By It’s another Valentine’s Day today which signifies a season of love. Whilst lovers are reveling in a romantic mood, single individuals are also nursing their hearts in a world of their own.
BlackBox Nigeria brings you the biggest Nigerian love songs of all time in celebration of this year’s Valentine’s Day.
2face Idibia: African Queen
Unarguably one of the greatest love songs ever in Nigeria, and by far, Africa, African Queen was released by legendary musician, Innocent Idibia better known as 2face Idibia (or 2Baba). The hit track was off his much-loved 2004 album, Face 2 Face. In the mind-dropping jam, 2Baba brought his A-game with sonorous vocals and heart-melting lyrics. The song’s visuals featured a cameo appearance by the popstar’s then girlfriend (now wife), model-turned-actress, Annie Macaulay-Idibia.
Wande Coal: Ololufe
Renowned for his amazing vocal prowess, Wande Coal warmed the hearts of music lovers with Olulofe, a track off his debut album Mushin 2 Mohits released in 2008. Thanks to the beautiful voice of the uber-talented singer, the love song soon became a hit and enjoyed massive airplay.
Davido: Ekuro
Omo Baba Olowo announced his presence in the music space with his first body of work titled after his self-given sobriquet. Ekuro was one of the biggest songs from the 2012 album. The Shizzi-produced track saw Davido employ his unique sound and lyrical prowess as he professed his feelings to his lover.
Tosin Martins: Olo Mi
When we talk about much-loved Nigerian love songs, this track by talented singer, Tosin Martins comes to mind. Olo Mi, off the 2006 album Happy Day, talks about true love and marital bliss. Its beautiful lyrics, much of which was delivered in Yoruba, makes a perfect fit for any Nigerian wedding playlist.
Paul Play Dairo: Angel Of My Life
When Nigerian singer and songwriter, Paul Play Dairo released his third studio album in 2006, little did he know that one of the tracks would go on to become a massive hit. Angel Of My Life, a smooth, tender love song, launched the musician into limelight. In 2020, Paul Play Dairo released a remix of the mega hit track featuring singer Runtown.
Styl Plus: Olufunmi
Defunct R&B group, Styl Plus sang their way into the hearts of Nigerians with their evergreen track, Olufunmi released in 2003. The classic record rocked the nation, becoming one of most requested love songs on all the major Nigerian R&B radio stations between 2004 and 2005.
Wizkid: I Love My Baby
Before Nigerian singer Wizkid transitioned into Grammy-winning Big Wiz, he used to be an expressive “lover boy”. Off his debut album Superstar released in 2011, the impressive single found its way into the much-listen-to lists of many music lovers. The young, innocent-looking Wizkid sang about his mystery baby and how much he loved her.
Lagbaja: Never Far Away
Known for his Ankara face-mask and native two-piece, Lagbaja is one of the greatest Nigerian musicians of all time. Armed with his saxophone and not-too-common sound, he serenaded fans with his smash hit, Never Far Away off his 2005 album, Africano… the mother of groove. He joined forces with the talented singer, Ego Ihenacho to warm the hearts of fans with the classic love song.
Onyeka Onwenu x King Sunny Ade: Wait For Me
Two of Nigeria’s greatest musicians, Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade teamed up on this classic love tune. Released in the 80s, the timeless track is a lecture about abstinence and sexual purity.
Shola Allyson: Eji Owuro
When we say classic Nigerian love songs, Eji Ewuro by Nigerian folk and gospel songstress, Shola Allyson no doubt comes to mind. The evergreen track comes off her hit album with the same title, released in 2003. Till date, the song remains a favourite of lovers of great music.
MI: One Naira
Featuring angelic singer, Waje, One Naira is from legendary rapper, Jude Abaga, better known as M.I.’s second somophore album, MI2: The Movie released in 2010. The track saw M.I. showcase his much-hailed pen game and slick wordplay. Waje, of course, contributed her beautiful voice.
Johnny Drille and Simi: Hallelujah
When the uber-talented Johnny Drille features of the biggest female Nigerian singers, Simi, you are certain to get a smash hit. The romantic love song talks about the confusion in the hearts of lovers. The abundantly talented songstress provided sonorous vocals to lit the song.
P-Square: No One Like You
No One Like You was a hit track from our favourite music duo, Peter and Paul Okoyo, popularly known as P-Ssuare. It is off their third studio album, Game Over. This song warmed the heart of many fans, particularly women. The subtle, loverboy-like romantic tune instantly became a hit and enjoyed massive airplay.
D’Banj: Fall In Love
Off his 2008 Entertainer album, Fall In Love remains an unforgettable tune from D’Banj, the self-styled Koko Master. The Don Jazzy-produced track, according to Africa Review, earned the singer national stardom in Nigeria. The music video released on May 4, 2010 features a cameo appearance from Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji with whom D’Banj had a brief love affair.
Runtown: Mad Over You
Borrowing Ghanaian signature sound, Afrobeats act, Runtown draw the attention of Nigerian music lovers with his 2016 smash hit, Mad Over You. The song was considered the Africa’s biggest that year. The chill yet danceable track is known for its romantic lyrics about a special girl from Ghana the singer admired.
