Chart Check-In is a new feature on Afropop.org. It's a snapshot of one chart, from one place, for one week. We’re starting off this series by looking at YouTube’s top music videos in Lagos, Nigeria, because at this point, there’s nowhere on the globe quite like it: the biggest city in the continent’s most populous country.
Once the home to juju and Afrobeat, now Lagos is the center of the Afrobeats universe, and home to some of Africa’s biggest and best internationally known stars in hip-hop, dancehall and more. It’s also home to Nollywood, the continent’s largest movie industry. Naturally it’s a place we try to visit as often as we can because it’s changing so fast.
According to YouTube’s location-specific charts, these are the most-played music videos in Lagos over the past seven days, representing a full 47 percent of music streamed through YouTube. According to a report published by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry last fall, 52 percent of on-demand music streaming happens over video. Given the uneven distribution of internet access, music streams aren’t always a reliable way to judge popularity. About 55 percent of Nigerians use the internet, which is on the higher end for Africa but well behind continent-leading Kenya--we'll have to see what they're listening to in Nairobi next week.
For now, we go to Lagos!
- Yemi Alade, "Oh My Gosh"
This song, released late last year, has been such a hit that Alade just released a remix featuring American rapper Rick Ross. While maybe that will help the track's appeal in the States, the original is doing just fine in Nigeria, thank you very much.
2. Teni, "Sugar Mummy"
Teni is always a delight, and "Sugar Mummy" features possibly the best dancing out of any song on this little list--uh, except for Teni there in the middle. She should really stretch before attempting these moves. Check out Nigerian actor Eniola Badmus sitting down to what looks like an eba-eating contest.
3. Rudeboy, "Reason With Me"
Rudeboy's little counting hook drives the rhythm over a mellowed-out marimba hit.
4. Kizz Daniel, "Poko"
Kizz Daniel is a star on the rise. At just 25, Daniel has already collaborated with Wizkid and Davido--two of Nigeria's biggest stars internationally--and won the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for hottest single of the year and Afropop artist of the year. Note that, as much as American pop is into vocal modulation, Nigeria is taking it to levels unheard of stateside.
5. Mr. P, "One More Night," with Niniola
You can be forgiven for asking if that's Rudeboy again--it is not: It's Rudeboy's twin brother. Peter and Paul Okoye began their career as P Squared, but a feud last year blew their alliance apart. It's nice to know that Naija pop brings the beef as well as anywhere, even if it's kind of a bummer to see a family feud.
