It is well-known that this wasn't the reality of the country’s music industry as far back as the Mid-2000s. The reality of the Industry during this period is almost rarely talked about or celebrated in grand style. A thorough examination of the Nigerian music scene reveals that before the global rise of Afrobeats, there existed numerous indigenous and local music ecosystems that thrived independently. Highlife, Fuji, Juju, Apala, and Konto are all examples of music genres that dominated the soundscape of the country before now.

In the spirit of grandly honouring the roots of the Nigerian music narrative, we have meticulously curated an esteemed list of the Top 20 Konto songs of all time. Join us as we pay tribute to these exceptional artists, who passionately pursued their craft during a time when the financial rewards were minimal.

Konto is a Nigerian music genre that originated in the lower-class neighbourhoods of Lagos, specifically in the area known as Ajegunle. Its creation was heavily influenced by the widespread reggae craze that engulfed Nigeria in the 90s. Much like the bass guitar always plays a dominant role in reggae, Konto is characterized by its prominent drum or rhythmic bounce, complemented by a predominantly militant style of melody and storytelling, which was mostly performed in Pidgin English, and at a relatively faster BPM than that of Reggae.

Konto thrived within the confines of Ajegunle, Alaba, and their surrounding areas, undergoing its periodic evolution within this same space. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Konto genre is its ability to convey conscious messages, addressing the pressing issues of its immediate society. Despite facing constant demonization from those outside Ajegunle, Konto maintained a sophisticated ecosystem. It was often dismissed as classless and cacophonous music from the slums of Lagos. Here, we present the top 20 greatest Konto songs of all time.

Delivered at 110.35 beats per minute, young Bobby and Bright embraced the lively instrumental to showcase their resilience in the face of adversity. Their performance captured the spirited determination and toughness often associated with, or perhaps stereotyped to the typical Ajegunle youth. The song swiftly gained popularity on the streets of Ajegunle and beyond.

Haji Bright & Super White's hit single became synonymous with the concept of nemesis and its unavoidable nature. The impactful and memorable chorus turned into a rallying cry for everyday listeners, something they enthusiastically belt out whenever possible.

In perfect harmony with his backup singer, Flekta Man crafted an anthem of hope. It strengthened the resolve of every youth from the ghetto, reminding them to live in anticipation of their destined greatness. With his distinctive and commanding vocals, he inspired ordinary individuals in the ghetto to cling to hope, fostering a belief in the inevitability of their rise above current circumstances.

Ranked at number 17 is a veteran of the Konto movement. In a 2013 interview with Vanguard, Baba Fryo explained that "Notice Me is about people who are full of themselves". There have been speculations that "Notice Me" serves as a diss track aimed at his contemporary, Daddy Fresh.

Addressing the widespread issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies in his community, Kanmi Ranky cynically joked about the predicament faced by women in such situations. The phrase "Shakara don end o" swiftly became a mocking remark used by men who had pursued a lady unsuccessfully, only to later discover she has become pregnant. Despite the song's crude nature, it undeniably served as a vehicle for societal education and awareness about preventing unintended pregnancies.

Metaphorically sounding the alarm about the hardships and despair gripping the streets of the nation, "E Don Red" swiftly became a famous cry in the neighbourhoods of Ajegunle, spreading beyond Lagos and reaching many of the South-South states in Nigeria. With lyrics like "Militant dey vex, dem dey kidnap whitey," it sheds light on the turmoil in the oil-rich regions of the country. The song reflects on various other instances of why Flekta Man believes the country is on raging fire.

As mentioned earlier, the Konto sound touched on various aspects of Nigerian life. Set against a melodic backdrop, Professor Linkin expressed his fear about his mother discovering his marijuana use, a sentiment that resonated deeply with fellow users across the country. "Jogodo" embodies the boldness of the Konto artists, considering the audacity required to create such music in a country where marijuana remains strictly prohibited. The song transcended the borders of Ajegunle and became a national hit at some point. it remains a relevant song to date.

"This is a brand new dance" the renowned Marvellous Benjy sings as he kicks off the song. Sung in a Patois rhythm, he unveiled a new dance move that had everyone in Ajegunle rolling their feet and their arms. In retrospect, one would say the song makes one reminiscent of the good old days.

Veteran Daddy Fresh's smash-hit single "Eleru Gberu e" claims the 15th spot. The song rapidly became a sensation across households, extending beyond Ajegunle to capture the hearts of numerous Nigerians. Its hook remains timeless and continues to resonate even today.

One of the Legends of the Konto movement sang a song in his prime that would transcend generations. known for the slow-paced Galala dance move that sat comfortably within the rhythm and African percussion of the song. "Somebody Call My Name" by Daddy Showkey is one of the greatest songs of the Nigerian music industry when looked at from the POV of popularity. Those kinds of songs you just find yourself knowing despite not making any conscious attempt to know.

The Veteran Baba Fryo bags himself a spot again with his 90s smash hit, "Dem Go Dey Pose". The song has proved to remain a legendary song despite the controversy surrounding it. It was rumoured to be a diss track directed at another one of his contemporaries, Daddy Showkey. In 2022, Adekunle Gold Interpolated "Dem Go Dey Pose" on his single "Mercy".

Preaching against the spirit of condescension, African China takes spot 9. Through powerful messages, he urges listeners to show kindness to those facing hardships. Using vivid analogies and scenarios, he vividly illustrates how our actions towards others can be returned to us or those we love.

Oritse Femi stands out as one of the rare Konto artists who successfully transitioned into Nigeria's mainstream music industry. Within the Konto genre, he recorded several hits. "Elewon" was Oritse Femi's attempt to illuminate the motives driving youth actions in Nigeria's Niger-Delta region. He addresses the stark divide between the impoverished and the elite classes in the country, urging fellow Nigerians to stand up against these injustices. However, oblivious to the message in the song, youths in Ajegnle turned the hook to a war anthem used to bolster morale when fighting within themselves. Unarguably one of the most impactful songs on the street of Ajegunle.

Yet another of the scarce Konto artists to make the leap into the mainstream, African China secures another spot in the Top 10. Through impeccable storytelling, he tackles various crises plaguing the country. His narrative touches on issues such as the havoc wrought by the OPC group in Ajegunle, issues surrounding democracy, house demolitions, and the notorious case of Clifford Orji, a notorious Nigerian cannibal and human parts dealer apprehended in 1999. Upon its release, the song's chilling stories resonated deeply with listeners, propelling it to success in the Nigerian music scene.

"Ekwe" is another Konto track addressing societal injustices and tribal conflicts in the South-South region. Stereo Man's heartfelt cry of "E dey pain me!" echoes the pain and distress felt. What's remarkable about "Ekwe" is its ability to resonate beyond its intended audience, despite being sung in a minority dialect. The entire nation of Nigeria could connect with the pain and despair projected in the song. In May 2024, Nigerian country, folk, and Afropop artist Johnny Drille interpolated "Ekwe" in his song "Palava," contributing to the growing list of Konto songs sampled or interpolated by mainstream acts.

The music duo known as "Danfo Drivers" stands out as one of the most influential pairs in Nigeria's pop culture. Emerging from humble beginnings in Ajegunle, they broke into the Nigerian music scene with nothing but their distinctive voices and sense of melody. "Kpolongo" is a song where the duo joyfully celebrates local alcoholic beverages, turning it into a party anthem across the country. Even today, "Kpolongo" remains a relevant and joyous tune at parties. Nigerian mainstream artist Tekno sampled it for his 2018 hit "Jogodo". Sadly, Mountain Black is now the sole surviving member of the group, as Mad Melon passed away in 2019, leaving Mountain Black to carry on their musical legacy.

Oritse Femi making an appearance again on the Top 20 greatest Konto songs should not be a surprise to anyone. The star is unarguably one of the greatest musicians to come out of Ajegunle. "Baba Fela tell them before" he remarked as he prepared to embark on another song of activism. "Flog Politician" is a song that has withstood the test of time, aided by the lack of change in the political atmosphere of the country.

The music duo makes an appearance on this list again with "Danfo Driver," a Konto hit born from their personal journey and a genuine embrace of their livelihood. This moment of vulnerability transformed into a smash hit that stands out uniquely, blending narrative depth with unparalleled delivery. Arguably one of Nigeria's most beloved songs, it captures a special place in the music industry, unlikely to be replicated.

The Konto Legend's "Diana" is a vibrant Konto anthem that effortlessly blends infectious rhythms with Daddy Showkey's signature energetic delivery. The song showcases Daddy Showkey's storytelling prowess, weaving a true tale about a lady, Diana who had difficulties conceiving. "I prophesised that she was going to have a baby, and she did" Daddy Showkey explained at a podcast in 2024 . This inspiring narrative became the cornerstone of one of Nigeria's most iconic songs. With its catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation, "Diana" is a celebratory ode to the birth of a new life. A song that will equally continue to breathe life into the country's evolving soundscape.

In the year 2000, African China boldly released his impactful single "Mr President." Fearlessly addressing the injustices and realities faced by Nigerians. He intricately weaved societal problems into his lyrics, directly challenging the president and the government to fulfil their responsibilities. The song served as a powerful outlet for citizen's frustrations over poor governance. Even after 24 years, "Mr President" remains a timeless anthem, continuing to articulate the sentiments of those unable to articulate their grievances about the country's state. Besides its dominance in the Konto genre, it's undeniable that "Mr President" remains one of the most significant songs to emerge from the country.

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