₦airaland Forum

Some explode with millions of views within days, while others take their time.

On YouTube, not all music videos are created equal. Some explode with millions of views within days, while others take their time.

In today’s digital era, a single click can turn a local anthem into a global obsession. Nigerian artists have mastered this formula, pairing irresistible music with visually striking videos that travel far beyond our borders.

From romantic tales shot like Nollywood blockbusters to colourful party scenes dripping in luxury, these videos perfectly complement the songs.

Here are the 10 most-viewed Nigerian music videos of all time on YouTube.

10. “Reason With Me” — Rudeboy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ7FpYDQLOI?si=IBCmhFoByycwHb0X

• Running time: 4m 20s

• Views: 264M

• Director: Clarence Peters

• Genre: Afrobeats

The video opens with Rudeboy and his girlfriend living in poverty. He is a hustler, and she is a young woman who is tired of their difficult circumstances. The central conflict is that she can’t “reason with him”—she can’t see the vision for their future and chooses to leave him to seek a better life elsewhere. The song follows his rise to fame and fortune, as he becomes a successful man living in a mansion, driving expensive cars, surrounded by luxury.

At its climax, the now-successful Rudeboy is confronted by his ex-girlfriend, who now wants to “reason with him” and get back together. But he’s already with someone else. The video sticks for its genuine storytelling. No wonder it became the most-viewed African music video of 2019.

9. “Ye” — Burna Boy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPe09eE6Xio?si=7Qi4HDjVUUJMdNL1

• Running time: 3m 53s

• Views: 290M

• Director: Clarence Peters

• Genre: Afrobeats

The video for “Ye” is simple. It opens with some ladies and Burna Boy glamorously dressed, holding a wad of cash in a dark room with fluorescent lights. He sings and smokes as he charismatically postures behind murals of Fela Kuti.

Though Burna and his friends in “Ye” are glamorously dressed, this is not a glamorous video, as it’s shot in very few locations. When it came out, many viewers expressed that it didn’t do justice to the song, as it fails to reflect the themes of survival, hardship, and the rat race in Nigeria.

Burna Boy chooses to show his wealth and celebrity lifestyle, and the public rewarded him for it.

8. “Fall” — Davido


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Iyuym-Gci0?si=GGQWyQJ8pxa0N2ca

• Running time: 4m 17s

• Views: 312M

• Director: Daps

• Genre: Afrobeats

The video opens with Davido in the back of a luxurious Rolls-Royce, tension thick between him and his on-screen lover. He storms out of the car, takes a walk on the street and is distracted by a ballerina dancing in a lit-up dance studio. He’s glued to her performance, mesmerised, almost forgetting himself. He stays there until their eyes meet.

The video then transitions into a world where Davido imagines himself and the lady dancing at a party. He stays in that daydream until a gentle tap from his chauffeur jolts him back to his reality.

7. “Joro” — Wizkid


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCUk7rIBBAE?si=O20G3in7jtKDA7z9

• Running time: 4m 23s

• Views: 316M

• Director: Adriaan Louw

• Genre: Afrobeats

This music video shows the irresistible pull of music on a mesmerised model (Georgia Curtis), who starts dancing after a red light lands on her. Wizkid appears in a candle-lit room, moving body to rhythm and performing as an almost hypnotic presence, offering distance and connection.

Most of the video focuses on the model’s sexy and ravishing dance moves. The tension between his lofted charisma and the model’s graceful surrender turns a simple song into a visual narrative of attraction, devotion and synergy.

6. “Last Last” — Burna Boy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=421w1j87fEM?si=HUOpZH4f0hjlMyz6

• Running time: 2m 53s

• Views: 328M

• Director: Burna Boy

• Genre: Afrobeats

This is Burna Boy’s directorial debut, and it unfolds within the intimate setting of his home and close circle of friends. They’re together, pouring drinks (“shayo”), lighting up “igbo” (weed) and celebrating in a no-frills vibe. One even forgets that the song is about heartbreak and using substances as a coping mechanism.

Then flashbacks and milestones enter with intercuts of clips from his live shows, his Madison Square Garden performance, shots of his cars, Grammys, and other trophies.

All these make the video double as a personal highlight reel—a visual proof of where he’s been and how far he’s come.

5. “On The Low” — Burna Boy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecl8Aod0Tl0?si=dvOV7Tf_5kBJZFUF

• Running time: 3m 22s

• Views: 440M

• Director: Meji Alabi

• Genre: Afrobeats

This visually captivating narrative complements the song’s romantic themes while showcasing a blend of Afrocentric aesthetics and contemporary storytelling. This video employs long, sweeping shots to chronicle the progression and intimate moments between Burna Boy and his muse, Angelina.

The choreography features sensual dance sequences and adds a dynamic layer to the video’s storytelling. Its simplicity and focus on intimate moments are highlighted as its strengths, and the on-screen chemistry between Burna Boy and Angelina is praised.

4. “Rush” — Ayra Starr


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crtQSTYWtqE?si=lda6_PjWNOfbSYx3

• Running time: 3m 5s

• Views: 485M

• Director: TG Omori

• Genre: Afrobeats

The video opens with Ayra in a white gown swinging on a flower-adorned dance ring over water. Then, she’s in a room flexing with bundles of dollars. The video transitions to a laundry room scene where she’s surrounded by other ladies.

Then another where she pulls up with her squad, dressed up in black cars, bold Y2K-inspired elements and sleek leather pieces that underscore her confident energy.

3. “Love Nwantiti (Remix)” — CKay feat. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene (2020)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-YDEyuDxWU?si=YIuBpin1PZG6fSEM

• Running time: 3m 13s

• Views: 572M

• Director: Naya Visuals

• Genre: Afrobeats

The video features CKay, Joeboy and Kuami Eugene in various settings, reflecting the song’s themes of love and attraction. One moment, CKay is in a colourful room with a love interest, another, he’s at another location, dancing with a group of women.

Joeboy finds himself in a room that looks like a flower shop, while Kuami Eugene is seated in a room, surrounded by numerous women.

The rich colour palette and neon tones evoke a sense of intimacy and passion. The dance sequences are energetic and in tune, reflecting the song’s upbeat tempo.

2. “Calm Down” — Rema


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQLsdm1ZYAw?si=OLWBmAcuY98wG3iQ

• Running time: 3m 39s

• Views: 658M

• Director: Director K

• Genre: Afrobeats

This video is characterised by bright colours that reflect physical chemistry and attraction. Rema is at a house party with friends, having a good time. Then his eye catches a beautiful lady in a yellow dress.

Her presence leaves Rema hypnotised, yearning for her. From the video’s diverse backdrops to the attention to detail in fashion, an extra layer of visual interest aligns with the song’s modern and youthful energy.

1. “Calm Down (Remix)” — Rema feat. Selema Gomez


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcIcVapfqXw?si=0VK4vsnjChPeLaDN

• Running time: 3m 59s

• Views: 1.2B

• Director:

• Genre: Afrobeats

Rema sits in a warmly lit room, crooning the song confidently. The mood is laid-back, almost hazy, setting a romantic tone.

Selena Gomez’s appearance adds a new layer to the video. She is seen mingling with Rema and delivering her own verses, often with a playful and flirtatious demeanour.

Her presence visually represents the song’s female perspective, making the back-and-forth dynamic between the two artists feel more complete. The video uses a mix of close-up shots and wider angles to capture the intimacy between them. It successfully translates the song’s “feel-good” energy to the screen.

Source: https://www.zikoko.com/pop/most-viewed-nigerian-music-videos-of-all-time-on-youtube/

Congratulations

It use to be Flavour and Psquare topping

So igbo still occupied first , second, third position with igbo blood still well represented in the first 10

You see the Joro heh, if you are in a very good mood and in a decent standard club or bar enjoying yourself, that's when you will feel the Joro by Wizkid much

kettykin:
So igbo still occupied first , second, third position with igbo blood still well represented in the first 10

Oga calm down. Please don't derail this thread, Which one be Igbo here?
Meanwhile Rema is not Igbo to start with

Burna Boy is my favorite of them all.

When calm down was newly making waves, after listening to the song and it's sound, I made I comment here on NL that the song "Calm down" alone would fetch Rema up to $3m dolls, someone brushed it aside with a reply. Don't know how to search it and post a screenshot of the said post and the quote. I knew from time the song will go places.

Does it mean only one Nigerian song has gotten a billion views on YouTube?

If the video is good definitely it will be view many times....

Don't be fool3d.
For a 1000views on YouTube.. is just 2 dollars
100m views e no reach 1k dollars
Don't be fooled

SpatialKing:
Congratulations

It use to be Flavour and Psquare topping

If psquare were still together they should have held 2 or three spots there. Those guys are big dawgs... they messed everything up all for ego.

Funny enough

I dont really view most of these songs

My American friend loves listening to Calm down by REMA

Over 500 million views....... waoooo!

The income alone can settle you for life, if you are not a wayward person.


👍👍👍👍👍

kettykin:
So igbo still occupied first , second, third position with igbo blood still well represented in the first 10

You guys can't just do without this una ethnicity of a thing abi?

Tufiakwa

Too many good songs on the list,. I'm spoiled for choice, can't choose..

Last Last by Burna Boy and Fall by Davido are my favorites. I can watch their 4K high definition music video for hours on repeat without getting bored.

2cribz:
Don't be fool3d.
For a 1000views on YouTube.. is just 2 dollars
100m views e no reach 1k dollars
Don't be fooled

Oya, you too do the maths by yourself. Divide 100m by 1000 and multiply the result by 2.
Give us your result and tell me why Seun should not suspend his bot and allow people knock sense into you.

Mabuggi88:
Oga calm down. Please don't derail this thread, Which one be Igbo here?
Meanwhile Rema is not Igbo to start with

Somebody from Igbo community is definitely an Igbo

Big ups to REMA and the rest. May they continue to project afrobeat to the world

Who noticed something by any list of Nigerian musician that is rated on merit and verifiable evidence......there is always little or absence of Yorubas in it.

Take a look at that list above, the Yorubas did not dominate it because it's verifiable on YouTube.

But if it is a list complied as opinion by Yoruba media and their
Hype men, they will pad it with Yoruba artists that you will think artist from other places are not doing well.

Merit is the only way you see the real achievers in Nigeria, and exposes the pretenders and liars.

banom:
Who noticed something by any list of Nigerian musician that is rated on merit and verifiable evidence......there is always little or absence of Yorubas in it.

Take a look at that list above, the Yorubas did not dominate it because it's verifiable on YouTube.

But if it is a list complied as opinion by Yoruba media and their
Hype men, they will pad it with Yoruba artists that you will think artist from other places are not doing well.

Merit is the only way you see the real achievers in Nigeria, and exposes the pretenders and liars.

Four Yoruba's are on the list,so why are you crying....

banom:
Who noticed something by any list of Nigerian musician that is rated on merit and verifiable evidence......there is always little or absence of Yorubas in it.

Take a look at that list above, the Yorubas did not dominate it because it's verifiable on YouTube.

But if it is a list complied as opinion by Yoruba media and their
Hype men, they will pad it with Yoruba artists that you will think artist from other places are not doing well.

Merit is the only way you see the real achievers in Nigeria, and exposes the pretenders and liars.

List of 10 items, Yoruba took 6 positions, 1 is shared. Calm down bros everything is not tribalism.

promami:
Somebody from Igbo community is definitely an Igbo

Our b-lodas and attarche by force!
Chai, the inferiority complex is too much

You should have not listed any songs involving any featured artiste. Only solos will make sense cos the influence of a featured artiste, especially foreign ones will definitely skew the rankings.

It doesnt even make sense at all and I was disappointed to see that but I already knew u would.

Burna has really done good. But i want u guys to know that views dont really mean quality. Some songs blow based on trends, PR, strategic features, rumours, controversies etc.

Also some of d best nigerian songs Ive listened to, even by these artistes, usually do not hit that high number. Im surprised though that Kizz Daniel's Buga didnt make the cut. That song grew a lot of views last time I checked

2cribz:
Don't be fool3d.
For a 1000views on YouTube.. is just 2 dollars
100m views e no reach 1k dollars
Don't be fooled

See how I take know say you no go maths school. Na you bring the amount, na you still fail d calculation.

200k usd na joke to you?

Another banger.

On the low is my favourite.

Rema represents my state well; his community people are claiming to be Igbo though. Igbo or not, he is Edo boy.

we that watches kizz Daniels no follow for the count///

helinues:
You see the Joro heh, if you are in a very good mood and in a decent standard club or bar enjoying yourself, that's when you will feel the Joro by Wizkid much

Hahahaha
Your music taste no get NAFDAC number


Your music taste is substandard