While the year in music started off rocky, a lot of our favourite stars have since come through with at least one banger. So, here are 10 singles from the first quarter of 2020 (January to March) that soared above the rest.
Rema — “Beamer (Bad Boys)”
2019’s biggest breakout star, Rema started off 2020 with the same hit-making energy. “Beamer”, one of the two singles he’s released this year, is another infectious reminder of why his rise has been so astronomic.
Adekunle Gold — “Jore” ft. Kizz Daniel
Not one to collaborate with many people outside of his wife, Adekunle struck afropop gold when he decided to enlist the gifted Kizz Daniel for his first single of 2020, the exceptional “Jore”.
Wande Coal — “Again”
While Wande Coal is easily one of the greatest living afropop stars, it’s been a while since he dropped something as undeniably great as “Again” — a song that utilises all his gifts to full effect.
Burna Boy — “Odogwu”
Seemingly incapable of making a bad song at this point, Burna Boy’s first single of the year, “Odogwu” is another confident track from a star at the peak of his powers.
Oxlade — “Away”
Set to be one of 2020’s biggest breakout acts, Oxlade successfully kicked off the new decade with “Away” — the fantastic lead single off his star-making debut project, Oxygen
Teni — “Marry”
One of Teni’s most enviable gifts as an artist is her ability to make songs that are both catchy and relatable. On “Marry”, her first single of the year, she nails that impressive balance yet again.
DJ Neptune — “Nobody” ft. Joeboy & Mr Eazi
When it comes to orchestrating bangers, very few DJs come close to Neptune. For his second single of the year, “Nobody”, he enlisted Joeboy and Mr Eazi, resulting in one of the best songs of the year so far.
Peruzzi — “Gunshot”
Very few afropop stars can write a song quite like Peruzzi, and “Gunshot”, his first release of the year, finds him using that ability to create one of his catchiest singles to date.
Patoranking — “I’m In Love”
A staggeringly consistent hitmaker, Patoranking knocked it out of the park with his first effort of 2020, “I’m In Love”. The dancehall-influenced love song is simply impossible to dislike.
Efe Oraka — “Zion” ft M.I
A truly exciting rising star Efe Oraka returned from a painfully long hiatus with the outstanding “Zion”, a beautifully written and performed track that includes a standout guest verse from M.I.
