By Emmanuel Daraloye
Valentine’s Day is the official day of love. The excitement for this year’s celebration is rife, and lovers can’t wait to wine and dine. The restaurants are eager to have them; the clubs are not left out.
In all these, there would always be a need for music to remind you of the essence of the day, the power of love, and more. In this piece, Afrocritik lists its top ten love songs to celebrate the day. It’s a beautiful mix of old and new songs. They all preach about love, and, mind you, they might not help you heal from a breakfast recently served cold.
10. Chike ft. Simi — “Running”
Chike rarely remixes his songs, and so when he finally released this one alongside singer, Simi, we knew something good was in the offing. “Running” is an impeccable collaboration, with both artistes sipping from each other’s sonic cup. “Running” is laid on the concept of guidance for a loved one. The video explains this theme better. Check it out.
9. Gyakie — “Forever”
“My mind dey for you, my heart beat for you,” Gyakie starts this breakout single with this line. It’s a fresh detour into emotional talk, an attempt at cementing a relationship. Gyakie states profusely how she feels about her lover, and her quest to have him in her arms. The second verse of the song flits to their wedding day. The hiplife-meets-R&B song is one of the best love songs to come out of Ghana in the 2020s.
(Read also: Looking for a Romantic Playlist that is 100% Nigerian? Here’s One for You)
8. CKay — “Love Nwantiti”
Drawn from his CKay The First EP, “Love Nwantiti,” means “small love” in the Igbo language. CKay grapples with a passionate lust for his girlfriend. This lo-fi sound is a fine addition to our Valentine’s playlist.
7. Fave — “Baby Riddim”
On the guitar-powered, Jamaican Patois-enhanced “Baby Riddim,” Fave sets her sight on her lover while stating why he has that tight grip on her. The lyrics are poetic, and it find Fave in a vulnerable state. She is unashamed to claim what rightly belongs to her. Most of the song’s lyrics see Fave telling the listeners about her better half: how he makes her feel, why she likes him, and more.
6. Fireboy — “Need You”
Led by a guitar and drums, Fireboy profusely sings to his lover, making his solemn intention known to the girl. In the face of opposition, he details why they have to stick together. The hook of the song takes lines from Kola Ogunkoya’s 1990 classic, “Sweetie Baby.”
5. Jaywillz — “Medicine”
What does medicine do to a sick body? It brings relief and makes the sick well. Jaywillz explores this trope for his breakout single. His honeyed vocals, the delectable strings, and the hard-hitting drums does the magic on this song. The relatable lyrics and impressive hook highlights the song. Jaywillz speaks from a vulnerable point. I hope the girl got the message.
4. Vector ft. Good Girl LA — “Early Momo”
Sex and love go through similar paths. Vector and Good Girl LA seem to preach this better with their duet, “Early Momo.” They both lay down their guards on this song. It is too sensual to last for a mere three minutes, and thirteen seconds.
(Read also: Do you Want to Listen to Nigerian Songs While Having Sex? Here’s a Playlist for You)
3. 2Baba — “African Queen”
2Baba’s solo legendary status in the Nigerian music industry began with this song. For the millennial, “African Queen” was the go-to song to appreciate their lovers. The lyrics are powerful and captivating. They are all shades of beauty from the Benue-born singer.
2. Wande Coal — “Super Woman”
Off his polarising sophomore album, Wanted, singer Wande Coal dispatches one of the best open letters to a woman with his song, “Superwoman.” The messages are deep, clear, and earnestly capture the state of mind of Wande Coal. It might be excessively emotional, yet the messages are effortlessly delivered.
1. Wizkid ft Tems — “Essence”
Tems and Wizkid crave each other’s physical connection on this Afrobeats classic song. They ride on each other’s energy to craft an R&B/sex-tinged song. The refrain, “you don’t need no other body,” dominates the song. It is an unambiguous declaration of faithfulness.
Emmanuel Daraloye is Africa’s Most Prolific Freelance Music Critic. He has over 500 album reviews in his archive.