Ghana’s Sarkodie, Amaarae Featured in Billboard’s All-Time Afrobeats Rankings [Full List]

Billboard has unveiled its list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, celebrating the genre’s most influential and iconic tracks—and Ghana has proudly secured a place in the spotlight.

The prestigious list, topped by 2Baba’s 2004 classic “African Queen,” reflects the evolution of Afrobeats into a global cultural force. Among the standout mentions are four Ghanaian tracks that have helped shape the sound of the continent and expand its influence worldwide.

The Ghanaian entries include:

“Kiss Your Hand” – R2Bees ft. Wande Coal (No. 13)
“Azonto” – Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany (No. 18)
“Adonai” – Sarkodie ft. Castro (No. 19)
“Sad Girlz Luv Money” – Amaarae & Moliy (No. 29)

Each of these songs represents a different era and style within Ghana’s diverse music landscape, from the dance-driven Azonto wave to the genre-bending sonic experiments of Amaarae.

Billboard Honors Afrobeats’ Most Defining Tracks

The list recognizes songs that have significantly impacted the Afrobeats genre in terms of creativity, cultural resonance, and commercial success. Billboard noted that the ranking commemorates the “game changers of the genre”—those tracks that defined moments, broke boundaries, and spread the sound far beyond the African continent.

It’s important to note that Billboard’s focus is on “Afrobeats” with an ‘s’—the modern fusion of African rhythms with pop, hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B. This is distinct from “Afrobeat” (no ‘s’), a different genre developed in the 1960s by Fela Kuti, which blends highlife, jazz, funk, and politically conscious lyrics.

According to Billboard, selection criteria included stylistic representation, domestic popularity, regional influence, cultural significance, and global reach.

Ghana’s Influence Recognized

The Ghanaian songs featured have each played a key role in exporting Ghana’s vibrant musical culture:

R2Bees’ “Kiss Your Hand”, featuring Nigeria’s Wande Coal, remains a fan-favorite for its smooth fusion of Ghanaian melodies and Nigerian flair, cementing the duo’s legacy as cross-border hitmakers.
Fuse ODG’s “Azonto”, a global anthem of the early 2010s, helped spark an international dance movement and introduced many outside Africa to Ghanaian sounds.
Sarkodie’s “Adonai”, featuring the late Castro, stands as one of the most beloved songs in Ghanaian music history, blending spiritual themes with catchy hooks and a memorable tribute to a fallen star.
Amaarae and Moliy’s “Sad Girlz Luv Money” showcases the genre’s newer wave—bold, experimental, and unapologetically alternative. The song gained massive traction worldwide, especially after a viral remix with Kali Uchis.

Nigerian Artists Dominate the Top 10

While Ghana’s presence is powerful, Nigerian artists dominate the top positions on the list. Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” claims the No. 2 spot, while his global hit “Essence” featuring Tems lands at No. 5. Other entries in the top five include Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (No. 3), Rema’s “Calm Down” (No. 4), and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” (No. 6).

Other notable entries include Davido’s “Fall” (No. 8), Burna Boy’s “Ye” (No. 9), and timeless hits from D’banj, P-Square, 9ice, and Styl-Plus.

Celebrating a Global Sound

With over a decade of global expansion, Afrobeats is now one of the world’s most vibrant and influential genres. Billboard’s list not only honors the pioneers who laid its foundation but also celebrates contemporary artists who continue to push its boundaries.

For Ghana, inclusion on this all-time list affirms the country’s crucial role in shaping modern African music. From highlife-infused beats to futuristic sounds, Ghanaian artists continue to influence the genre’s global identity.