These inventive works won the heart of the fans, epitomize ingenuity and unveil showmanship at its peak. We sang these songs endlessly, downloaded their videos on our phones, and danced to them whenever we hear them being played. As a special end of the year treat, we take a look at the top songs and music videos that ruled the airwaves in 2014.
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Dorobucci- The Mavin crew
How did a word that no one knows its exact meaning suddenly becomes a hit song? The Mavin crew, led by the innovative Don jazzy will be able to do justice to this question. The harmonious Afro pop tune hit 1 million views on YouTube this year and has developed into a life of its own , becoming a movie titled called ‘Dorobucci Love’ .Even Nollywood couldn’t resist the mainstream appeal of this song.
Aye- Directed
by Clarence Peters
Whether you like or hate him, Davido is a young man whose work ethic is inspiring. When he released Aye February this year, naysayers thought its just another conventional song till it started stealing the number one spot on music countdowns. Davido created a sound that became a reference point for other Nigerian artistes. Google in it’s list of most-watched Nigerian Music videos in Nigeria, named Davido‘s Aye Nigeria’s most watched video on YouTube for 2014. In the visuals, Davido plays the role of a peasant which is stimulating, as opposed to his silver-spoon upbringing.
Double Wahala-Oritsefemi
Afro pop act, Oritsefemi has been one of the best revelations of this year- all thanks to the success of his hit single Double Wahala. From the streets to the club, the crossover appeal of this tune cannot be resisted. Inspired by the late Fela Kuti, perhaps what makes the song enticing is the freshness of the sound and the way the lyrics and the instrumentals reach the heart of the listeners.
Toh Bad - Directed by
Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba brings her creativity to bear in the video of Niyola’s love ballad,Toh bad. Though the video was shot outside Nigeria, its quality, story line, camera angles, and cinematography is top notch. Toh Bad tells the story of a couple – an elusive actor boyfriend with a tolerant and ever believing partner, Niyola longing for his attention.
Johnny -Yemi Alade
No one knows if Yemi Alade has finally found her Johnny , but the pop star has garnered loads of positive rave reviews for this melodious sound. Though Yemi Alade lost out at the Headies this year, that doesn’t take out the fact that Johnny ruled the airwaves making her one of the most sought after music divas in 2014. This highlife song produced by Selebobo is undoubtedly Yemi Alade’s biggest song ever. Johnny video recorded over 10 million views on You tube.
Eleda mi - Olamide
Olamide might not have come into the industry with all the clout needed, but the youngster has four albums under his belt that shows his dexterity and versatility. Eleda mi is not a typical Olamide kind of song it’s an highlife track, where the self proclaimed ‘Badoo’ makes use of his catchy sing-along hooks ,indigenous vocals, blending with his charm. It has become a must play in parties ever since.
Shoki -Lil Kesh
2014 is the year the Shoki dance became the rave among youngsters. Budding indigenous rapper, Lil Kesh took advantage of the craze and made a hit song out of it .These days it is not strange to find celebs like Funke Akindele , Kaffy trying out their Shoki dance steps. Though, Davido recently laid claim to making Shoki a massive hit, Lil Kesh deserves to be given the kudos for creating two distinct versions of the song.
Wanted- Directed by
Moe Musa
When the visuals of Wanted was released, it generated a lot of media frenzy not for its cinematography , but more for Tiwa’s erotic dance moves, the sexy body suit she was clad in, and the provocative lyrics of the song. Directed by Moe Musa, the video is part of the most watched music videos on YouTube this year.
Girlie O -Patoranking
featuring Tiwa savage
No doubts, Patoranking deserves to be crowned the surprise of the year, not just for the collaborations he did with other artistes , but for the success of his dancehall song Girlie O. His unique delivery, harmonizing with Tiwa Savage’s seductive vocals and charm makes this song a must have on music play lists.
Taste the money (Testimony) Directed by Jude Okoye
Psquare has over the years gained the reputation for producing good videos. After enjoying massive airplays, Taste the money video was released generating loads of positive reviews. The video of this song would probably make the top ten of any credible music video chart. It was shot in South Africa and directed by Jude Okoye. The visuals captures the talented duo hosting a band of girls for a lavish house party which was brilliantly interpreted.