Nigerian Music Videos have
come a long way from the bare bone productions that were common in the late 90s to early 2000s. Videos are now as important as the songs in reaching new markets. The plethora of music video channels available on satellite televisions have not stopped the exponential growth in viewership of these videos on YouTube.
A sizeable number of views come from the diaspora. Audiences are visibly eager to see the visuals representing their culture and showcasing the latest dance steps. According to a recent report by TECHCAB posted in the social media, here are the ten most viewed Nigerian music videos on-line. The figures are based on You Tube a view which is currently the most popular video platform on the planet.
P-Square “Personally” – 45, 961, 238 views “personally” stand out as the most viewed Nigerian music video on You Tube. The video is a glowing tribute to Michael Jackson, which was acknowledged by Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine.
The P-Square duo re-enacted dance steps made iconic by the King of Pop, the music video was shot and directed by their brother and long time collaborator, Jude Engees Okoye and Clarence Peters.
D’Banj “Oliver Twist” – 33,869,369 views. D’Banj’s 2012 summer release “Oliver Twist” is arguably the biggest hit of his career. The song scored tremendous air play within and outside Africa, most notable, United Kingdom (UK). The video features cameo appearances from American rappers, Kanye West and big Sean among others.
Oliver Twist’s video which was directed by Sean Ogunro won an award for the most gifted video of the year at the 2012 channel O’ Music Video Awards.
P-Square “Chop My Money” FT Akon & MAY D – 26, 103, 687 views
After signing a partnership deal with Akon (CONVICT), P-Square recorded “Chop my Money” with Akon and their then protégé May D. The video was released in 2013 at the time when Nigerians were skeptical about collaborations with their western counterparts. No such worries were necessary, as both the song and the video showed off the chemistry between P-Square, May D and Akon. It also featured a little signature dance which all four stars pulled up with ease. The video was directed by Jude Engees Okoye and Ben Mark.
Timaya “BUM-BUM” (REMIX) FT SEAN PAUL 25, 680, 011 views
Timaya’s dance hall smash hit, “Bum-Bum” got even better when he shot a video for the remix featuring International  dance hall star, Sean Paul, released in 2014, “Bum-Bum” was shot in 2014, it was shot by US based shooter films. The video features ladies living up to the Iyrics of the song by shaking their derriere totally NSFW.
P-Square FT Rickross; “Beautiful Onyinye” 23, 135, 433 views
Here is the third time P-Square is cropping up on this list and more so, each music video has had the influence of an International act. This time, it was Rick Ross on a rap verse, “Beautiful Onyinye” came after “chop my money’ and it clearly showed that P-square was rolling in the prologue. The video was shot in 2012 partly in Miami and South Africa by Jude Engees Okoye.
Yemi Alade “Jonny” – 21, 926, 872 views
Johnny was and is still a smash hit across Africa. Yemi Alade is the only female act in the top ten list. The video released in 2014 features Nigerian comedian, Bovi, who was the host of an investigative TV show similar to the American show ‘cheaters’. The video was directed by Clarence Peters.
Davido’s ‘Aye’ – 21, 583, 446 views
Davido’s “Aye” was a massive success in Nigeria, directed by Clarence Peters. The video was released in 2014 and became the most watched music YouTube video in Nigeria community.
P-square “Shekini” 14, 210, 001 views
The Okoye twin brothers are Africa’s foremost dancers and this video is an Ode to that which they love to do most, from “cha-cha” to street dance, dirty dancing to Mj inspired branch offs, plus some other yet to be named new moves.
The song itself is a fast paced, energetic anthem that P-square matched beat for beat with Zesty dance routines in the 2014 Clarence Peters’ video which quickly out ranked many others to claim the 8th position on the list.
J. Martins FT DJ Arafat “Touching Body” 14, 033, 301 views
J. Martins hit, “Touching body” earned its way onto the 9th spot on this list. The music was released in 2013, the matt max directed video is star studded and features Ivorian disc Jockey, DJ Arafat as well as cameo appearances from the brothers Ikechukwu and Kalu Uche of the Super Eagles.
Davido “Gobe”, 13, 729, 492 views
Davido is seen in the video trying to impress a kingpin’s girl. The event played out naturally and Romeo got a good beating for his efforts. The video garnered such nominations as most gifted afro pop extra video at the 2013 Nigeria Music Video Award (NMCA).