It’s 2026 and it feels like yesterday. Close your eyes and imagine the streets of Lagos, the campus hostels in Ibadan, the weddings in Abuja, and the clubs in Port Harcourt. In 2016, Nigerian music didn’t just fill the airwaves; it carved grooves into our everyday lives. From Bluetooth speakers bouncing off concrete walls to roadside juke boxes blasting for everyone to hear, some songs defined moments, shaped nights, and even dictated moods.
Whether you were commuting, dancing, chilling with friends, or sneaking to a party after school, these songs were inescapable. Some made us smile, some made us dance uncontrollably, and a few even sparked endless debates on who was truly king of the scene.
Fast forward ten years, and it is worth remembering the tracks that made 2016 unforgettable. These songs were more than hits. They were cultural milestones, conversation starters, and the soundtrack to our memories. Let’s rewind and revisit ten Nigerian songs that ruled our airwaves that year.
1. Kiss Daniel: Mama
No 2016 throwback is complete without Kiss Daniel’s “Mama”. This song was everywhere. Google searches, Instagram stories, roadside speakers, and parties played it on repeat. Produced by Young John, the track was a masterclass in feel-good Afropop, pairing smooth vocals with irresistible beats.
Fans couldn’t get enough, and neither could the charts. “Mama” was the track that reminded everyone why Kiss Daniel was more than a rising star. He was a mainstay, and this song cemented his place in Nigerian pop culture. Even casual listeners knew the hook by heart.
2. Tekno: Pana
If 2016 had a heartbeat, it sounded like “Pana”. Tekno’s breakout single, produced by KrizBeatz, became the nation’s soundtrack, the pulse at weddings, the anthem in club corners, and the song on every mixtape. The melody, the beat, and Tekno’s effortless vocals made it feel like everyone had a stake in it.
From Lagos to London, “Pana” wasn’t just played; it was felt. It announced Tekno’s era and marked him as one of Afropop’s definitive voices, blending rhythm with personality in a way few tracks managed that year.
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3. Patoranking ft. Sarkodie: No Kissing Baby
Cross-border synergy at its finest. Patoranking and Sarkodie brought patois, pidgin, and infectious energy together in a way that only they could. Produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, “No Kissing Baby” was playful yet captivating, the kind of track you needed a moment to fully appreciate.
The music video hit YouTube and quickly racked up millions of views, proving that a song could be both fun and a visual spectacle. For weeks, you couldn’t avoid hearing the chorus in taxis, buses, or your friend’s playlist.
4. Phyno ft. Olamide: Fada Fada
Some collaborations feel inevitable, and Phyno and Olamide’s “Fada Fada” was exactly that. Produced by Masterkraft, it became a fast-moving anthem that took over the airwaves almost immediately.
The chemistry between the two artists made the track electric, blending Igbo and Yoruba flows seamlessly. It was the kind of song that made people stop what they were doing to listen, nod, and sing along. “Fada Fada” wasn’t just a hit; it was a statement about friendship, talent, and street credibility converging on one track.
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5. Olamide ft. Wande Coal & Phyno: Who You Epp
By the time “Who You Epp” hit, Nigerians had a new phrase to drop in conversations. YBNL boss, Olamide, teamed with Wande Coal and Phyno to deliver a hit that dominated not just playlists but daily chatter. Produced by Shizzi, the song inspired remixes, freestyle covers, and a wave of social media mimicry.
It wasn’t just a song; it became part of the cultural lexicon. Even people who weren’t fans of rap found themselves humming the hook, proving how deeply it had embedded itself into the year’s soundtrack.
6. Mr Eazi ft. Efya: Skin Tight
“Skin Tight” was the track that redefined cool in 2016. Mr Eazi, with Efya’s haunting vocals, delivered something understated yet unforgettable. Produced by DJ Juls, the song felt like a gentle breeze in contrast to the club bangers.
It was smooth, chilled, and effortlessly stylish, a song that played in lounges, cafes, and quiet corners of Lagos while still holding mass appeal. “Skin Tight” marked a moment where Nigerian music showed it could be sophisticated and street-smart all at once.
7. Reekado Banks: Oluwa Ni
Reekado Banks was relentless in 2016, dropping hit after hit, and “Oluwa Ni” captured his versatility. Produced by Altims, it was uplifting without being preachy, striking a balance between Afropop energy and inspirational storytelling.
It was a song you could play alone for motivation or with friends at a party. By then, Reekado had proven he was more than a “Dorobucci” feature; he was an artist who could stand on his own.
8. Humblesmith ft. Davido: Osinachi (Remix)
Humblesmith’s original “Osinachi” was already popular, but when Davido joined for the remix, the song exploded. Produced by Mixta Dimz, it became a viral phenomenon that seemed to dominate WhatsApp statuses and radio requests.
The remix amplified every element, the storytelling, the hook, and the energy, making it impossible to ignore. Controversy, celebrity verse, and perfect timing created a hit that remains memorable a decade later.
9. Mayorkun: Eleko
Every year needs a breakout track, and for 2016, Mayorkun’s “Eleko” was it. His debut single under Davido’s DMW label hit one million views in less than ten days. Fresh’s production and Mayorkun’s playful delivery made it instantly catchy. It marked the arrival of a new voice in Nigerian music, one that promised more than just a hit, he brought personality, energy, and a sense of fun.
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10. Psquare: Bank Alert
Ending the list with nostalgia, Psquare’s “Bank Alert” came after a year of ups and downs for the Okoye brothers. Produced by Peter Okoye, the track felt like a reunion gift to fans. It wasn’t just a song; it was a reminder of P-Square’s enduring charm and ability to deliver tracks that stick in the mind.
Even later in the year, it grabbed attention and became one of the most searched Nigerian songs, closing 2016 on a high note.
Honourable Mentions
- Kiss Daniel – “Jombo”: Another catchy hit from Kiss Daniel that had fans dancing from Lagos to London.
- Falz – “Soft Work”: Falz’s clever lyrics and smooth beats made this one a fan-favorite anthem.
- Adekunle Gold – “Ready”: A feel-good track from the “Gold Standard” album that kept listeners singing along.
- Lil Kesh – “Ishe”: Street vibes, catchy hooks, and undeniable energy made this song impossible to ignore.
- Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla – “One Dance”: The international hit that gave Wizkid global exposure and had everyone moving.
Each of these songs contributed to a year that was impossible to ignore. They carried the energy, the dance moves, and the memories that make us smile ten years later.
2016 to 2026: A Decade Later
Even a decade later, these songs remind us why 2016 was a truly special year. They were more than chart-toppers; they were the sound of a generation. From street corners to Instagram stories, Nigerian music proved its ability to shape culture, spark conversation, and create memories that last.
Keep the nostalgia alive. Press play on these tracks, and let 2016 live in your ears all over again. For more throwbacks, cultural deep dives, and entertainment stories shaping African excellence, stay with RefinedNG.