Ghana’s music scene has secured a milestone as three of its brightest stars, Sarkodie, Castro (feat. Sarkodie), and Fuse ODG, landed spots on Billboard’s “50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time” list.
The list, compiled by Billboard staffers and contributors worldwide, celebrates the genre’s most influential and groundbreaking tracks.
The list was released in instalments throughout August, with the top ten to be released in the third week of the month.
It featured classic songs from various Nigerian artistes, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide etc.
Surprisingly, two Ghanaian songs made it to the list, solidifying the Ghanaian sound as a global shaker.
Ghana’s Standout Entries
Sarkodie ft. Castro – “Adonai” (No 19)
The 2014 highlife-infused banger, produced by Killbeatz, earned its place as a crossover anthem, blending Sarkodie’s rapid-fire Twi rap with Castro’s soulful vocals.
Its inclusion marks a posthumous honour for Castro, whose legacy continues to resonate. The track’s fusion of Ghanaian rhythms and Afrobeats’ percussive energy solidified its global appeal, granting it a place on the list.
Castro-and-Sarkodie-jamming-to-their-hit-song-in-the-studio-1886909″>Throwback to Castro and Sarkodie jamming to their hit song in the studio
Fuse ODG ft Itz Tiffany” (No 18)
Fuse ODG’s 2013 breakout hit is on number 18. The track, which popularised the Azonto dance craze globally, is credited with bridging Ghanaian sounds to international audiences, paving the way for Afrobeats’ chart dominance. Its infectious log-drum beat and pidgin lyrics became a blueprint for Afro-fusion.
“Adonai” is the only Ghanaian rap collaboration on the list, while Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” represents the Azonto movement’s global takeover.
Though Billboard’s full list (Nos. 10–1) is yet to be revealed, watchers are still speculating which Ghanaian songs may make it to the top ten.
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