Afrobeats just had its biggest year, according to Rolling Stone magazine, which has named the top 40 Afro-pop songs of 2022.
In the list, Tanzanian Marioo and Kenyan Jovial are featured in Rolling Stone’s inaugural list of Afropop’s top songs.
Also on the list is Wakadinali described in glowing terms.
Often referred to as the cardinals of rap music in Kenya, Wakadinali — a trio consisting of Scar, Mad Munga, and Sewer Sydda — immediately inspired comparisons between Mad Munga and the Wu-Tang Clan’s late Ol’ Dirty Bastard when they dropped this single.
The loose cannon, off-kilter raps of Mad Munga (also known as Domani and Munga Mkadinali) punctuate the song.
His charisma shines through in his animated cadence and playfully gross lyrics. “Mc Mca” calls out haters at large while giving a specific middle finger to anyone who questions Wakadinali’s position in music. —T.W.
A third Kenyan to be mentioned is 17Buruklyn Boyz, ‘Pree’ at number 17 on the list.
"As drill continues to reverberate around the world, Buruklyn Boyz are finding new ways to ensure that the genre remains as relevant as ever. The Kenyan duo had already seen a rapid rise to success, and this year they’ve continued to inspire the younger and newer generation of artists in the country. On “Pree,” their rags-to-riches story expands as they brag about their popularity on the streets. Ajay’s cheeky, punchy rhyme scheme and Mr. Right’s laid-back cadence spice up the song as they spit. —T.W."
Featuring at number 39, the Rolling Stone said these tracks broke barriers and crossed borders
Tanzanian artist Marioo dropped this gem back in February, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The song, which also features Kenyan songbird Jovial, is an ode to all lovers, as the two artists confess their undying affection to their muse. —T.W.
The list comprises songs from different genres including Afrobeats, Amapiano, R&B, Rap, and Drill that broke barriers and crossed borders.
Undoubtedly the biggest Afropop song of 2022, Burna Boy’s Last Last sits comfortably at number one with many songs taking various spots.
Here is a breakdown of the top 40 songs.
40.Lojay, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small, ‘Canada’
39.Jovial x Marioo, ‘Mi Amor’
38.9umba, TOSS, and Mdoovar feat. Sir Trill, Sino Msolo, Lady Du, Young Stunna, and Slade, ‘uMlando’
37.Nomfundo Moh, ‘Soft Life’
36.Davido, ‘Stand Strong’
35.Cruel Santino, ‘Final Champion’
34.AKA feat. Nasty C, ‘Lemons (Lemonade)’
33.Somadina, ‘Citrus Tears’
32.Adekunle Gold, ‘5 Star’
31.NATIVE Sound System feat. MOJO AF, PsychoYP, Fresh L, Zamir), ‘Pim Pam’
30.Venom and Shishiliza feat. Yumbs, Raspy, Blxckie, Riky Rick, and Tshego, ‘Sondela’
29.Amaarae, ‘A Body, A Coffin’
28.Omah Lay, ‘Woman’
27.Crayon, ‘Ijo (Laba Laba)’
26.Ruger, ‘Girlfriend’
25.Wakadinali, ‘Mc Mca’
24.Rema, ‘Calm Down’
23.Wizkid feat. Ayra Starr, ‘2 Sugar’
22.K.O feat. Young Stunna and Blxckie, ‘SETE’
21.Blaqbonez, ‘Back in Uni’
20.Fireboy DML and Asake, ‘Bandana’
19.CKay feat. Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza, ‘WATAWI ’
18.Camidoh feat. Mayorkun, King Promise, and Darkoo, ‘Sugarcane (Remix)’
17.Buruklyn Boyz, ‘Pree’
16.Young Jonn, ‘Xtra Cool’
15.Victony and Tempoe, ‘Soweto’
14.Aṣa, ‘Show Me Off’
13.Kizz Daniel and Tekno, ‘Buga (Lo Lo Lo)’
12.Asake, ‘Joha’
11.Unco JingJong, ‘Dancehalling’
10.Kabza De Small feat. Msaki, ‘Khusela’
9.Mavins (Crayon, Ayra Starr, LADIPOE, Magixx, and Boy Spyce), ‘Overloading (OVERDOSE)’
8.Uncle Waffles feat. Tony Duardo, Sino Msolo, and BoiBizza, ‘Tanzania’
7.Black Sherif, ‘Kwaku the Traveller’
6.Daliwonga feat. Mellow and Sleazy, and M.J, ‘Abo Mvelo’
5.Pheelz feat. BNXN fka Buju, ‘Finesse’
4.Ayra Starr, ‘Rush’
3.Asake feat. Burna Boy, ‘Sungba (Remix)’
2.Oxlade, ‘KU LO SA’
1.Burna Boy, ‘Last Last’
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