Apple Music Best Songs List Spotlights Nigerian Acts

Apple Music Best Songs List Spotlights Nigerian Acts

Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Tems, Asake, BNXN and Victony have earned places on Apple Music’s Best Songs of 2026 selection, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate the country’s presence in international music.

Released on November 6, the selection includes 100 songs. NotJustOk reports that five songs featuring Nigerian acts made the list, with Wizkid appearing twice. The choices include solo releases and collaborations with performers from different musical backgrounds.

The Nigerian songs selected

Wizkid features on ‘PONGO’, alongside Jamaican producer Rvssian and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro. He also appears on ‘Jogodo’, his collaboration with Asake.

Tems is represented by her solo song ‘What You Need’. BNXN makes the selection through ‘Back Outside’, a collaboration with Nigerian producer Sarz, while Victony appears with ‘SLICK’.

Wizkid’s two entries give him the most appearances among the Nigerian acts identified by NotJustOk.

Why the list matters to fans

Year-end selections give fans an opportunity to revisit songs that shaped their listening year and compare their favourites with music editors’ choices. They can also introduce listeners to tracks or collaborations they may have missed, bringing renewed attention to artists and their music.

For Nigerian fans, seeing familiar names in an international selection offers recognition and a chance to discuss how local music is reaching audiences beyond the country. Collaborations involving Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro also connect Nigerian performers with other music markets.

However, Apple Music’s Best Songs selection is not a streaming chart. Inclusion does not mean a song was among the platform’s most-played tracks or establish a sales or streaming position. It is an editorial choice, reflecting the platform’s assessment of songs that helped shape the year.

It also introduces these records to a wider audience.

With five songs featuring Nigerian acts, the selection gives fans records to revisit while highlighting the different ways Nigerian artists are contributing to the global music scene.