‘Summer’ is a warm season of recreational time and enjoyment. Agreed that it’s non-existent in Nigeria (the rainy season is what we have), but that hasn’t stopped Nigerians from weaving it into our popular culture like music.
One can call that an effect of Afrobeats’ globalisation and as well tie it to foreign culture adoption like almost everything we import. Over the last decade, Nigerian artists have actively put out songs between June and September to also engage in summer raves. Some of these songs have crossed overseas, ruled airwaves, clubs and streets, and climbed the charts, and they still maintain relevance for newer summers. Here are 14 summer jams that reflect Nigeria in 2024.
Summer Body — Olamide (feat. Davido)
There’s no better summer song to kick off your summer than this one.
Ye — Burna Boy
On behalf of all Nigerians with aspirations to buy cars, and houses, turn up and enjoy existence, Ye is the national anthem you need right now.
Chance (Na Ham) — Seyi Vibez
Since Seyi Vibez released this song, his music output has increased, and so have his feats and popularity. It’s your reminder to remind the gatekeepers that 2024 is the rise of new players.
Essence — Wizkid (feat. Tems)
Don’t waste time. If it’s love you have to chase or money to get, time is of the essence. Especially that money part.
No Days Off — Teni Makanaki
In this economic state that we’ve found ourselves in, sleep is the cousin of death and the younger sibling of poverty. If you like, sleep.
The Money — Davido (featuring Olamide)
“Life is all about the money eh” is a universal truth that hits close to home Nigeria, the poverty capital of the world. Do what you will with this gospel.
Rush — Ayra Starr
When every day’s work, it’s hard to lose sight of things. As money bags and soft living keep falling on you, remember to count your blessings.
Squander — Falz (feat. Niniola)
As you ball this summer, the opposite of this song title is what I advise. Or hasn’t Nigeria taught you to save for rainy days?
UNAVAILABLE — Davido (feat. Musa Keys)
Be honest: If you called yourself in this current depressing state of the nation, would you pick up your call or drop your location?
Skintight — Mr Eazi (feat. Efya)
At every turn on X these days, it’s marriage proposals. It seems romance is up and the last person to marry in 2024 is a fool. Need a wedding vow? Keep Mr Eazi’s Skintight close.
Buga — Kizz Daniel (feat. Tekno)
As you work hard and make more money, make time for leisure too, and feel free to feel pompous.
Lonely At the Top — Asake
This is for everyone: the liquidly rich, perceptibly monied folks and those hungry for better days. Don’t forget that you may get all the cash and still feel incomplete. But chase the money sha, at least you won’t be completely by yourself.
Last Last — Burna Boy
If you like, break your neck and legs in a hundred places to keep anyone, they’ll do whatever they like still. Even the “Emi lo kan” loyalists are not safe from Tinubu’s Nigeria.
Fia — Davido
Fia is Davido’s way of separating from a one-sided love. In a larger context, it’s a national protest song. Citizens love Nigeria but it doesn’t love us back. So, why continue to serve what isn’t serving us? That’s something to pick up here for OBO.
High — Adekunle Gold (feat. Davido)
You might as well get high and forget the bones to pick with the economy, for a bit.
Happiness — Sarz (feat. Asake & Gunna)
Life can be stressful, but you can always find your happiness in whatever you do.
