Che — Mayorkun
Lyrics: “London girls and phonetics. Obia nto ne connect, Ghana girls and Jollof.”
I’m sorry, but this article should be called Nigerian men betraying us for Ghana girls and Jollof. What is going on? Che Che has a duration of three minutes, 35 seconds and not once did Mayorkun mention Nigerian girls. This shade doesn’t sit right with my ancestors.
Isabella — CKay
Lyrics: “Baby girl, na you be my tomato Jos. My Ghana Jollof onyeoma.”
Is anyone up to dropping CKay off at the Ghana border? After all the Nigerian references on Isabella, he decided to choose violence by adding Ghana Jollof. We’re taking him, Isabella and Emiliana to the border by night bus.
ALSO READ: Can’t Get These Slangs Out of Your Head? Blame These Artists
