20 Nigerian Love Songs You Should Be Listening to | Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds!

Since it’s the season of love, I figured I’d put together a selection of some of my favorite love songs outta Naija in the last couple of years. The list is quite long, but I’ve streamlined it down to 20 Nigerian love songs you should be listening to for the rest of the weekend and beyond!

Fellas, if you’re tryna “score big”, play these songs when she comes over. Oh… you gotta have fine wine and some chocolates on the side, you know, to spice things up.

Ladies, if you wanna trap him, right before you ask him “what are we?”, make sure at least 5 of these songs have already played into his head. Then pop the question!

Adekunle Gold x Kizz Daniel – Jore

Individually, these two are romantic powerhouses who have given us some of the biggest Naija love songs in recent years. Together, they deliver a very sweet song titled “Jore“. The video came out at the start of the week, and I expect it to become a fan favorite soon enough.

Fireboy DML – Need You

The YBNL singer’s debut album – Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps – is arguably the best project outta Naija in 2019. “Need You” is one of several fantastic tunes off the LP and, thankfully, it gets a befitting movie-like visual presentation.

Would you put your life on the line for love? Watch below.

Joeboy – All For You

‘She wan break up with her boyfriend ‘cos of me.” After watching Fireboy’s ‘Need You‘, it’s only right to follow it up with this tune by Empawa’s golden discovery, Joeboy. It seems boys like playing rough play these days with other people’s babes. Be careful oh!

That said, if you haven’t bumped Joeboy’s stellar EP “Love & Light“, your partner needs to break up with you for real. He/she deserves better, fam.

Flavour – Ariva

The veteran singer has mastered the art of putting out timeless music. “Ariva” falls firmly in that category.

NJO blogger, Peter describes the Spellz-produced ballad as an “infectious and melodious mid-tempo joint“. He took those words right out of my mouth. You have no idea how many times I’ve played this song. It’s almost unhealthy at this point.

Johnny Drille – Count On You

If you know me well enough, you’d know I’m the biggest Johnny Drille stan! Everyday, I thank God Don Jazzy kept his word and didn’t attempt to alter Johnny’s sound. If Naija love songs had a face, it would be his.

itsMOSA – He Lied

R&B super-talent, itsMOSA re-released the “Colors I Hear” album in 2019, and followed it up with 2 quick-fire videos for “Still” and “He Lied“. The latter gets a feature here based on a coin toss (seriously).

This guy can do everything. Sing, write, produce… you name it.

Boomboxx ft. Teni – I Dey

The lyrics to this song are probably the most relatable in this selection. New act, Boomboxx plays the role of a broke dude who’s trying to holler at a love interest, but she ignores his advances. Teni assumes the role of the love interest, who makes it clear: “I no wan suffer.”

This song and Rudeboy’s “Reason With Me” are definitely in the same WhatsApp Group.

Ric Hassani ft. DBYZ – Do Like Say

A happy picture, this one!

Ric Hassani decided to push his back up singers and guitarist – Preye, Rotimi, Udee Magik and Tedy Keny – to the forefront under the name “DBYZ” (The Boys). I expect them to collectively bless us with plenty more amazing Naija love songs in the coming months/years.

You can’t not like “Do Like Say“, particularly after watching this fun clip. You just can’t.

Sojay – In The Morning

One of the travesties of the past 3 months is how this song crept under the radar. Sojay should be getting way more shine than he currently is. This Port Harcourt boy is a bonafide talent.

Harrysong – Isioma

Several years ago, Sheyman called himself the “King of Melody”. It’s safe to say the title now belongs to Harrysong.

While “Isioma” is not like the other love ballads in this selection, its romantic and groovy feel makes it a perfect song for lovers on Valentine’s Day and beyond.