Nigeria has a high number of YouTube viewers. The tremendous growth in this number can be linked to the increase of popular Nigerian music videos on the platform. With YouTube being very important to both the consumer and producers of music videos, Nigerian artists take the platform seriously as they are able to get their work across faster than they would through any other means.
Nigerian music videos are generally known for having a perfect combination of rhythm, tempo, and beat which are often infused with the greatest melody, irrespective of their genres. Here are the 30 most popular videos ever uploaded to YouTube by Nigerian musicians.
The Most Popular Nigerian Songs on YouTube
1. On The Low
- Singer: Burna Boy
- Date Released: 31 December 2015
- Views: 247.4 Million
- Producer: Kel P
- Director:Â Meji Alabi
On The Low by Burna Boy was released on the 31st of December 2015. The song was described as a mid-tempo love song as it took the form of a mixture of Afrobeats and dancehall. The artist decided to describe his intentions of turning a secret love affair into a lifetime commitment in the music video.
On The Low was certified Gold in France when the track got 15 million streams which is the equivalent of selling 100,000 copies.
2. Fall
- Singer:Â Davido
- Date Released: 2 June 2017
- Views: 229.7Â Million
- Producer:Â Kiddominant
- Director:Â Daps
On 2 June 2017, Davido released the music video for the song Fall. The music video was directed by Daps, a Nigerian-born British director. Before the video was released, the mp3 had already gone viral, gaining huge fans from Nigeria and beyond. Millions of views still flood into date as the music video remains in the heart of Davido’s fans.
Fall music video was the first Nigerian music video to garner more than 200 million views on YouTube. As far back as December 2018, the video had already crossed 100 million views.
3. Way Maker
- Singer: Sinach
- Date Released: 30 December 2015
- Views: 191 Million
- Producer:Â Mayo
- Director: Ose Iria
The Way Maker is one of the most popular Nigerian music videos on YouTube. When the video amassed more than 100,000 views, Sinach became the first female Nigerian gospel singer to gain that achievement.
Way Maker in 2020 won the Song of the Year by GMA Dove Awards. In the same year, the video was widespread on social media platforms. The song was sung by many people outside a hospital in Los Angeles during the 2020 covid 19 outbreak. The sonorous voice, beat, rhythm, lyrics, and message that the song passes have made it loved by many over the globe.
4. Ye
- Singer: Burna Boy
- Date Released: 6 August 2018
- Views: 174.7 Million
- Producer:Â Phantom
- Director:Â Clearance Peters
Burna Boy posted behind-the-scenes images on social media weeks in advance of the video’s premiere, heightening anticipation among fans. Ye was eventually released as a single off the singer’s album titled Outside. It became one of the most played songs at festivals and concerts as well as gaining in influence over time.
In addition to winning Song of the Year at The Headies 2019, the song also garnered nominations for Best Pop Single and Best Recording of the Year. Internationally, it was reported by ‘Rolling Stone’ that the music video got more than 11 million streams within seven months across U.S online streaming channels in 2019.
5. Joro
- Singer: Wizkid
- Date Released:Â 30 September 2019
- Views: 173.6Â Million
- Producer: Toby Walsham
- Director: Adriaan Louw
The video for Joro was intended to convey the idea that WizKid uses his music to connect spiritually with people around the world. He connects with a female protagonist in London, causing her to progressively unwind her performance in a series of exquisitely choreographed dance moves. This fusion of African and European music is symbolic of the growth and power that West African music currently has on a global scale.
The Joro video, set in London, features actress and dancer Georgia Curtis, who moves elegantly to the music creating a connection with the music. She is first seen on a deserted street at night, then in a beauty parlor, and finally in a more theatrical setting.
6. Pana
- Singer: Tekno
- Date Released: 22 August 2016
- Views:Â 172.3 Million
- Producer:Â Krizbeatz
- Director:Â Clearance Peters
Clarence Peters did a brilliant job with the music video for Pana. The video to date is still gaining more views on social media channels. It showcased a different line from what Tekno music videos used to be with a well-produced beat and clear picture settings. It is no surprise that the music video is hitting its current stands.
7. If
- Singer:Â Davido
- Date Released: 17 February 2017
- Views: 143.5Â Million
- Producer: Tekno
- Director:Â Director Q
This song shook the entire African continent when it was first released in 2019. If, which was produced by Nigerian hitmaker Tekno, was included in Davido’s 2019 album A Good Time. Director Q shot and directed the video in London, proving his prowess as a creative.
If was certified diamond by the Recording Industry of South Africa, meaning it had shipped 200,000 copies. In 2018, the song won two awards at The Headies: Best Pop Single and Song of the Year.
8. Johnny
- Singer: Yemi Alade
- Date Released: 4 March 2014
- Views: 141.7 Million
- Producer:Â Selebobo
- Director: Clearance Peter
Nigerian singer Yemi Alade released the music video for the song Johnny on the 4th of March 2014, almost five months after the official release of the music album titled King of Queens. The music video features Nigerian actor and model Alex Ekubo as a young man known as ‘Johnny’ who moves about deceiving and breaking the hearts of many women.
Johnny was a hit and so was nominated for the Best Pop Single and Song of the Year award at the Headies Awards 2014.
9. Mad Over You
- Singer:Â Runtown
- Date Released: 7 December 2016
- Views:Â 131.4 Million
- Producer(s): Runtown, Del B, Tspize
- Director: Clearance Peters
Runtown collaborated with Del B to achieve this musical masterpiece. The duo wrote and arranged the instrumental and flute parts of the song. Runtown later approached TSpize to add guitar parts to what turned out to be a huge hit.
Joss magazine’s music reviewer criticized the video for not complementing the lyrics. Despite this, the music video has continuously gained views from fans on different social media platforms. The beats of the song have rained in massive accolades to the musician.
10. Reason With Me
- Singer: Rude Boy
- Date Released: 15 April 2019
- Views:Â 131.3 Million
- Producer:Â Lord Sky
- Director: Clarence Peters
Rudeboy Records didn’t waste time in serving up the visuals for Reason With Me after the song was released. The song was co-written and co-produced with Lord Sky and the accompanying music video was directed by Clarence Peters. The video portrays a financially strapped boyfriend whose girlfriend left him, only to beg to come back when he achieved success.
The message passed and the rhythm of the song made it a must listen to many. So far, this 2019 music video has been on the top list of the most popular Nigerian music videos on YouTube. Rudeboy remarked that although the song did not feature nudity or an appearance by anyone else, it still amassed such popularity.
11. Do Like That
- Singer: Korede Bello
- Date Released: 22 November 2016
- Views: 123.8Â Million
- Producer:Â Altims
- Director: Konstantin
Do Like That music video has gained a lot of Youtube views. It is certified Gold in the United States by the Industry Association of America (RIAA). The music video for Korede’s song was shot in London by U.K.-based video director Konstantin. It depicts a trendy, classy expression of love.
The video for the song featured Korede Bello expressing his love as he flirts with a beautiful lady and steps to the beat of the song.
12. Kontrol
- Singer: Maleek Barry
- Date Released: 12 Aug 2016
- Views: Â 114.8 Million
- Producer: Kem Ekundayo, Meji Alabi
- Director: Meji Alabi
To mark his 29th birthday, Maleek Berry dropped the video for his latest single, Kontrol. Meji Alabi directed the bright and colorful visuals for Kontrol that featured gorgeous dancers popping moves to the song’s beat. The single has already become a viral success, gathering millions of streams since its release.
13. Come Closer
- Singer: Wizkid ft Drake
- Date Released: 6 April 2017
- Views:Â 114.7 Million
- Producer: Sarz
- Director:Â Alan Ferguson
The video stars Khoudia Diop (also known as Melanin Goddess) and Sira Kante. The song entered the UK Singles Chart at number 58, marking Wizkid’s first chart appearance as a lead artist and the highest African single of 2017. In August and November 2017, the single was certified Gold and Silver by Music Canada and the BPI respectively. As of March 2018, it was the most commercially successful international single.
In 2021, Wizkid became the second international artist in Canada to achieve platinum certification with his music video Come Closer. The lyrics are catchy and are appealing to his fans.
14. Personally
- Singer: P-Square
- Date Released: 21 June 2013
- Views:Â 114 Million
- Producer: Jude Engees Okoye
- Director: Jude Eugees Okoye and Clarence Peters
This is one of the best music videos from the Nigerian music duo P-Square. In 2013, the music video featured on the Top 10 chart of MTV Base as the number 1 track on the continent. Both the video and the song further garnered different award nominations, including the 2014 Most Gifted Dance Music Video award, 2014 Best Music Video of The Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and 2014 Song of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Personally also received a nomination for Best International Performance at the Soul Train Music Awards. The music video and the song are dedicated to the late music icon Michael Jackson, who they claimed motivated them personally.
15. Soco
- Singer: Wizkid ft Ceeza Milli, Spotless and Terri
- Date Released: 26 March 2018
- Views:Â 109.7 Million
- Producer: Northboi
- Director: Clearance Peters
When Wizkid released Soco, the music video immediately hit the top of the Nigerian music charts and local hip-hop fans were quick to embrace it. At the 2018 African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), the song won Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Pop Single. The song also received the Best Collaboration of the Year accolade at the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
16. I Know Who I Am
- Singer:Â Sinach
- Date Released: 7 October 2015
- Views:Â 100.8 Million
- Producer:Â Loveworld Music and Arts
- Director: Carel Films
This is the second music video by the gospel singer to make it on the list of the most popular Nigerian music videos on YouTube. The message of the song I Know Who I Am is prophetic, motivating, and spiritual. It is meant to encourage Christians to strongly believe that they can achieve all they desire.
Proudly produced by the Loveworld Music and Art, the wonderful work done in the video was directed by the Carel films.
17. Falling In LoveÂ
- Singer:Â Chidinma
- Date Released:Â 16 Nov 2016
- Views:Â 99 Million
- Producer:Â Masterkraft
- Director:Â Godfather Productions
The video for Chidinma’s love song, Fallen in Love, was filmed in South Africa by Godfather Productions. The high school love setting at the beginning of the video and the flashback to a childhood friendship transferred the message of the song. It is one of the most popular Nigerian music videos on YouTube that has so far received millions of accolades from listeners since its debut.
18. Bank Alert
- Singer:Â Psquare
- Date Released:Â 16 September 2016
- Views:Â 92.2 Million
- Producer: Jude Okoye
- Director: Clarence Peter and Jude Okoye
Bank Alert was a 2016 single by Nigerian pop duo P-Square. The song is recorded in Igbo and Pidgin English and samples lyrics from Iyogo by Onyeka Onwenu. Released as a free download on September 15, the song’s music video was uploaded to YouTube the following day. Jude Okoye and Clarence Peters directed the video, which featured cameos from Phyno, Harrysong Kcee, Onyeka Onwenu, and Mr. Ibu.
19. Fia
- Singer:Â Davido
- Date Released: 10 November 2017
- Views:Â 91 Million
- Producer: Fresh VDM
- Director:Â Clarence Peters
Fia by Davido was one of the biggest songs of 2017. It has as a result been one of the most popular Nigerian music videos on Youtube, gaining millions of views. Directed by the trusted hands of Clarence Peters, the music video for the song is also a stand-out. This is the third song by Davido to rank on the most-watched YouTube music videos list. Davido certainly knows how to make it to the heart of his fans with his enjoyable ballads.
20. Fever
- Singer:Â Wizkid
- Date Released: 28 October 2018
- Views: 89.1 Million
- Producer:Â Blaq Jerzee
- Director: Meji Alabi of JM Films
Wizkid featured Tiwa Savage, one of the best female Nigerian music artists, in the music video for the song Fever. While she did not contribute any vocals to the song, her role as a video vixen got fans clamoring to have a view. It is no surprise that the music video became very popular on Youtube as a result. Fever was directed by Meji Alabi of JM Films.
21. Collabo
- Singer: Psquare ft Don Jazzy
- Date Released:Â 23 February 2015
- Views: 87.5 Million
- Producer:Â Don Jazzy
- Director:Â Clarence Peters
Collabo is a guitar-laced song from the fifth studio album of P-Square. The song was exclusively produced by Don Jazzy of Mavin Records. In its Clarence Peters-directed video, the crew shot footage of each artist daydreaming about an office romance. The music video was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, and features Peter and Paul Okoye as well as Don Jazzy rapping in Portuguese and referring to the football star Cristiano Ronaldo and Mavin Records, home to other successful Nigerian artists. The song is loved by listeners because of the unique way that the musicians bring their pieces together.
22. Only You Jesus
- Singer:Â Ada Ehi
- Date Released: 25 July 2016
- Views: 88.8 Million
- Producer:Â Kelly Lyon & Crix
- Director: N/A
Gospel musician Ada Ehi released a video for the track titled Only You Jesus in 2017. The song, which trended all over the globe, was part of her third studio project – Future Now. The sensational music video garnered a lot of views on Youtube. It has been viewed by at least 88 million people on Youtube and is still getting more views as the day goes by. The song has been performed live by the artist on different occasions. The music video was properly directed to pass out the message of the song to viewers. All of this has brought the gospel singer lots of accolades for the song.
23. Duro
- Singer: Tekno
- Date Released:Â 18 June 2015
- Views: 88.5 Million
- Producer: DJ Coublon
- Director: Patrick Ellis
In the video for Duro, music star Tekno is seen dancing with other people. This is one of the catchy factors employed by the singer in his music videos. A lot of fans always anticipate seeing his dance moves, thereby accruing a lot of views to the track. Patrick Ellis did a wonderful job in directing the music video.
24. Shekini
- Singer: Psquare
- Date Released: 17 November 2014
- Views: 85.3 Million
- Producers: Vtek
- Director: Jude Eugene Okoye
From their 6th studio album Double Trouble, P-Square dropped the song Shekini and its accompanying music video. The video presents the twin brothers dancing with other energetic dancers that performed incredible dance moves that many people across the globe have tried to copy. The song was produced by Vtek who also appeared in the video and was directed by Jude Eugene Okoye.
25. Leg Over
- Singer: Mr. Eazi
- Date Released:Â 2 December 2016
- Views:Â 82.4 Million
- Producer:Â E-Kelly
- Director:Â Teekay
Mr. Eazi has been one of the most sought-after Afrobeat musicians over the past year. His songs have received massive airplay across the globe. In the video which features British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi, Nigerian artists Maleek Berry, and Wizkid, Mr. Eazi visits his priest (Eddie Kadi) to vent about his relationship. Viewers are further entertained by exciting dance moves.
26. Lovingjitis
- Singer: Wizboyy ft Teeyah
- Date Released: 15 March 2014
- Views:Â 82.2 Million
- Producer:Â N/A
- Director:Â M.C BOB Production
The music video for the single Lovingitis from the Nigerian music artist and producer Wizboyy is seen featuring a female artist from Ivory Coast named Teeyah. It is a track released under the album Testimony. The exciting music video and the contribution of the artist featured garnered a lot of gained the interest of fans who rushed to view the video. It also gave the music video a place among the most popular Nigerian music videos on youtube.
27. Blow My Mind
- Singer:Â Davido ft Chris Brown
- Date Released:Â 30 July 2019
- Views:Â 73.2 Million
- Producer:Â Shizzi
- Director: Edgar Esteves
In the music video for his hit song Blow My Mind, Davido and Chris Brown excite fans with decent dance moves. The collaboration exceeded all expectations and was well received by fans of both the American singer and his Nigerian counterpart. The video, which has since become one of the most popular Nigerian music videos on YouTube, was directed by Edgar Esteves and was filmed in California.
28. Gbona
- Singer: Burna Boy
- Date Released: 27 September 2018
- Views: 69.1Â Million
- Producer: Kel P
- Director: Clarence Peters
Burna Boy brings the heat in Gbona which is the Yoruba word for hot. In this song, Burna delivers his vocals in a free-flowing style over an infectious production that is almost like Fela Kuti’s afrobeat style. The music video features the singer and a group of ethereal dancers in several striking outdoor settings. This was one of the reasons for the large streaming the track got from YouTube and other music channels.
29. Ma Lo
- Singer: Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid & Spellz
- Date Released: 3 November 2017
- Views:Â 57 Million
- Producer:Â Benjamin Obadje (Spellz)
- Director:Â Meji Alaba
Ma Lo (Motherland)Â is one of the tracks from Tiwa Savage’s Sugarcane album. It serves as the sixth track in the EP, which is still on high trend internationally. The song which features Wizkid and Spellz quickly gained popularity among listeners due to its emotional tone and outstanding instrumentals. People were also curious to see what these internationally renowned artists were able to come up with, hence its popularity on YouTube. The music video was directed by Meji Alaba.
30. Love You Die
- Singer: Patoranking Ft Diamond
- Date Released: 1 September 2017
- Views: 55.4Â Million
- Producer:Â Mix Mista Garzy
- Director: Matt Alonzo
Superstar Nigerian reggae/dancehall artist Patoranking and Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz are among some of the most popular musicians out of Africa. While the duo may not be as popular as some other names like Davido, Wizkid, and so on, they have a huge following outside the continent. In 2017, the pair came together to release Love You Die, a song through which they tried to describe their feelings for their love interests. The song was produced by Ghanaian beat maker Mix Masta Garzy while att Alonzo directed the music video.