It feels like it’s only been a few months, but we’re already at the end of the year! While 2023 had its highs and lows, one thing remained a constant: African music. Speaking for myself, I’ll say I certainly had an African song to match my every mood this year. From happy songs to sad songs to gbedu songs, African artists certainly kept the mic hot this year. So, what are the best African songs of 2023? In no particular order, here are Soot Africa’s picks for the best African songs of 2023.
1. Unavailable – Davido ft Musa Keys
Davido undoubtedly gave us one of the biggest hits of 2023. From his Timeless album, Unavailable, broke records and stayed on the charts for weeks. Subsequently, almost everyone I know was bopping to Unavailable on TikTok. Take a look.
2. City Boys – Burna Boy
The African Giant particularly kept 2023 groovy with one of the biggest songs on I Told Them. Combined with alluring visuals shot in Miami, this song certainly appealed to audiences at home and abroad. Take a look.
3. Into The Future – Stone Boy
When the Ghanaian star Stone Boy released his 5th Dimension album, one of the songs that stood out was Into The Future. This well-crafted song chiefly gives us a peek into Stone Boys’ vocal prowess. It stands tall as one of the best African songs of 2023.
4. Charm – Rema
The king rave, Rema, remained more than relevant in 2023. He was arguably one of the biggest Afrobeats sensations who broke barriers and garnered a wider range of international listeners. Here’s one of his bangers.
5. Amapiano – Asake & Olamide
Just when Amapiano took over the music scene, Mr. Money with the vibe decided to give us a hit titled Amapiano, even though it didn’t quite follow the music trend. It was a smash hit, regardless.
6. Stamina – Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, & Young John
The next track on the list of best African songs of 2023 is a beautiful swirl of vocals from Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Young John. The trio hopped in the studio and didn’t leave till they created an absolute banger. Take a look.
7. Gwagalada – BNXN ft Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
While paying respect to his hometown in Abuja, BNXN gave us one of the best Afrobeats songs of 2023. Adding hit makers like Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez to the track significantly made it even better to listen to.
8. Lonely At The Top – Asake
If there’s anything Asake did this year, it’s keeping his fans satisfied. He was releasing new music every other month without compromising on quality. Lonely at The Top was one of his album’s best songs and one of the best African songs in 2023.
9. Yahyuppiyah – Uncle Waffles ft Pcee, EeqUE, & Chley
Soot Africa’s Best African Songs 2023 pick could never be complete without some good old Amapiano. Well, Amapiano could never get old (just yet). Enjoy the smash TikTok hit below. (Follow along with the choreography if you know it!)
10. Water – Tyla
Finally, the record that placed Tyla in rooms of critical acclaim, Water. As one of the biggest African songs of 2023, Water basically broke the internet and started Tyla’s career off to a good start. Let’s reminisce.
And that wraps up Soot Africa’s list of Best African songs of 2023. While many other smash hits are not mentioned in this list, we had to stick to 10.
What were your favorite African songs of 2023? Comment below and let us know!