2020 to date: These are the most viral songs that will keep the party going all night long.
It doesn’t matter which tribe you’re honoring—Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, or one of the many other communities—one thing’s for sure: No Nigerian wedding is complete without an excellent playlist. With roots in the West African region, Nigerian weddings are known for their vibrant and festive vibes, and very few things can get the party going like an assortment of romantic love songs, party jams, and classic tunes.
But how do you even begin to create the perfect wedding playlist? First and foremost, you’ll want to find a DJ who’s familiar with Nigerian songs. From there, you’ll want to consider your overall wedding style. While traditional weddings might call for classic songs passed down from generation to generation, modern couples might be more eager to incorporate some trending beats into the mix. And what are you looking for in the music? Do you want chill background beats during dinner and drinks or a lively setlist that will have everyone on the dance floor?
To help you perfect your playlist—and have all of your wedding guests raving about the music—JanaTribe is sharing the 20 best Nigerian wedding songs to add to your queue. From sweet ceremony essentials to first dance contenders, these beats will start your wedding day on the right note.
10 popular songs (from 2020 to date) played at almost all Nigerian weddings
In our previous article, JanaTribe shared with you the timeless songs played at wedding ceremonies in Nigeria. We realised that although these tracks are old, they continue to play a significant role in the celebration of love at Nigerian weddings, connecting people across time and culture through the magic of music.
Today, we’re only looking at the recent songs that also gained traction worldwide and subsequently became staple tracks played at marriage events. These songs stand as testaments to the enduring power of music to evoke emotions, create lasting memories, and unite generations.
Let’s delve into the top 10 recent Nigerian wedding songs, exploring one song at a time with a glimpse into its lyrics and the enduring reasons behind its popularity.
1. Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran – Peru
Lyrics you’ll love: “Omoge, no be so. Girl, you wan capture my soul. Omoge, no be so
Make we wan wombolobo. Peru, para. Peru peru, para… I’m loo’. Even Peru don dey para…”
Fireboy DML (real name: Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan) is one of the Nigerian artists taking the country’s music to the globe. His debut studio album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps” released in 2019, was well received by Nigerians and got him accepted by many, thereby growing his fanbase in the music industry.
In 2021, he released a pop song titled “Peru” and months later, he dropped the remix of the song featuring the evergreen British artist Ed Sheeran.
Planning a multicultural wedding? You simply can’t go wrong with “Peru.” The pop song creates a bop that transcends country borders. Equal parts soothing and sensual, “Peru” is a great song to play as your wedding reception transforms into an after-party.
Interestingly, it has become a must-played song at wedding ceremonies. There have been several videos from wedding events that have the tune playing, entertaining the couple and their guests.
2. Rema and Selena Gomez – Come Down
Lyrics per AZLyrics: Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put in my heart for lockdown, for lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, ooh, Fanta, ooh
If I tell you say, “I love you”, you no dey form yanga-oh, oh, yanga-oh
No, tell me no, no, no, no, woah, woah, woah, woah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love
You got me like woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love, hmm
Released in 2023, Nigerian musical icon Rema became a global star following the release of his collaboration with American giant singer Selena Gomez.
This was a remix of his already viral song, but as it stands now, it has overshadowed the original song he released a year prior.
“Come Down” by Rema and Selena Gomez is a captivating collaboration that infuses Afrobeat and international pop elements. The song’s infectious rhythm and romantic lyrics create an enchanting ambiance, making it a standout choice for wedding playlists. As couples sway to the beat, “Come Down” becomes a melodic expression of love that transcends borders and cultures.
3. Chiké – Roju
Lyrics you’ll love: “Give me your heart I no go run away/ Show me your love I no go use you play.”
What makes a wedding so beautiful is watching two different worlds seamlessly blend into one. And, what better way to emphasize that by playing Chiké’s “Roju.” According to the Nigerian singer, this tropical tune is all about celebrating diverse love at a wedding. If you want to start your wedding on a unifying note, consider playing this as guests file into their seats before the ceremony.
4. “Count on Me” by Johnny Drille
Lyric:” I wanna grow old by your side…All my days and all my nights…And I’ll get rocking chairs for two. Let’s start a future me and you…I’ll tell you all I have concealed…I’ll show you all want you to see. My intentions are crystal clear sky blue. If you open my heart you’ll find just you”
Johnny Drille is tagged the “John Legend of Nigeria” for a reason. Born John Ighodaro, his career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of “Awww” by Di’Ja.
The Mavin Records-signed artist is best known for his love songs, and it is hard to attend a wedding without hearing any of his songs.
Johnny Drille’s “Count on Me” is a heartfelt promise of unwavering support and companionship. The song’s soulful melody and sincere lyrics make it a touching addition to any wedding playlist. As couples embark on their journey together, “Count on Me” becomes a beautiful anthem, resonating with the sentiment of being there for each other through thick and thin.
5. “Running to You” by Chiké & Simi
Lyric: “I’m running to you, I cannot deny; I’m running to you, I cannot deny.”
“Running to You” by Chiké and Simi is an enchanting duet that speaks of the magnetic pull of love. The song’s soulful blend of their voices and the expressive lyrics make it a poignant choice for weddings. It captures the sentiment of willingly surrendering to love as two hearts find solace in each other’s embrace.
6. “Believe Me” by Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy
Lyric: “What have you done to me…I no know oh yeah…What have you done to me…I no know…Believe me…Believe me…Believe me…E gats be you…I need you…I need you for my family. Oh baby o…Been in love with you for days…I don dey wait you for so long…Shomo…I’m crazy o…I’m crazy over you…Na wetin man go do to make you know”
Johnny Drille and Don Jazzy’s collaboration in “Believe Me” is a charming love letter set to music. The song’s acoustic simplicity and genuine lyrics make it a delightful addition to wedding playlists. It encapsulates the joy of finding true love and the assurance that comes with knowing you’ve found your soulmate.
7. “Ginger” by WizKid ft. Burna Boy
Lyric: “If you want make I ginger, give me the kokoro; Ma ko je bi jollof, anywhere I go.”
WizKid and Burna Boy’s collaboration in “Ginger” brings a dynamic and energetic vibe to Nigerian weddings. The song’s catchy beats and playful lyrics create a festive atmosphere on the dance floor. As couples and their guests groove to the rhythm, “Ginger” becomes a celebration of life, love, and the joyous moments that weddings bring.
