As Afrobeats continues its global ascent, 2026 offers a moment to look back at one of the genre’s most defining years. A decade ago, Nigerian music experienced a creative boom that produced records which still dominate playlists, dancefloors, and pop culture conversations today.
The year 2016 stands out as a turning point. It was a period when local sounds expanded confidently beyond Nigeria’s borders, powered by hit songs that blended Afrobeats with Ghana bounce, highlife, dancehall, hip-hop, and pop influences. From street anthems to crossover smashes, the era helped shape Afrobeats into the global force it has since become.
Songs like Tekno’s “Pana” captured continental attention, while Mr Eazi pushed the Ghana bounce movement into the mainstream. Maleek Berry’s “Kontrol” connected homegrown Afrobeats with the UK diaspora sound, and Runtown’s “Mad Over You” ensured the year ended with a record that would dominate well into 2017.
Ten years later, these tracks remain culturally relevant, not just for nostalgia, but for their lasting influence on sound, style, and storytelling. Revisiting them is also a way to honour the artists and producers whose work laid the foundation for Afrobeats’ international success.
Standout Songs from 2016 Turning 10
Tekno – “Pana”
Few songs define 2016 like “Pana.” Built on a simple but infectious melody, Tekno’s pidgin-driven delivery sat perfectly on Krizbeatz’s Ghana bounce-inspired production. The song spread rapidly across Nigeria and beyond, becoming a career-defining hit and a landmark moment for modern Nigerian pop.
Runtown – “Mad Over You”
Released late in the year, this Del B-produced record slowed down Ghana’s Alkayida rhythm to create a smooth, emotional hit that resonated across Africa. It became one of Runtown’s most recognisable songs and a major Afrobeats export.
Kiss Daniel – “Mama”
Before the name change to Kizz Daniel, “Mama” announced Kiss Daniel as a hitmaker to watch. Produced by Young Jonn, the song highlighted his melodic strength and signalled the rise of a future pop heavyweight.
Phyno ft. Olamide – “Fada Fada”
Blending highlife, rap, and street energy, “Fada Fada” became a nationwide anthem. Its appeal cut across churches, clubs, and everyday life, cementing Phyno and Olamide’s chemistry as one of Nigerian music’s most powerful pairings.
DJ Tunez & Wande Coal – “Iskaba”
With its salsa-leaning production, fuji-inspired vocals, and sticky hook, “Iskaba” showcased Afrobeats’ versatility. The song gained traction both locally and internationally, reinforcing Wande Coal’s reputation as a vocal powerhouse.
Dremo – “Ojere”
For rap fans, “Ojere” was unavoidable in 2016. Dremo’s confident delivery and witty lyrics over Adey’s production made it a street favourite and a defining moment in his career.
Olamide – “Who You Epp?”
What started as a freestyle quickly became a cultural moment. The phrase “Who You Epp?” entered everyday language, proving Olamide’s unmatched influence on youth culture and Nigerian slang.
Maleek Berry – “Kontrol”
Pulled from his Last Daze of Summer EP, “Kontrol” blended Afrobeats rhythms with a UK-inspired groove. It became a major crossover record and a blueprint for diaspora-driven Afrobeats success.
Patoranking ft. Sarkodie – “No Kissing Baby”
This standout from Patoranking’s debut album fused dancehall energy with Ghana bounce, creating a hit that dominated radio across multiple African markets.
Falz ft. Olamide & Davido – “Bahd Baddo Baddest”
A high-energy collaboration that lived up to its title, the track brought together three of Nigeria’s biggest stars, with memorable verses and viral moments that kept it in heavy rotation.
Other Afrobeats Songs Turning 10 in 2026
The list also includes influential records such as D’banj’s “Emergency,” P-Square’s “Bank Alert,” Wizkid’s “Daddy Yo,” Burna Boy’s “Pree Me,” Tiwa Savage’s “Standing Ovation,” and hits from Reekado Banks, Adekunle Gold, Phyno, Davido, Timaya, and many more.
A decade on, these songs remain more than just old hits. They represent a creative era that reshaped Nigerian music, expanded Afrobeats’ reach, and set the stage for the global success the genre enjoys today.
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