We’re heading towards the end of summer — yes, Nigeria doesn’t really do summer the way the Western world does, but let’s be honest: at this point, we all partake in summer culture in some way. The holidays, the beach trips, the rooftop parties, the European vacations, the endless photo dumps, the “summer bodies” and, most importantly, the soundtrack.
So, for 2026, what were the songs that soundtracked our summer so far?
Shakira & Burna Boy — Dai Dai
If there was one African song that felt genuinely everywhere this summer, it was “Dai Dai.” Shakira bringing Burna Boy into her world made the record feel bigger than Afrobeats, bigger than pop and, fittingly, bigger than any one country.
It had the kind of crossover appeal that makes a summer song work: immediately recognisable, easy to sing along to and almost impossible to escape. It also gave Burna Boy another moment where his status as a global African pop star felt less like an achievement and more like the default.
“Dai Dai” sounded like a song made for summer,and it felt like a song made for the world.
Tems & Dave — Raindance
This song didn’t just define the summer; it might have defined the year.That instantly recognisable “shimishimoi shimi yeah” moment has become one of those little pieces of music that will probably take people straight back to 2026 years from now. “Raindance” isn’t the loudest song on this list, and it doesn’t need to be. It sits perfectly in that space between atmospheric, melancholic and yearning.
It is Tems and Dave making music that feels intimate without ever becoming boring — the kind of song that works just as well blasting from a car as it does in your headphones at 2 am.
Rema — TEA
One of Afrobeats’ most consistent and bankable hitmakers returned with an instant hit in “TEA.”
It was almost insane watching the song drop and immediately become so omnipresent. One minute it was a new Rema song; the next, it was everywhere — on social media, in clubs, on playlists and in the background of everyone’s summer.
One thing about Rema is that his hits tend to stick. Even when the sound changes, the songs have a particular quality that makes them immediately identifiable as his. “TEA” was no different.
FOLA & Ayra Starr — treat u right
“treat u right” is the kind of song that feels tailor-made for the way young people actually consume music now.
It lives comfortably between Afropop and R&B, but its biggest strength is how easy it is to fall into. FOLA and Ayra Starr have made a song that feels romantic without being overly sentimental and catchy without trying too hard.
It also feels like another step in Ayra Starr’s increasingly impressive run. She has become particularly good at making music that can exist simultaneously on the radio, in people’s headphones and all over their social feeds.
Ayra Starr — Heaven Baby
“Heaven Baby” is another reminder that Ayra Starr understands how to make a song feel personal without making it small.
Off her recent album, Starrgirl, the song shows that, through all the hits and experimentation, Ayra’s greatest strength remains her voice. There is a softness to it that can make even familiar Afropop ideas feel fresh.
And the fact that the song has barely been out for two weeks and has already become a fan favourite and a trending sound on social media says a lot about where Ayra is right now.
Sometimes you don’t need a song to soundtrack the biggest party of the summer. Sometimes you just need something pretty playing in the background.
Victony — SLICK
“SLICK” is exactly what the name suggests: slick and smooth.
It is Victony at his best — a song that goes down easy and feels effortless. Yes, it became a social media hit and played over everyone’s timelines, but its staying power comes from something beyond virality.
It is simply a really good song.
That slickness means you can hear it over and over without immediately getting tired of it. And in an era where songs can burn out on TikTok almost as quickly as they blow up, that matters.
Young Jonn — Elumelu
There are some songs that require analysis. And then there are songs like “Elumelu.”
Young Jonn has mastered the art of making music that gets people moving almost immediately. The record is infectious, uncomplicated and incredibly Nigerian in the best possible way.
It is the sort of song that doesn’t need an explanation. Put it on at a party and watch what happens.
Ayra Starr — Tornado
Ayra Starr has been on a generational run this year — although, to be honest, she has been on a generational run for most of her career. Her ability to deliver banger after banger has been particularly obvious this year, from her singles to her third album, Starrgirl. “Tornado” is a standout from that run because it does exactly what a great summer song should: it makes you feel like you absolutely need to get on the dance floor.
The title is also pretty self-explanatory. You hear “Tornado” and suddenly you’re trying to whine like one. Pun absolutely intended.
Tems — What You Need
Off her Love Is a Kingdom album, “What You Need” has had a steady climb on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at an impressive No. 29. That would be an impressive feat for anyone, but especially for a Nigerian artist who has remained remarkably committed to her own sound and aesthetic while becoming one of Africa’s biggest global stars.
Tems has never seemed particularly interested in chasing what is currently popular. Instead, she has built a sound that people have had to come to her for.
“What You Need” is another example of that. It doesn’t scream for attention. It pulls you in.
Tyla — CHANEL
While Tyla’s “CHANEL” is technically a 2025 release, it is absolutely a song that has defined 2026. That booming voice that runs through the entire song is unmistakable and feels like a call to action: get up, get your waist moving and try to channel Tyla. The song already has a Grammy under its belt, but it certainly hasn’t died. If anything, its continued presence this summer is another reminder of Tyla’s particular power: she can turn a song into a movement.
And “CHANEL” is still moving.
