The 90s and 2000s were amazing times in Nigerian music, and the nostalgic songs from these times influenced what the industry looks like today and birthed the inspiration for new generation artists.

1. African Queen 

The song by 2Face Idibia is a Nigerian classic that came out in 2004. The song had a huge impact on Nigerian romantic songs that came after its release, and it is arguably one of the most influential throwback popular Nigerian songs.

2. Ijoya 

The song by Weird MC was released in 2016, and it was played everywhere, at parties, clubs and every event that required dancing, almost two decades after its release and it is still a staple in Nigerian media.

3. Fall In Love 

D’banj song, “fall in love” is one of the greatest romantic songs to come out of Nigeria. It was a song that was used for proposals, wedding first dances, and everything romantic. It even made its way to international waters.

4. Booty Call 

This two decades old song is still applauded now by this generation as the best posse pop cuts and also one of the best collabs between hit makers in the Nigerian industry. The song features D’banj, Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Kay, D’Prince and Dr Sid.

5. You Bad

This song put Wande Coal on the map as one of the greatest pop artists of his generations, and even now, it has gone viral on TikTok in recent times, more than a decade after its release.

6. Olufunmi

The 2003 hit song by Styl Plus made such a great impact on Nigerian music that it has been reimagined and used as inspiration even in 2025 by artists like Ladipoe and Odumodu. Even two decades after its release, it has remained in the hearts of Nigerians. 

7. Yahooze

Olu Maintain impacted club culture with this song, so much so that even in Yoruba nollywood movies, this song was a top 5 contender for songs played in club or party scenes. The song touches on the intersection of cyber crime and the Nigerian music industry.

8. Yori Yori 

This is another nostalgic romantic song that impacted the way love songs were written in the early 2000s. The 2005 song by Bracket came in and shook the industry, it also made a name for itself as one of the most romantic classic Nigerian songs.

9. Gongo Aso

It is impossible to make a top 10 Nigerian nostalgic songs and not mention Gongo Aso by 9ice. Not only was this song a hit in Nigeria, it was a hit outside of it and it made 9ice a household name.

10. Zombie

It would not be a top 10 nostalgic songs list without a song by who is viewed as the godfather of Nigerian music, Fela Kuti. Zombie by Fela Kuti has been a hit for decades and has been played internationally and even at festivals, where Fela is mentioned. 

It is a staple classic Nigerian song that will not lose relevance anytime soon.