by Wilfred Okiche

From the Koko master himself to a tiny Angolan phenomenon, cross over acts to talent show alumni, the year’s best songs have inspired as well as entertained us. They have made us jump, dance and sing along even when we knew better.

We present our list of the top ten songs of 2011. In no particular order.

Oliver- D’Banj

We waited patiently for the Koko master to return and when he did, he did not disappoint. Oliver was part new music, part hit single and part marketing strategy. It did not matter though we were all shaking  to the ridiculous nature of it.

Pakurumo- Wizkid

Whether offering fodder for tabloid gossip or dropping one hit single after the other, Wizkid definitely owned 2011. His fuji-inspired ‘Pakurumo’ brought out the unrefined side of us and we found ourselves singing along shamelessly and moving to the throbbing beats.

If you ask me- Omawunmi

Omawumi’s call to arms against child abuse was a fore-runner for the anti-rape movement that gathered momentum later in the year. The smooth jazzy composition, blowing trumpets and vocal power was indeed music for the ears.

Molowononi- Samklef Ft. Ice Prince, Wizkid, D’Prince

For some reason, this song was on every playlist that mattered. From Trace tv to urban radio stations, everyone wanted a piece. Maybe it is the power of Wizzy, maybe it’s Ice Prince, we know it’s not Omoba. We’ll just agree it is the sum of it’s parts. Whatever, enjoy the most irresistible song of 2011

Port Harcourt son- Duncan Mighty

From the southern city of Port Harcourt came the groovy sounds of Duncan Mighty. Highlife music enjoyed major crossover appeal this year and Duncan Mighty was right in the thick of it.

Kuchi Kuchi- Jodie

Simple in it’s elegance and simply irresistible, Jodie’s mega hit is at once an instant classic. We have a feeling it will be on playlists long after this decade is over.

Ashewo remix- Flavour N’abania

This one rocked every party from East  to West, North to South. Though raunchy, we could not quite resist Mr Flavour up on the dance floor.

The Future- TY Bello

T’was an election year and TY’s ‘The future’ was arguably the soundtrack for the period. That which we can achieve but have yet to. A quiet reminder that the land of our dreams is still within reach.

Jankoliko- Chydnma

And they said no good could come out of these reality talent hunt shows. Chydnma shows no signs of quitting and we have proved we’ll always be there. As long as the music is good.

Windeck- Cabo Snoop

Yes! Yes! We know Cabo is not Nigerian but apart from that little detail, convince us why ‘Windeck’ shouldn’t be on this list?