It’s staggering to think that just years ago, Afrobeats as we know it was in its infancy. The once-niche genre has since made its way into the mainstream, and with this awakening, so too has a vanguard of young artists paving the way for the genre and culture as a whole. In recent years, we’ve seen newcomers such as Ayra Starr and Tyla breathe life into the genre, expanding on its foundation and paying homage to those who came before them. 

Aptly relied on for its intrinsic upbeat rhythms, Afrobeats goes hand in hand with festivities of all kinds, and with warmer winds on the horizon, one must take inventory of the tracks that will soon set the tone for the season. Be it a pre-game, house party, late-night drive, or night out, these tracks will heighten the atmosphere. In no particular order, here are our Afrobeats songs of the summer fit for your turn on the aux. 

Goodbye (Warm Up)(feat. Asake) - Ayra Starr

One cannot discuss the current state of Afrobeats without the mention of Ayra Starr. Having leaped onto the scene just a few years ago, the promising young artist has already cemented herself as one of the strongest voices of her generation. Enlisting the brilliant Asake, the artist’s “Goodbye (Warm Up)” off her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, is a certified anthem. A classic letter-to-my-ex track, Ayra’s innate storytelling skills shine through this sultry single.

Wickedest - Tems

With an introductory sample from the iconic, timeless, auntie-approved tune—”1er Gaou” by Magic System—Tems’ “Wickedest” from her debut studio album Born in the Wild, is the kind of song that evokes involuntary movement, regardless of its company. Bridging the gap between old-school and new-wave Afrobeats, the infectious single illustrates Tems’ range and creativity as an artist. 

Wahala (feat. Olamide) - Ckay

Joining forces with the inimitable Olamide, Nigerian singer-songwriter Ckay has arguably delivered his strongest work in “Wahala.” Though sung in multiple languages, the single’s melody speaks to all. The soulful ballad paints a story of love and lust in its truest form, combining mesmerizing guitar strums with irresistible whistles and beats to yield the perfect concoction of a track. 

Jump - Tyla, Gunna, Skillibeng

Rising South African sensation Tyla had the world at a standstill last year with the release of her Grammy Award-winning single “Water.” Building on this momentum, the artist released her self-titled debut album, TYLA, earlier this year, sending shockwaves through the media sphere. Second in streams and equal in vibe to “Water,” her fiery single “Jump” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng has already positioned itself as one of the hottest Afrobeats tracks of this year. Electrifying in every sense of the word, the single is a club staple. 

Only Me - Asake

If the verb “locking in” had a theme song, it’d be Asake’s “Only Me.” In its infectious chorus, the Nigerian phenom chants, “Euphoria all day only me, only me, only me / We get money money, we get money, we get money.” A statement on wealth, independence, and affluence, the bilingual single pays homage to old-school Afrobeats, which often heavily emphasized Black Excellence and success. The sonically superior track encapsulates the feel-good energy with which we should all be stepping into the summer. 

ONOME - Odeal

Bathed in an air of R&B, Odeal’s “ONOME” wrestles with the weight of desire. Backed by solid production, the emotionally evocative track details yearning with great care and in a way that forces the listener to relate instantaneously. Sonically, the single’s consistent beat turns an otherwise vulnerable subject matter into dancing material, drawing light to the perils of love. 

Commona - Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Mystro

One of the many spellbinding singles off the soundtrack to Tiwa Savage’s debut feature film, Water & Garri, “Commona” transforms the artist-turned-actress. Featuring Olamide and Mystro, the compelling single revels in the spirit of resilience and self-assurance. Its gripping, irresistible beat warrants the frowned-upon act of a replay, or two, or three. 

Pot of Gold - Young Jonn

Seasoned singer, songwriter, and producer Young Jonn is no stranger to the dance track. The multi-hyphenate has steadfastly maintained the lane he has carved for himself in the Afrobeats world. His dynamic single “Pot of Gold” touches on the pursuit of love, the pursuit of wealth, and the synergy of the two. With its captivating beat, clean composition, and sincere messaging, it possesses all the necessary ingredients of a remarkable single. 

High Tension - Shallipopi

Sandwiched between a spread of equally effervescent tracks on his sophomore LP, Shakespopi, lies Shallipopi’s “High Tension.” Bearing his signature sound with notes of Amapiano sprinkled throughout, the track exemplifies Shallipopi’s immense sonic versatility.

Naija Funk - Azanti x PsychoYP

Frequent collaborators Azanti and PsychoYP have delivered yet another crowd-pleaser with “Naija Funk.” As its title suggests, the colorful track accomplishes its presumed objective of evoking movement from the listener. Though the presence of Afrobeats is palpable, the single also toys with notes of R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop and is a testament to the magic that can come from collaboration.