10 Afrobeats Songs from 2015 That Changed the Game & Still Hit in 2025

A decade ago, Afrobeats was on the brink of a global explosion. The year 2015 became a historic moment in the genre’s evolution, a turning point where homegrown Nigerian sound crossed borders, influenced global charts, and laid the foundation for the genre’s dominance today.

Driven by addictive rhythms, vibrant storytelling, and a new wave of collaboration, 2015 marked the rise of new stars and the reinvention of established ones. Whether it was Wizkid’s international breakthrough, Davido’s hip-hop crossover, or Tiwa Savage’s fusion of Afrobeats and R&B, these songs defined an era and still resonate with audiences across the globe.

As these iconic tracks approach their 10th anniversary in 2025, let’s revisit the 10 Afrobeats anthems that not just soundtrack our parties, they changed the game.

 

Afrobeats Anthems from 2015 That Defined the Decade

1. “Bobo” – Olamide
2. “Ojuelegba (Remix)” – Wizkid ft. Drake & Skepta
3. “Soke” – Burna Boy
4. “Crazy” – Seyi Shay ft. Wizkid
5. “My Darlin’” – Tiwa Savage
6. “Ashimapeyin” – Wande Coal
7. “Soldier” – Falz ft. Simi
8. “Fans Mi” – Davido ft. Meek Mill
9. “Gift” – Iyanya ft. Don Jazzy
10. “Woju (Remix)” – Kizz Daniel ft. Tiwa Savage & Davido

 

1. “Bobo” – Olamide

By 2015, Olamide was a certified street king and musical force in Nigeria. His hit single “Bobo” from the album Eyan Mayweather captured the hearts of fans nationwide with its blend of catchy Yoruba bars and Young Jonn’s bouncy production. Beyond the music, “Bobo” sparked a cultural movement with the Shakiti Bobo dance, which went viral and caught the attention of international stars like Ciara, T-Pain, and Missy Elliott.

 

3. “Ojuelegba” – Wizkid (feat. Drake & Skepta)

Originally a standout on Wizkid’s 2014 album Ayo, “Ojuelegba” was a heartfelt ode to his Lagos roots. But the remix, featuring Drake and Skepta, dropped in 2015 and turned the song into an international Afrobeats anthem. Premiered on OVO Sound Radio, it helped ignite the global fascination with Afrobeats, with artists like Doja Cat and Sarkodie later sampling and referencing it. This remix was a significant pivot in Wizkid’s career and a landmark moment for Nigerian music.

 

3. “Soke” – Burna Boy

Before the GRAMMYs and global stardom, Burna Boy was already pushing boundaries. “Soke,” from his album On a Spaceship, blended traditional Afrobeat elements with modern production. With lyrics urging Nigerians to rise above hardship, and an instrumental inspired by Fela Kuti, “Soke” showcased Burna’s activist leanings and signature Afrofusion sound, a style he would later take to the world.

 

4. “Crazy” – Seyi Shay (feat. Wizkid)

Seyi Shay’s sultry R&B vocals met Wizkid’s laid-back swagger on “Crazy,” one of the standout collaborations of 2015. Produced by Legendury Beatz, the song was a hypnotic blend of smooth rhythms and playful tension, marking Seyi Shay’s transition from UK pop singer to Afrobeats sensation.

 

5. “My Darlin’” – Tiwa Savage

A timeless love song from Tiwa Savage, “My Darlin’” fused sweet melodies with vibrant percussion. Produced by Don Jazzy and BabyFresh, it became a go-to anthem for weddings and celebrations. Tiwa’s emotive delivery proved why she remains one of the genre’s most influential female voices.

 

6. “Ashimapeyin” – Wande Coal

After years of anticipation, Wande Coal returned in 2015 with “Ashimapeyin,” a high-energy banger off his Wanted album. Produced by Sarz, the track reaffirmed Wande’s place in Afrobeats royalty. The song’s bounce and bold delivery also paved the way for new-gen artists like Fireboy DML, who sampled the music in his 2024 track “Wande’s Bop.”

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7. “Soldier” – Falz (feat. Simi)

One of the most iconic duets in Afrobeats history, Falz and Simi’s “Soldier” combined sharp-witted rap with soulful vocals in a love story full of humour and heart. The 14-minute mini-film music video, directed by Clarence Peters, brought the track to life and turned it into an instant classic. Their chemistry was so strong, it sparked rumours (and hopes) of a real-life romance.

 

8. “Fans Mi” – Davido (feat. Meek Mill)

In “Fans Mi,” Davido teamed up with American rapper Meek Mill, breaking new ground for Afrobeats’ international aspirations. The trap-infused production by Shizzi and Davido’s braggadocious lyrics chronicled his rise from hustler to superstar. For many, it was a sign that Afrobeats could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global hip-hop.

 

9. “Gift” – Iyanya (feat. Don Jazzy)

After dominating the charts with “Kukere,” Iyanya kept the momentum going with “Gift,” a collaboration with Don Jazzy. The feel-good single from his album Applaudise delivered bouncy rhythms, flirtatious lyrics, and high replay value. It may not have been his biggest hit, but it helped cement his status as a hitmaker of his era.

 

10. “Woju” (Remix) – Kizz Daniel (feat. Tiwa Savage & Davido)

 

“Woju” was the breakout hit that introduced Kizz Daniel (then Kiss Daniel) to the world, but the remix made it legendary. Featuring Davido and Tiwa Savage, the remix amplified the song’s reach and gave it fresh energy. DJ Coublon’s production remained intact, but the star power on the track took it from a Nigerian favourite to an African-wide obsession.

These 10 songs from 2015 not only shaped Afrobeats then, they continue to echo through today’s sound. As we celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2025, one thing is clear: Afrobeats isn’t just music, it’s a movement.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes 2015 so significant in Afrobeats history?

A: 2015 was a breakout year where Afrobeats transitioned from a regional sound to a globally recognised genre. It saw major international collaborations, viral dance trends, and genre-defining hits that expanded its reach.

Q: Which 2015 Afrobeats song had the biggest global impact?

A: Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” remix with Drake and Skepta had the most global impact, serving as a gateway for Afrobeats into mainstream international music.

Q: Are these songs still relevant today?

A: Absolutely. Many of these tracks remain club staples, wedding anthems, or cultural touchpoints, and continue to influence new-gen artists both in Africa and abroad.

Q: Which of these artists went on to achieve global success?

A: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage have all gone on to sell out international tours, receive GRAMMY nominations, and dominate global charts.

Q: Where can I listen to these songs now?

A: These classics are available on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Audiomack.