Written by Dammy Shittu
If there’s one thing this year gave us, it’s the sound of Nigerian music that filled our ears; from the melodies of Afrobeats that rocked the airwaves and clubs, to fast-paced street anthems, to the bumping tunes from Hip-hop. Amid a myriad of songs released this year, one cannot overlook the impact of street pops that not only hit the streets to become anthems but never failed to leave us high-spirited.
While some of the songs made it to the global stage, street hop gave us bangers we’ll never forget. Here’s the top 10 list of street pop that disturbed the streets:
1. Gwagwalada by BNXN ft Seyi Vibez & Kizz Daniel: Before BNXN fka Buju gave us a piece of his artistry with his sophomore album, he released one of the hardest tracks this year, Gwagwalada, featuring street icon Seyi Vibez, and Kizz Daniel. Produced by legendary hitmaker, Sarz, Gwagwalada comes with a fast-paced amapiano beat and vocals from Buju and Kizz Daniel, with a verse of street elements from Seyi Vibez. This is arguably the biggest street pop released this year.
2. Ex-convict by Shallipopi: One of 2023’s promising acts is Shalipopi. The Benin-born singer and rapper made it to the airwaves with his hit single, Ex-convict. This comes after his breakout hit, Elon Musk. Ex-convict is a testament to Shalipopi’s artistry, as it comes with street lingos and catchy melodies on an infectious beat.
3. Deja Vu by Seyi Vibez: Seyi Vibez no doubt, had this year on hold as he gave us back to back, and showed his musical prowess. With an eventful experience last year, Loseyi didn’t fail to garner more listeners with his consistent releases. Deja Vu is just one of his releases that gave us the unadulterated feeling of street vibes. A sweet savour of his melody, with elements of what is termed ‘Afro-adura’, a proper street from Seyi Vibez.
4. Amapiano by Asake ft Olamide: Asake tells us that his versatility knows no end, with his hit single, Amapiano ft street legend Olamide. Amapiano which has now earned a Grammy nomination is one street pop the duo gave us. Catchy lyrics, fast-paced amapiano beat, lamba, the perfect street bop to hold you down.
5. 2:30 by Asake: This is arguably the best street pop Asake gave us this year. With the infectious beat produced by Blaise Beats and vocals from Asake, 2:30 is that street pop to hold your carnival down and make everyone turn up. And this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
6. Ask About Me by Mohbad: Before his demise, Mohbad gave us an unforgettable street bop, Ask About Me. The hit single is yet another testament to his sonic dexterity. Ask about me, ask about me, The singer and rapper did not fail to express his artistry and prowess in the game. The melodic tune and singable lyrics from the song are the perfect vibes from a street pop to lift your spirit. Imole may be no more, but this jam, the streets will never forget.
7. Hat-trick by Seyi Vibez: Then again, Oluwaloseyi proves that he’s not ready to back down, with the release of Hat-trick. Hat-trick, which is off the album, Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come, is yet another street pop from the street king himself. Hat-trick which sees Seyi Vibez display his stunning vocals, with sonic upbeat, catchy hook and elements of Afro-Adura, a proper street pop.
8. Cast by Shallipopi ft Odumodublvck: Shalipopi not only proves he’s consistent but ready to hold it down for long. As he comes again with another banger, Cast which features breakout star, Odumodublvk. Not only did the duo give us a taste of street lingo, but they also left us high-spirited. Cast which comes off Shalipopi’s ‘Presido La Pluto’ album.
9. Man of the Year by Seyi Vibez: The song’s title is evidence that Seyi Vibez held the streets, and is really the Man of the Year. Man of the Year is a track on the album, ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, which displays Seyi Vibez’s versatility and pen game. The mind-blowing lyrics put you in the mood, leaving you to acknowledge Seyi’s notable artistry.
10. Things on Things by Shallipopi: Pluto’s president comes again with his instant appeal song, Things on Things. Shalipopi has shown that he’s not just a fast-rising act, but will be around for long. The snappy beat and hook from the song is another street bop, Pluto Presido gave us this year.
