These music videos have set a standard for future acts and highlight the impact of collaborative efforts between artistes and music video directors.
By Hope Ibiale
This year, Nigerian music videos have showcased exceptional cinematography, vibrant choreography, and outstanding storytelling. From colourful, high-energy visuals to introspective, thought-provoking scenes, these videos are rich in creativity and resonate with meaning.
These music videos have set a standard for future acts and highlight the impact of collaborative efforts between artistes and music video directors.
Among this year’s top videos is Qing Madi’s sci-fi visual for “Sins For U”. Simi and Falz’s “Borrow Me Your Baby” blends music with comedy, while Meji Alabi delivers an action-packed music video for BNXN and Rema’s “Fi Kan We Kan”.
These videos not only complement the theme of the song but also contribute to the global perception of Nigerian music. Afrocritik presents the best Nigerian music videos released so far in 2024.
Joeboy & Qing Madi – “Adenuga”
Joeboy teamed up with the rising star, Qing Madi, on the Afro-Pop record “Adenuga”. In the record’s music video, both artistes are on the run after robbing several banks.
While Joeboy becomes a criminal because of his girlfriend’s incessant monetary demands, Qing Madi just wants the good life, and together they become a formidable criminal duo. Foremost music video director, Director Pink, delivers a music video that boasts of excellence.
Fireboy DML ft. Lagbaja – “Back n Forth”
The music video of Fireboy DML’s “Back n Forth” is a colourful and exciting piece of art. With a verse from veteran artiste, Lagbaja, the record is one of the standout records from Fireboy’s Adedamola.
For the music video, the “Jealous” crooner tapped music video director, Clarence Peters, for a video that features a beautiful combination of clear visuals, creative costumes, and energetic dance steps.
Ayra Starr ft. Asake – “Goodbye”
This year, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Ayra Starr, released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, which reiterated her position as one of Africa’s top superstars.
For the visuals of one of the standout records, “Goodbye (Warm Up)” featuring Asake, Starr is the ultimate video vixen who cuts off her ex-lover. Like most of the music videos from the artiste’s discography, the choreography is top-notch and the costumes are admirable.
Simi ft. Falz – “Borrow Me Your Baby”
To date, artistes such as Simi and Falz are lauded as one of the duos in Nigerian music history with undeniable musical chemistry. With records like “Soldier”, “Chemistry”, “Foreign Baby”, and many others, they have released timeless records. For their latest offering, they teamed up on the tantalising record, “Borrow Me Your Baby”.
The Perliks-directed music video is a comical portrayal of the song’s theme which sees Simi reject Falz’s advances in a hair salon. One part of the video that sticks is where Adekunle Gold makes a cameo appearance and Falz tries to convince him to open up his relationship with Simi.
Asake ft. Wizkid – “MMS”
Monochrome music videos aren’t extinct and Asake proves this with the official video of “MMS”.
The most prominent part of the project is how the vixens are frozen in different activities: playing baseball, partying, boxing, having close-knit conversations with friends while Asake and Wizkid move through them, singing about the vanities of life. The Director K-directed music video matches the song’s lyrics with apt symbolism.
Qing Madi – “Sins For U”
For her latest music video, “Sins For U”, Qing Madi, opts for a sci-fi-inspired music video. The song’s lyrics and video direction slightly mirror the synopsis of the film adaptation of Uglies, where everyone has to go through surgery to become pretty and an acceptable member of society.
Unlike the film’s main character who undergoes surgery and gets cut off from her lover, Qing Madi mourns her relationship that has been affected by her fame as an artiste. The sci-fi direction, costumes, and blend of supernatural elements make the video one of the best released this year.
Adekunle Gold – “Rodo”
In the music video of Adekunle Gold’s “Rodo”, he takes on the role of an African prince searching for a bride.
In his quest he enlists Nollywood actress, Shaffy Bello, as his adviser who works with him to create the perfect princess. The video features a group of dancers who move in sync with the song’s beat.
Victony & Asake – “Stubborn”
The music video for Victony’s “Stubborn” expertly champions the braggadocious theme woven throughout the record. From the opening scene, where a young Victony is scolded by his mother, to the symbolic use of goats, every element reinforces the “Stubborn” narrative.
Additionally, the bat signal introducing Asake’s verse and the scene where Victony faces off with his younger self in the mirror are brilliantly executed. Overall, the video is a delight to watch.
Kizz Daniel – “Showa”
One constant outstanding feature of music videos directed by TG Omori is his expert use of vibrant colors, which makes the videos more memorable.
In Kizz Daniel’s “Showa” music video, Omori once again demonstrates his ability to make videos that blend multiple colours and excellent cinematography.
Fireboy DML – “Everyday”
“My girl is sad today. She thinks I’m the most boring boyfriend ever”, are the first words that appear once the music video for Fireboy’s “Everyday” comes on, but at the end of the video, his girlfriend’s disposition and that of the viewers about his inability to be fun changes.
Directed by TG Omori, the video defies the typical Nigerian wedding scene where an artist serenades a couple; instead, Fireboy and his girlfriend, played by fellow artiste and music producer, Bloody Civilian, crash several weddings for fun. Just like the enjoyable and easy-to-learn lyrics, the music video is highly entertaining.
Dai Verse – “Salt”
For the music video for his hit single “Salt”, Dai Verse delivered a simple music video that featured several video vixens.
Throughout the video, he expresses his desire to make it big in the music scene while staying focused and resilient.
Omah Lay – “Moving”
For the music video of “Moving”, Omah Lay recruited UAX for an adventurous portrayal of his record. Shot in a desert, the video depicts Omah Lay as a restless nomad.
Like most of his records where he sings about his restlessness and overburdened mind, “Moving” sees him constantly use motion as a shield against life’s challenges.
Fave – “Controlla”
Earning a spot among the best music videos of 2024 so far is Fave’s “Controlla”. Directed by Yoza Siboto, the entertaining video is a fun-filled production where Fave enlists her friends’ fashion prowess for a date with her love interest.
With its clear visuals, cheerful video vixens, stylish outfits, and an overall theme that could easily belong in a young adult rom-com, the video is a standout.
BNXN ft. Rema – “Fi Kan We Kan”
BNXN’s latest record, “Fi Kan We Kan,” is the ultimate party starter, with lyrics that see both acts boast of their prominence. The Meji Alabi-directed music video doesn’t fall short in highlighting their villainous personas, as they’re portrayed as mob bosses terrorising their rivals.
Complete with fight scenes and car chases, the video plays out like part of an action film. In true cinematic style, Rema’s verse is introduced with his signature bat insignia, a standout moment in the video. Together, the video complements their individual deliveries.
Pheelz – “Majo”
This year, music producer and artiste, Pheelz, rounded off his Pheelz Good series with a 5-track EP. For the visuals of one of the standout tracks, “Majo”, he teamed up with Ademola Falomo to deliver an entertaining music video.
Shot in a small community, the video features Pheelz moving among elegant dancers who gracefully sway to the beat of the record
Ayo Maff & Fireboy DML – “Dealer”
Many might assume that Ayo Maff’s record, “Dealer”, is solely about finding escape in weed, but the record also revolves around his appreciation for his community and his mother.
Directed by Olu the Wave, these two themes are portrayed as Ayo Maff is shown amidst a group of men and the embrace of a woman portrayed as his mother. Alongside Fireboy DML, he delivers a record that resonates with the stories of young men who have lived in underprivileged communities.
Ric Hassani – “Love & Romance”
Once again, music video director, Olu the Wave, appears on this list of the best music videos with Ric Hassani’s “Love & Romance”.
In the music video that showcases a bitter-sweet love story, the video director delivers top-notch shots and good action sequence scenes.
Kold AF – “Mayana”
Viewers are treated to spectacular choreography, stunning visuals, and an energetic performance in Kold AF’s music video for “Mayana.
Through the record, she encourages listeners to take a break from life’s drama and unwind, and the music video director, Black Vogue, does a good job of capturing a lively video.
Minz ft. Davido – “WAP”
On his debut album, By Any Minz, Minz showcases his brilliance and reaffirms his position as one of the top acts in the music industry. While his album is in the album of the year conversation, his music videos aren’t left out of these conversations.
The music video for the record “WAP” also takes a spot on the best music videos released so far. The song, which is a sensual tune, is elevated by the Jyde Ajala-directed video. In the video, Minz and Davido are surrounded by seductive dancers and vibrant colours that deliver the message of the song.
Magixx – “Bad Decisions & Foreplay”
Magixx’s “Bad Decisions and Foreplay”, another Ademola Falomo-directed music video, takes an extra spot on this list of best music videos.
The enchanting music video showcases a beautiful and sensual love story. One truly captivating scene is one where Magixx and his love interest are captured near the beach.
Oxlade ft. Fally Ipupa – “IFA”
In “IFA”, Oxlade joined forces with Fally Ipupa for a melodious song that sees both artistes offer sweet promises to their lovers.
The song’s music video is a great showcase of different cultures, fashion pieces, and clear visuals.
Young Jonn – “Stronger”
With the record “Stronger”, singer and producer, Young Jonn, sings about the pain of losing his mother and the regret of her not witnessing his success.
The accompanying music video equally tells the story of a young man who deals with the loss of his mother. The emotional depth of the music and the cast’s depiction of the subject matter make the video one of the best released this year.
Olamide – “Metaverse”
With a music video that is both energetic and pays homage to the street and Olamide’s artistry, “Metaverse” is the ultimate street anthem.
The record, which was released alongside the rapper’s Ikigai EP, is a reminder of his ability to churn out hits. The song’s video is filled with dancers which reiterates the fact that the record was made for the dance floor.
D’Banj – “Since ‘04”
This year, D’Banj celebrated his 20th anniversary in the music industry with a celebratory album, The Entertainer: The Sequel. Like the album, some of the music videos for the records on it also celebrate his career.
One of these videos is the music video for “Since ‘04”. The video, which was directed by Director Pink, is one that creatively takes a glance at D’Banj’s discography. The video also includes short videos of some of his epic stage performances.
Llona – “Forgive Me”
Llona’s debut album, Homeless, is filled with his personal emotional stories. From the album cover art, which is a picture of his former home in Kano State, to the introspective lyrics that carry so much pain, and the music videos, which were shot in the city he grew up in, the 12-track project is the bare display of his emotions.
In the music video for “Forgive Me”, viewers get more glimpses of where he spent his childhood.
Hope Ibiale is a writer and journalist. She has a keen interest in music, film, and literature. You can connect with Hope on X @hopeibiale and via email: hopeibiale@afrocritik.com.