The 100M Gang: Nigerian Music Videos that have Crossed 100M Views on YouTube

The Nigerian music industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in global recognition, with several artists achieving significant milestones on YouTube. Surpassing 100 million views is a testament to an artist’s widespread appeal and the universal resonance of their music.

Let’s explore some Nigerian artists who have achieved and exceeded this impressive feat:

Rema – “Calm Down” currently 1.1B views

Released in February 2022 as part of his debut album, “Rave & Roses, Rema’s “Calm Down” has enjoyed unprecedented success. The original music video quickly garnered attention, and its remix featuring Selena Gomez propelled it to even greater heights. By November 2023, the Selena Gomez-assisted version reached 700 million views on YouTube. Currently, the video remains one of the most viewed afrobeat videos, with over a billion views. The song topped charts in multiple countries, including North Africa, India, and the Middle East, earning Rema a Guinness World Record.

Ayra Starr – “Rush” currently 444M views

Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” released in 2022, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. As of  January 2024, the music video surpassed 300 million views on YouTube, making her the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this feat at the time. The song received international acclaim, charting in countries such as Canada, France, and the UK. Its success underscores Ayra Starr’s rising prominence in the global music scene.

Yemi Alade – “Johnny” currently 171M views

Yemi Alade’s “Johnny,” released in 2014, remains one of her most iconic tracks. As at January 2019, the music video had crossed the 100 million views mark on YouTube, making her the first female African artist to achieve this milestone. The song’s infectious rhythm and engaging storyline contributed to its widespread popularity.

Burna Boy – “On the Low” currently 423M views

Released in November 2018, On the Low quickly became a fan favourite with its seductive melody, laid-back vibe, and Burna Boy’s smooth vocals. The song solidified Burna’s crossover appeal and helped pave the way for his dominance in the global Afrobeats scene.

By March 2021, the music video had crossed 200 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed Nigerian music videos of all time. Today, it boasts over 400 million views, positioning Burna Boy as one of Africa’s most streamed artists globally.

Davido – “Fall” currently 302M views

Davido’s “Fall,” released in 2017, has enjoyed enduring popularity. By December 2018, the music video had surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched Nigerian music videos at the time. The song’s blend of Afrobeat and international influences resonated with audiences worldwide.

Wizkid – “Essence” currently 215M views

“Essence,” featuring Tems, is one of Wizkid’s standout tracks from his 2020 album “Made in Lagos.” The song gained international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. By 2021, the music video had amassed over 100 million views on YouTube, highlighting its global appeal.

Tekno – “Pana” currently 225M views

Tekno’s “Pana,” released in 2016, became an instant hit with its catchy melody and distinctive rhythm. The music video has garnered over 100 million views on YouTube, reflecting its widespread popularity and Tekno’s influence in the Afrobeat genre.

These milestones not only highlight the artists’ talents but also signify the growing global appetite for Nigerian music. As Afrobeats continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Nigerian artists are at the forefront, breaking barriers and setting new records.