Nigerian-born prominent artistes have continued to surprise the world with ever green songs from different generations and most of these songs could be regarded as classics. The importance of music in the development of the society cannot be over-emphasised, hence, 21st of June every year has been set aside as World’s Music  Day and Rivers State is not left out in this annual global celebration as this year’s celebration in the state was eventful as over 20 evergreen classics were highlighted to mark the day.
These are songs that have substance in its content, emotionally binding on the listeners with some having that nostalgic effect. There is something in those songs for both the old and new generations. This is probably why the history of the world’s music day celebrations which dates back to 1976 is well received all over the world. The idea was proposed by a French based American theorist, who proposed an all night music festival to celebrate the summer.
Back here in Nigeria, Music is equally loved by all with varying degrees of taste for the different genres of music and based on the era and times of  music. Among the songs that are regarded as evergreen in the country include:
Love Me Jeje (1977): Seyi Sodimu
Seyi Sodimu happened to be one of the drivers of the Afrosoul music genre in the early ’90s before the likes of Asa, Waje and Aramide came and took over. Since the millennium era as far back as 1997, he released his hit single, “Love Me Jeje” which went onto being one of Nigerian Love Classics in the ‘90s, gathering generous air play while rising up the charts.
Seyi, who is currently based in Washington DC, USA, is still very much in the music making business. He runs good life entertainment.
Jeromi: Victor Uwaifo
Born in 1941, Sir Victor Uwaifo is a Nigerian Musician, Sculptor and Writer. His hit single, “Jeromi” is a major classic, it is a song that earned Uwaifo his legendary status as he could play a guitar using both his hands, feet and tongue while performing the song, something that was very strange in the 1960s.
The song earned him the first golden record and a formidable international recognition and up to date, it is considered as a major classic that still sounds fresh in every ear.
Seun Rere: Christy Essien-Igbokwe
Christy Essien-Igbokwe was a Nigerian-born Songstress who released a classic Nigerian hit song titled,’Seun Rere’ in 1981, which featured in the album, ‘Ever Like My Person?” Under her international records, Skylark Records. It was a constant hit through the ‘80s and well into the ‘90s.
Before her death at the age of 50, Christy was a fluent speaker of English Language, Igbo, Ibibio and Yoruba and was the first ever female President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) among national and international awards.
Iyogogo (1992): Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian Singer, Song Writer, Actress, Journalist and Politician. She began her music career in 1981 while still working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), releasing the album “For The Love of You”. Originally, a circular artiste, she now sings mainly gospel music and continues to write and sing about issues such as health (HIV/AIDs), peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women rights and the plight of children.
Sweet Mother (1976): Prince Nico Mbaga
Prince Nico Mbaga recorded “Sweet Mother” in 1976 which sold over 13 million copies upon its release and has been globally considered as the African greatest song of all time.  “Childish appeal”.
Sweet Mother was later also rejected by Decca Records and Philips Records before it was eventually released in December, 1976 by Rogers All Stars, a Nigerian Recording company based in Onitsha.
6. Afro Juju (1989) Sir Shina Peters
Shina Peters and the international stars band are legends of Nigerian music with over 16 albums, the “Afro Juju Series 1” album is still the most favoured album by most of his fans-up-to date.
He is considered as the creator of “Afro Juju’ music genre and most of the songs in the Afro Juju series 1 album are regarded as classic hits by anyone who has listened to the album.
7. The Way Forward (1994): King Sunny Ade FT Various artistes
In 1994. King Sunny Ade brought 32 Nigerian artistes and actors together and they collectively recorded a song against ethnic violence called “The Way Forward” that became an automatic hit and an up-to-date classic.
The lyrics of the song was delivered in several languages namely: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba as well as several of other Nigerian languages and the message revolved around urging Nigerians to stop fighting against each other and instead celebrate their independence together .
8. Now Or Never (1995) Sunny Okosun
This song rewinds time and brings back memories of the 80s and 90s. Released in 1986, it was one of Okosun’s most famous records. It earned Sonny Okosun an international recognition and every person that remembers him is reminded of this great single despite the time frame.
9. Rosie (1991) Blacky
Very few Nigerian albums stand the test of time one of the few is Blacky’s 1991 debut “About Tyme” on premiere music. The album produced a number of hits like “Blackky Skank” and the sexually charged ‘Sugar Stick’ as well as ‘Rosie’, one of his biggest hits through his music career.
Rosie which featured opening lines that became the toast at many a night club.  Many people will not forget in a hurry the songs chorus.
“Can I have a dance Rosie? Which caught on in no time and won many awards.
9. Hear Your Mama Hear Your Papa: Mike Okri
As kids, this song by Mike Okiri was drummed into the ears of every kid, as it was believed to foster obedience, respect and good behaiour in the house hold. Every child who had music enthusiasts as parents will never forget this song.
10. Love My Baby: Wizkid
This ws Wizkid before he went the Caribbean route, before the international collaboration came, the Nigerian super star singer was Mesmeri Zing with this love tune, it is  still till date a perfect song for all romantic occasions.
11. Beast of No Nation: Fela Kuti
Beast of No Nation originally released in 1989 was an indictment on the corruption and repression that was ongoing in the post-colonial Africa. The Afrobeat legend expressed his unapologetic views on the situation.
12. Appreciation: King Sunny Ade
Off his “Seven Degrees North” album, Afro Juju King once again put his best foot behind this song “Appreciation” as he gives it all to the Heavens on very rich instrumentals everyone loves and can relate to this and that’s why it’s a classic.
13. Ghetto Dreams: Dagrin
This track evoked emotions not just for Dagrin and producer of the track Sossick who featured on the book, but for the listeners who could blend much with the message on the song.
14. If Love Is A Crime: 2 Face Idibia
This song has just about the same effect as the legend’s ‘African Queen’, powerful emotional and soul penetrating words can’t described it enough.
15. Olufunmi: Style-Plus
Off their critically acclaimed “Expressions” album, styleplus the much loved and admired Nigerian pop group shut down the country with this single. The perfect lines, heavenly vocals and the perfect hook in Olufunmi makes this song an irresistible classic.
Bibanke: Asa
Thrilling and enchanting, Asa bled her soul and heart in this cobhams production. There was no going back on this one.
16. Safe: M.I. Abaga Ft Djinee
Mr incredible with ‘Safe’ came out of nowhere and brought novelty rap that would henceforth shake up the Nigerian Hip Hop music scene. The song amongst other impressive mind blowing tracks off his critically acclaimed debut album, “Talk About It” changed the game for damn good.
17. Gongo Aso: Gice
Indigenous talented singer gice got everyone going bonkers when he dropped this jam.
It was straight up hit that announced the “Alapomeji” to Nigerians and the world in grand fashion just as the song title suggests.
18. No One Like You: P-Square
A befitting wedding theme song, Peter and Paul gave us all couple goods as the saying goes nowadays with this song. No debate whatsoever on this one, the love song caught on too easy with its catchy hook and melodious vibes lace with romantic gestures.