Nigerian singer Jaywon has publicly criticised Billboard following the release of its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, which notably excluded his 2012 hit single, “This Year.”
The artist expressed his strong disagreement on social media, asserting that his track possesses an unmatched cultural impact and viral longevity that should have secured its place on the prestigious ranking.
Jaywon argued that “This Year” has been a consistent force in popular culture since its release over a decade ago. He highlighted its enduring relevance, pointing out that the song continues to trend and experience viral moments each year.
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In his view, this sustained popularity surpasses that of many tracks which Billboard chose to include. He further claimed that the song’s unique sound and celebratory style have been widely borrowed by both gospel and Afrobeats artists, cementing its influence on the music scene.
The Billboard list, which crowned 2Baba’s “African Queen” in the number one spot, also featured major hits like Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba,” Flavour’s “Nwa Baby,” Rema’s “Calm Down,” and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” in the top five. Despite the stiff competition from these acclaimed records, Jaywon maintains that no other song on the list has had a greater cultural impact than “This Year.”
He emphasised its unique role in shaping December festivities, New Year celebrations, and even its crossover into church services, a rare achievement for an Afrobeats record. The song has become an essential fixture at weddings, concerts, and major events, solidifying its status as a perennial anthem in Nigeria and beyond.
cc: Punch NG
