R2Bees leads the Ghanaian entries at No. 13 with “Kiss Your Hand
Ghana achieved five spots in Billboard’s inaugural “50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time” ranking published this week, with every entry positioned in the top 30, showcasing the West African country's substantial role in the genre’s worldwide proliferation.
The extensive list, curated by Billboard personnel and contributors based on criteria such as artistic representation, cultural significance, and commercial performance, spans two decades of Afrobeats development.
Ghana’s representation includes R2Bees’ 2009 collaboration “Kiss Your Hand” at No. 13 and Amaarae and MOLIY’s 2020 hit “Sad Girlz Luv Money” at No. 29.
R2Bees leads the Ghanaian entries at No. 13 with “Kiss Your Hand,” featuring Wande Coal. Released in 2009, this collaboration bridged the pop scenes of Ghana and Nigeria, aiding in the creation of the cross-border sound for which Afrobeats is recognized today.
Following closely at No. 18 is Fuse ODG and Itz Tiffany's classic “Azonto,” the anthem that launched Ghana’s dance phenomenon into a global sensation and even reached the UK charts.
Sarkodie’s “Adonai,” featuring Castro, ranks at No. 19, combining poignant delivery with unforgettable verses in Twi. The track remains one of the most pivotal songs in Ghana’s musical heritage, preserving Castro’s legacy.
At No. 26, Mr. Eazi’s breakthrough hit “Skin Tight” with Efya presented a gentler, more romantic interpretation of Afrobeats, produced by Juls. It served as the launching pad for Mr. Eazi's international ascent.
Completing the Ghanaian lineup at No. 29 is Amaarae’s “Sad Girlz Love Money” featuring Moliy. Its genre-blurring sound and viral popularity on TikTok signaled a new wave of Ghanaian creativity in Afrobeats.
Nigeria’s 2Baba topped the compilation with “African Queen,” while global icons like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido also featured prominently in the rankings. Nonetheless, Ghana’s five entries emphasize the country’s vital contribution to Afrobeats, from shaping its early sounds to influencing its future trajectory.
