10 + 1 Nigerian Best Love Songs ever

Over the years musicians have come up with wonderful songs with strong lyrics saying their mind about issues of life but of all these issues the one universal issue that keeps people in tune with them (the musicians) is the ‘LOVE’ issue. Everyone wants to be loved and wants to love and in a world like this, the importance of love songs cannot be over emphasised.

So let’s take a walk through time to see 12 of some of best love songs ever to come out of Nigeria

  1.      You and I – Onyeka Owenu  1982

In the 70’s and 80’s through to the 90’s the likes of Onyeka Owenu, King Sunny Ade and others including the Legendary Fela Kuti and Pastor Chris Okotie ruled the music scene with heart warming and inspiration songs that kept their generation on their feet but of all these songs, one love song that we cannot forget is “You and I” by Onyeka. The popularity of the song grew so much that people rewrote some of the lyrics and use them in churches for praises especially during weddings.

And since then it hasn’t left the hearts and lips of Nigerians even those that wasn’t born in that generation because it is ever green, hence, it’s the first on this list

  2.      Eji Owuro – Shola Allyson 2003

Unlike the rest of the songs on this list, this song actually talks about the true love of God. Written in Yoruba language sometime in early 2000, this about 5mins song speaks very well of the love of God and compares it to that of humans. Although this song was mainly loved by the Yorubas and Yoruba speaking individuals it still is an evergreen, wonderful song, one you should listen to.

  3.      Oruka – Sunny Neji 2007

This song definitely does not require an introduction. Mostly written in Yoruba language, and released in early 2000 this song is basically a wedding song. The writer (Sunny Neji) speaking in the song also says what the husband and wife should be to each other. 

The interesting thing about this song is that it was written with a good knowledge of the bible’s stand on marriage, infact the first stanza quotes Prov. 18:22 I guess that is why some churches use it during wedding services especially in the South Western part of Nigeria.

  4.      African Queen – 2Face Idibia (2baba) 2004

This list will not be complete if this historic song is not mentioned. This famous song transcends generation consequently causing it to be used in a Hollywood movie and also won variety of awards both within and outside the African continent. In the year it was released and about 5years later it still remained the best thing that happened to music in Nigeria and even today this song is still a very influential song so much so that a remix was made recently and also used in a big budget Nigeria movie produced by AY.

2Face or 2Baba as he prefers now, went ahead to write other songs but none could ever beat this song

  5.      Iyawo Mi – Timi Dakolo 2014

This song is one of my favourite on this list and of all time not just because of the creativity of the beat, the trumpet in the background and the nativity of the sounds but also lyrics as well as the fact it was sung without any backup, the folk-like rhythm of the song and that it was written for his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary. I guess he loves his wife very much #i.must.love.oh. The weight of the lyrics is just amazing and heart warming although the chorus is written in Yoruba it definitely breaks all tribal boundaries to bring love to your ears. For the ladies in the house if you listen to this you’ll fall in love with this guy. Timi also wrote other heart touching songs, one of which is also on this list.

  6.      Olufunmi – style plus

Being one of Nigerians foremost music group in Nigeria, Style Plus ruled the music scene in Nigeria with their back-to-back hit tracks from their debut album in the early 2000 and this song was one of the love songs that held Nigeria’s hearts to ransom for over 2 years, with its chorus in Yoruba.

  7.      If love is a crime – 2Face (2Baba) Idibia

After leaving Plantation Boiz (when the plantain in the plantation finish) and African Queen brought him to the limelight 2Baba released, in his 2006 Grass to Grace Album, this love song as the track 10. Willing to go to jail as he said in the song, this song jailed the hearts of lovers all over Africa with its heartfelt lyrics and lovely tune and beat. Months later, in an unrelated event, 2Baba got shot by unknown gunmen, I guess love might not be a crime but it can get you shot..lol. #justKIDDING

  8.      Oloomi – Tosin Martins 2006

When someone suggested this song on this list I, at first, was reluctant to put this song until I got the meaning of the song. This ever green classic with beautiful tune and love struck lyrics is definitely a must have for the love birds in the house. Listen to this all time classic and let the love sweep you off your feet

  9.      No one like you – P-square

From Nigeria’s biggest singing duo P-square, before the wives and the fights, came this wonderful love song recognized as one of their greatest hits in their 2011 Album (hhh). Infact in an article I read where they listed 50 of their greatest track this was the 1^st on the list

  10. Love truly – Iyanya 2009

I know! I know! Cool down. I know that some of the people who very much follow the music trend in Nigeria don’t expect this musician’s name here - given the kinda songs that he is known for. However, it is necessary to state that this was actually Iyanya’s first song after winning MTN Project Fame. It might not be as popular and influential like the rest of his songs and the songs on this list but I recommend that you listen to it and decide if it should be here or not. Although I haven’t confirmed this, Iyanya is believed to have said that this kinda songs don’t really move the Nigerian Music scene hence he stopped writing like this

  11. Medicine – Timi Dakolo 2017

As earlier discussed it seems like this guy loves his wife too much. #i.go.love.my.own.oh. This song was also written to celebrate their 4^th wedding anniversary. The lyrics as usual and as expected from this prolific writer is heart warming and inexplicably beautiful. Produced by the wonderful Cobhams Asuquo the love in this song is just beautiful by every standard not to talk of the fun video that just keeps you entertained. The chorus so catchy and the beat, if you haven’t heard this song then you shouldn’t be a Nigerian...lol

If they are any songs you think should be here then feel free to share this song and the reason you think so. Also don’t forget to like and share this.