The Nigerian music scene enjoyed quite a wonderful year. Athough so many Nigerian artistes ruled the airwaves with their individual hits, one can say that the industry witnessed a lot of reconciliation.
Fans were thrilled to hear that music duo, Mr. P and Rudeboy are finally ending their family feud to carry on again as P-Square. Music lovers also witnessed Davido and Burnaboy reconcile, including Plantashun Boys and so many other big time feuds in the industry.
In a year were Afro-fusion amapiano vibes enjoyed a significant amount of airplay and top charts, the entertainment industry witnessed major entrants and massive new acts who are bound to take Nigerian alternative Afrobeats to the next level. Below is our Top 10 Alternative Nigerian Hit Tracks of 2021 and the hot artistes to watch out for in 2022 –
10) Bounce – Ruger
Ruger’s “Bounce” off his recent debut studio EP titled “Pandemic The EP” was received with positive response from fans and music lovers across various Nigerian cities in 2021. The romantic melody is easy to vibe and tells of a sexual yearning.
9) Benzema – Guchi
Guchi has definitely done well for herself over the last few years, topping a budding 2021 with another hit single “Benzema”.
In this love themed track, the ‘Jennifer’ crooner references and compliments her boyfriend in the track, stating at one point that he scores like Real Madrid’s French star, Benzema.
8) Crazy Tings – Tems
The Rnb singer who was featured in WizKids viral song “essence” dropped this catchy hit to much applause from critics and fans alike.
Coming off the success of her first album “For Broken Ears EP”, the “Try Me” crooner was also featured by US rapper, Drake in the song “Fountains” in 2021.
7) Confession – AV
AV’s “Confession” is definitely one of the best alternative hits of the year. AV dropped the hit track after the successful release of “Big Thug Boys”.
The song ignites a romantic empathy, a lyrical confession to a lover.
6) Bloody Samaritan – Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s Afro-fusion alternative track “bloody samaritan” became an instant hit in the country. This is especially thanks to its relatable afrocentric mix layered with the singers energy.
5) Coming – Naira Marley ft Busiswa
The controversial singer once again reigned over the Nigerian music airwaves with this racy sexy track.
The song comes in at number 5 on this list due to its popularity and acceptance. Although banned, the song has continued to garner online streams and big plays at various nightclubs in Lagos and Abuja.
4) High – Adekunle Gold ft Davido
Adekunle Gold is one of the kings of the alternative jams, a position the “ire” crooner has sustained for a while now.
In this eccentric love song, AG-baby as he is fondly called features popstar Davido who helped make the track a big hit. According to Adekunle Gold, the song is his best track stats wise.
3) Sip (Alcohol) – Joeboy
Joeboy has enjoyed steady growth in his music career since he came into the industry.
In this track, the singer talks about his preference for alcohol over engagement with things that rouse him unnecessarily.
2) Soundgasm – Rema
The booty boy lover from Mavin Records once again delivers another “booty” motivated track that has continued to top charts all over the country.
Coming off the huge success of “Bounce” produced by Don Jazzy, the “Bad Commando” crooner dropped another single around his obsession with women. The song gives off sensual euphoria clothed in romantic ecstasy.
1) Monalisa – Lojay & Sarz
Lojay & Sarz take the number one spot in our list with their hit track “Monalisa”.
The fast rising songwriters and music producer Lojay & Sarz took the entertainment scene by surprise with the release of their hit single “Monalisa” off their EP album “LV N ATTN”.

Lojay can be heard saying –
“Girl I’ll be foolish if I don’t let you indulge me, your lips like poison,
I’ll take my chance with you” in reference to Monalisa. The song sustains an upbeat romantic tempo which is made better by Lojay’s lyrical prowess, the beats melody and layered vocals.
What do you think?