10 iconic Nigerian music videos everyone should watch at least once

The Nigerian music scene has witnessed a wealth of culture-shifting visuals that have either shaped the industry or redefined its essence. These music videos go beyond mere entertainment; they are milestones that capture the spirit of an era, pushing boundaries and setting standards for the industry.

While modern music videos often prioritise high-quality production and aesthetics, truly iconic visuals possess more than just surface appeal. They tell compelling stories, reflect cultural identity, and deliver innovative concepts that leave a lasting impact on their audience.

This article highlights music videos that, while not necessarily the most visually polished, stand out for their cultural significance, storytelling, and originality. These visuals played pivotal roles in shaping the Nigerian music industry, distinguishing themselves as timeless works of art and elevating the global perception of Nigerian music as a cultural treasure. In no particular order, the 10 iconic Nigerian music videos are:

10. 'No be God' - Gino

Released in 2005 as part of his debut album, Pain Plus Work, Gino's "No Be God" remains one of the most iconic Nigerian hip-hop songs, celebrated for its lyrical depth and relatable storytelling. The song's impact was further amplified by its groundbreaking music video, which marked a new era for Nigerian hip-hop visuals. Unlike the typical format where the artist dominates the screen, the video for "No Be God" stood out for its innovative use of characters. Various individuals, portraying diverse roles, lip-synced Gino's lines, creating a unique and engaging narrative. This creative approach not only broke conventions but also elevated the song's message, making it resonate deeply with audiences.

Undoubtedly, "No Be God" represents a pivotal moment in the Nigerian music scene, cementing its place as a classic in the evolution of hip-hop visuals in the country.

9. 'Oliver Twist' - D'Banj

In an era when Nigerian Afrobeats was still largely localised, D’banj’s collaboration with American rap icon Snoop Dogg on the remix of "Mr. Endowed" marked a groundbreaking moment. Tagged at the time as one of the hottest international collaborations between a Nigerian artist and a global star, the track—and its accompanying video featuring a cameo from Snoop Dogg—sparked immense excitement locally, as it signified the export potential of Nigerian music. Just a year later, D’banj reaffirmed this global trajectory with the release of the official music video for "Oliver Twist" in March 2012. Directed by renowned Nigerian cinematographer Sesan, the video showcased not only its high production quality but also star-studded cameos from G.O.O.D. Music rapper Pusha T and one of the world’s biggest artists, Kanye West.

This was a redefining moment for Nigerian music, signalling its growing influence on the global stage and solidifying D’banj’s position as a pioneer in bridging the gap between local sounds and international audiences

8. 'Holla at your Boy' - Wizkid

Everything about the "Holla at Your Boy" video screamed "new dawn" and "new school." Released in 2010, it marked the debut single of Wizkid and introduced a fresh wave of creativity to the Nigerian music scene. Directed by Patrick Ellis, a young and emerging Nigerian cinematographer at the time, the visuals captured the essence of the "new school" era in both style and substance. The video also spotlighted budding talents like Ice Prince, Skales, and Asa Asika—individuals who have since risen to global prominence in the entertainment world. Its concept was vibrant, youthful, and refreshing, reflecting the cultural shifts happening within the industry and among Nigeria's youth.

More than just a music video, "Holla at Your Boy" became a cultural blueprint, influencing fashion, mannerisms, and lifestyles for a new generation. It undeniably ushered in a new age for Nigerian music, shaping trends both within and beyond the entertainment sphere. Truly, a defining moment!

7. 'Bandana' - Fireboy DML and Asake

Directed by the renowned Nigerian cinematographer TG Omori, this video stands as a testament to the modern era of visually stunning music videos. It exemplifies effort, intentionality, teamwork, and, most importantly, impeccable quality. The visuals showcase a seamless blend of Afrocentric aesthetics and contemporary street culture. Set against a variety of dramatic backdrops, the video features striking imagery, including a choir adorned in flowing robes, Asake in a celestial-inspired setting, and Fireboy illuminated by bold, fiery lighting. These elements not only highlight the duo's spiritual undertones but also emphasise their individuality as artists.

Adding a futuristic twist, TG Omori incorporates a flying car scene, pushing creative boundaries and infusing the video with an innovative edge. This bold choice underscores how far the Nigerian music video scene has evolved in terms of output and quality, making "Bandana" a standout visual masterpiece.

6. 'Never Far Away' - Lagbaja

Another classic for the books, this video beautifully showcases African aesthetics—capturing its clothing, culture, lifestyle, and even musical instruments. Directed by the talented Tunde Kelani, it is a powerful fusion of artistry, cultural expression, and emotional depth. The video emphasises the themes of unity, togetherness, and the importance of community, which are central to the song's message. Complemented by the rich production of the song itself, the visuals celebrate African identity and aesthetics, telling an important and authentic story. Lagbaja’s choice of location, Abeokuta in Southwest Nigeria, effortlessly highlights the African landscape, with its striking rock formations, traditional homes, and expansive compounds known as Agbo Ile in Yoruba. These elements provide a vivid representation of local aesthetics, drawing attention to the beauty of rural African life.

Tunde Kelani’s signature cinematic style—characterised by cultural detail, compelling storytelling, and emotive visuals—perfectly captures the essence of Lagbaja’s music and message, creating a powerful sense of warmth and connection for the viewer.

5. 'Back in Uni' - Blaqbonez

Although not necessarily the crispiest in terms of quality, this video stands out as one of the most creative visuals of the modern era, earning its place in the spotlight. Known for his comedic persona, Blaqbonez infuses his unique charm into the co-directed visual alongside cinematographer Perliks. Together, they creatively reimagine popular Nigerian artists, with Blaqbonez portraying all the characters while expertly mirroring his colleagues' signature looks. It’s a truly memorable production and undoubtedly one for the books.

4. 'Fire on the Mountain' - Asa

Stepping away from the song's classical feel, the visuals perfectly complement its energy. The minimalist yet impactful cinematography, with its subtle colour tones and artistic framing, heightens the song's sombre yet urgent message. Asa navigates various settings in the video, portraying a world caught between turmoil and indifference. The visuals cleverly contrast moments of peace with scenes of struggle, emphasising the stark divide between the privileged and the suffering. One standout feature of the video is its originality—it feels like a groundbreaking concept that hasn’t been replicated by any Nigerian artist to date. Truly, it’s an exceptional piece of visual storytelling.

3. 'Ijoya' - Weird MC

The animated video for Weird MC's "Ijoya" is a vibrant and imaginative reimagining of the iconic hit, delivering a fresh and visually captivating experience. The animation brims with bold colors, dynamic movements, and playful caricatures that perfectly embody the song's energetic spirit. While Lagbaja’s "Surulere" was an earlier foray into animated Nigerian music videos, "Ijoya" quickly rose to prominence after its release, surpassing its predecessor in popularity. It became a cultural touchstone and remains the definitive example of animated Nigerian music videos.

2. 'Lagos Party' - Banky W

Banky W's "Lagos Party" video is a dazzling showcase of the vibrant Lagos social scene, celebrating the city’s deep love for luxury, style, and nightlife. It captures the essence of a quintessential Lagos highlife party, complete with stylish ensembles, infectious energy, and a star-studded guest list. More than just a music video, "Lagos Party" is a visual anthem for the Lagos lifestyle—where music, fashion, and celebration seamlessly collide. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic Nigerian music videos of all time, it perfectly encapsulates the glamour and excitement of Lagos nightlife. Featuring an unmatched roster of entertainment heavyweights, the video remains a benchmark for star power and creativity that has yet to be surpassed in Nigerian music history.

1. 'Do Me' - P-Square

Essentially the blueprint for clean, crisp, and aesthetically rich Nigerian music videos, this visual revolutionized the industry upon its release. It set a new standard, shaping the expectations of Nigerian audiences for music videos and defining the direction for entertainers to follow. In this video, P-Square seamlessly combines star power, captivating choreography, engaging activity, stunning visuals, and top-tier production quality. These elements not only elevated it to iconic status but also cemented its place as a game-changer that redefined the Nigerian music video landscape.

See also - Best 2019 Nigerian Music Videos, Get updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook