From the very beginning — before Afrobeats with an “s” — the sound of Afrobeat was already a fusion. Pioneered by Fela Kuti, Afrobeat combined African rhythms with jazz, soul, and funk, creating a bold, percussive style that pulsed with political urgency and raw energy.
As time passed and Afrobeats (plural) emerged, the sound evolved into a more commercially driven blend, merging highlife, Afrobeat, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, defined by its catchy hooks, upbeat tempos, and rhythmic variety.
At its core, Afrobeats has always been about borrowing and blending. Over the years, it has drawn from Ghana’s Pon Pon sound, sampled log drums from South Africa’s Amapiano, and even fused Eastern Nigeria’s Oja flute to create 2023’s viral Ojapiano moment. Nigerian pop music thrives on reinvention, and now, the compass is turning towards the Arewa sound, from the north.
As Nigerian pop continues to grow, a new style of songs, built on the influence of Northern Nigeria’s rich musical traditions, is making waves. They’re bold, thoughtful fusions that are heavily influenced by Northern sounds and elements. From the hypnotic hum of the Goje to the spiritual depth of Hausa folk melodies, Nigerian artists are beginning to weave Northern sounds into the heart of Nigerian Pop, offering something fresh, textured, and unmistakably homegrown.
Here are five Nigerian pop songs that proudly reveal the influence of Northern Nigeria’s sound, and prove it’s becoming a bigger part of the music we love.
“Gen-Z Arewa” – FirstKlaz ft. Iliya
In 2024, FirstKlaz stood out as one of the freshest voices in Nigerian Pop. But it was his track “Gen-Z Arewa” that truly set him apart. The song was a catchy tune that taps deeply into the musical traditions of Northern Nigeria. With the help of Iliya, a traditional Northern folk band, the song fused modern pop with classic Arewa sounds.
You could hear instruments like the Kalangu (talking drum) and the Goje (a two-stringed fiddle), giving the song a unique, earthy texture. It quickly gained attention online, sparked debates about the future of Afro-Pop, and even got a nod from industry giant Olamide. Many saw it as a sign that Northern sounds were ready for the mainstream spotlight.
“Mahraba” – Kizz Daniel
Known for constantly reinventing his sound, Kizz Daniel leaned into Northern and Arabic musical influences on his 2024 release “Mahraba”. The title itself means “hello” or “welcome” in Arabic, and the song reflected this blend of cultures, smooth melodies, gentle percussion, and a calm, welcoming rhythm.
Though subtle, the Arewa influence was evident and shows how Northern sounds can fit perfectly within Nigeria’s pop scene. “Mahraba” followed the trend of deeper storytelling and cultural fusion in pop, proving that Northern-style melodies could resonate across the country.
“Twe Twe” – Kizz Daniel (Remix ft. Davido)
Before “Mahraba”, Kizz Daniel had already touched on Northern traditions with “Twe Twe”, his hit single from 2023. The beat was irresistible, but it also carried layers of cultural depth. The production borrowed from Nupe and Hausa musical instruments, including local drums and cymbals that gave it a bouncing, traditional energy.
The remix featuring Davido in 2024 gave the song a second wave of popularity, bringing its Northern-inspired rhythm to an even bigger audience. “Twe Twe” was proof that songs rooted in Northern traditions could be massive pop hits, with the right energy and execution.
“Almajiri” – BahdBoi OML
BahdBoi OML’s “Almajiri” took a more emotional route. The song’s title refers to children in Northern Nigeria who leave home to study Islam in Quranic schools, often seen on the streets with bowls in hand.
But instead of just using the term, the song opened with the haunting voice of an actual almajiri child, setting a powerful tone.
Instrumentally, the track featured the Gurmi, a traditional Hausa stringed instrument that added a raw, heartfelt vibe. The song showed that Northern influence in music could go beyond sound that is danceable and still tell stories that matter.
“Hausapiano” – Kvng Vinci (Remix ft. ZerryDL)
Imagine Amapiano meeting the soul of Northern Nigeria, that’s precisely what Kvng Vinci did with “Hausapiano”. The song was a clever mash-up: the rolling log drums of South African Amapiano blended with Hausa melodies and rhythm.
But what made it more interesting was its source: the track was a re-imagining of “Sabo Garbu Down Down”, an old Northern Nigerian folk song by Nazir Sarkin Waka. By sampling this traditional piece, Kvng Vinci brought an old Northern sound to a new generation. When the remix featuring ZerryDL dropped, it went viral, especially on TikTok.
