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25 greatest choruses in Nigerian Hip Hop (1999 – 2024)

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The chorus is the nucleus of a song. It’s the crowning jewel that elevates it from a mere melody to an unforgettable anthem.

A fantastic hook can transform a song from good to amazing and rescue an otherwise poor song from disaster.

In hip-hop, the chorus is the anchor that grounds the song. While lyrical prowess and swaggering delivery may stun us, it’s the hook that often makes us come back for more.

In a rap song, a good chorus provides melodic respite from the lyrical onslaught.

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A great hook is a major factor in propelling a rap song to mainstream success as it draws us in, quietly lodging itself in our collective consciousness and resurfacing at unexpected moments.

In the 25-year history of modern Nigerian mainstream music, we have seen unforgettable hip-hop records that defined eras and showcased the compelling artistry of several rappers.

When we look back at some of the iconic rap songs since 1999, the choruses are our first recollection. We recall the sing-along lyrics, the smoothly crafted melodies, and how they perfectly punctuated the verses.

In marking 25 years of modern Nigerian mainstream music, we have shortlisted the 25 greatest hooks in Nigerian hip hop.

These hooks are special for their sheer quality and impact in elevating the songs to commercial success. The rankings are a testament to the importance of these choruses in the song and their larger impact on the mainstream.


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25 Greatest Hooks in Nigerian Hip Hop (1999 – 2024)

25. Shuku Shuku Bambam – Phenom feat Miss Iye

If there’s one song that makes this list simply based on the sheer quality of the hook, it’s Phenom’s ‘Shuku Shuku Bam Bam,’ on which Miss Iye delivered one of the most memorable hooks in Nigerian hip hop.

Her vocal prowess and stunning melodies combined Fuji music lyricism and style to deliver a commanding chorus that elevated the track and made it Phenom’s biggest mainstream hit.

24. Thank God – Da Grin feat Omawunmi

In a display of his mainstream ambitions, Da Grin enlisted one of the biggest female artists of the time, Omawumi, to craft the hook of his single ‘Thank God.’

Omawumi’s hook was the perfect counterpoint to Dagrin’s indigenous hardcore verses, providing an easy sing-along about gratitude that was tailor-made for Nigerian radio.

It’s no wonder it’s become one of Dagrin’s most enduring hits and played a notable role in inspiring more collaborations between rappers and vocalists.

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by Oma Emina

23. King Kong – Vector

Nigerian hip hop has always paid attention to the foreign scene, which they brilliantly domesticated with cultural context.

Vector achieves this with ‘King Kong’ where he infuses Trap music with Nigerian drums to create a chest-thumping record whose hook had listeners singing along.

22. One Naira – MI Abaga feat Waje

Waje‘s heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies made ‘One Naira’ a smash hit record that captures the remarkable role of a captivating hook in a rap song.

The song played a notable role in MI’s mainstream success as Waje’s soulful hook won him the hearts of many female listeners.

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It’s not often you hear a hip-hop song playing during a couple’s first dance, but with Waje’s heartfelt lyrics and tender vocals, who wouldn’t?

by Oma Emina

21. Ghost Mode – Phyno feat Olamide

In 2012, Nigerians witnessed the start of what will be come one of the greatest friendships and partnerships in the nation’s music history.

Phyno‘s swaggering hook was a textbook example of a rapper’s chorus as he substituted melodies for an energetic burst of repeated chest-thumping lines.

The result was a mainstream success that kicked off the run of one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers.

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20. Make Them Talk – 2Shotz & 9ice

Making hit songs depends a lot on the utility of the chorus, and on this record, 9ice shows up in all the glory of his brilliant fusion of hip-hop and Fuji music.

The brilliant hook uses melodies to indict the government of the day on the sociopolitical injustice and wide spread corruption plaquing the country.

Every time you think about this song, you’re most likely to first remember 9ice opening his stellar hook with “Make Them Talk.”

19. Soldier – Falz feat Simi

18. Safe – MI Abaga feat Djinee

17. Local Rappers – Reminisce feat Olamide & Phyno

16. First of All – Olamide


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Entertainment

Celebrating 10 years of Olamide & Phyno '2 Kings' [Afrobeats Throwback]

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On April 1, 2025, Olamide and Phyno cemented their era-defining friendship with the joint album 2 Kings,’ which celebrates their status as hip hop royalties flying the flags of the Nigerian East and West coasts.

On this week’s Afrobeats Throwback, we revisit the landmark album.

The album inspired by years of brotherhood and dominance showcased the chemistry and talent of both stars who combined hard-hitting hip-hop cuts with the Afropop-infused records that propelled them to superstardom.

Through hard hitting hip hop cuts, Olamide and Phyno displayed their rap credential by emphasing that indigenous rappers can flow just as good as the English-speaking rappers favoured by purists.

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The opening track ‘Cypher’ had both stars taking turns thumping their chests as they announced the takeover of two Kings who have combined resources to wage war, dominate, and conquer.

Their synergy shines on the boom pap baseline of ‘Koba Koba’ where Olamide’s vocal manipulation and delivery mirrors that of American hip hop artist Lil Wayne.

The two Kings pray for divine guidance while restating their supremacy and ambition on production that reflects the American hip hop scene of that era.

‘Nobody’s Fault’ was more of a Kanye West-type production as Olamide and Phyno celebrate their success and dominance while telling off detractors, purists, and their peers with the swaggering confidence of rappers who have listeners eating from their palms.

Predictably, ‘Ladi,’ the biggest hit from the album, is an Afropop-infused record whose vulgarity leaves little to the imaginable.


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The drums, perfectly placed shakers, catchy flows, and a chorus from the red-hot Lil Kesh combined to deliver a smash hit.

The album’s second hit ‘Confam ni’ comes courtesy of a collaboration with Wizkid, which showcases Olamide and Phyno‘s status as superstars operating at a level where they can call on their pop counterparts.

The 2 Kings showed their range through an exploration of the Galala/Konto sound on ‘Une’ where Phyno showcases the range that puts him in a class of his own.

They switch to Reggae on ‘Real Nigga’ where they hold up their street credibility as men of means who know how to give ladies a good time.

‘2 Kings’ documents Olamide and Phyno’s status as superstars, elevating the commerciality of Nigerian hip hop.

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The album also brought together talented producers Pheelz and Young Jonn from Olamide’s YBNL and Major Bankz, who’s the man behind some of Phyno’s biggest hits.

Olamide’s signee Lil Kesh flaunts his hitmaking credentials ‘Ladi’ while the delectably talented singer Stormrex showcased her captivating fusion of Igbo music and Afropop on ‘Carry Me Go’.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Phyno & Olamide Collaborations of All Time

Ultimately, ‘2 Kings,’ is more than a declaration of status and dominance. For Olamide and Phyno, it’s for the kids in the inner cities to whom little is given.

Their success is for them to believe that even ghetto kids can someday become kings.

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Kanye West seemingly confirms reports that estranged wife Bianca Censori left him

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Controversial American rapper Kanye West has seemingly confirmed the social media speculation that his wife, Bianca Censori, left him in his new song called “Bianca.”

Popular American podcaster DJ Akademiks recently played a snippet of West’s song during a recent livestream, saying that the song was based on a true story. Akademiks also claimed that the rapper is dropping a new album, called ‘WW3,’ this week.

In the chorus, Ye sings, “Bianca, I just want you to come back. Come back to me. I know what I did to make you mad. Bianca, I just want you to come back. Come back to me. Want you to come back to me. Want you to come back.”

In the opening verse, Ye raps, “My baby, she ran away, but first she tried to get me committed. Not going to the hospital ‘cause I am not sick, I just do not get it. She want me to say when I finish. I’m making her squirt when I’m in it. She’s having a panic attack and she is not liking the way that I tweeted. Until Bianca’s back, I stay up all night, I’m not going to sleep.”

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Social media users have since had reason to believe that the song confirms that Bianca walked away from West.

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Genevieve Nnaji claps back at trolls on X

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Nollywood veteran Genevieve Nnaji made a rare appearance on social media, sharing a photo on X (formerly Twitter) that immediately sparked reactions from fans and critics alike. 

The celebrated actress, known for her private lifestyle and minimal online presence, found herself at the center of mixed responses. 

While some users expressed delight at her post, others took the opportunity to throw unsolicited comments her way.

In a manner that can only be described as elegant and composed, Nnaji responded to a few trolls with poise, delivering subtle but sharp clapbacks that left social media buzzing.

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The social media exchange

It all began when user @Nonsohenry jokingly questioned the actress’s rare social media activity, saying, “This one you remembered us today, are we safe?” To which Nnaji responded simply, “Haba .”

However, the conversation took a different turn when user @EmiTerfa made an age-related remark: “You really cannot cheat nature. My fine wine is finally growing old.”

Nnaji’s response was both philosophical and cheeky: “It gets worse, bro. I’ll get so old I’ll die. if I’m lucky.” 

Another user, @Callendrone, took the age discussion further, writing, “Mummy, u don old o.” Nnaji countered with a cool, unexpected, but sarcastic response, saying, “Daddy, I don’t wish it on you.”

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Social media is no stranger to unsolicited opinions, and public figures often bear the brunt of it. However, Genevieve Nnaji’s responses were a masterclass in handling online criticism; neither aggressive nor defensive, but subtly humorous and undeniably classy.

Not all interactions were negative, though. But, her approach not only shut down unnecessary negativity but also reminded many of why she remains one of Nollywood’s most revered figures. 


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With her blend of wit and grace, Nnaji once again proved that true class doesn’t need to be loud; it speaks for itself.

READ ALSO: Your first film won’t be perfect—and that’s okay!

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