In a remarkable digital phenomenon, the social media platform TikTok is acting as a powerful defibrillator for Nigeria's music scene, bringing forgotten hits back from obscurity and onto the global stage. These seven throwback tracks are living proof that a great song never truly dies; it just waits for the right viral moment to capture a new generation.
The Viral Resurgence of Afrobeats Classics
The graveyard of forgotten Nigerian hits is emptying out faster than anyone predicted. TikTok has officially become the ultimate music revival machine, breathing new life into everything from early Afrobeats anthems to timeless Highlife gems. The nostalgia is potent, but the comebacks are even more powerful.
Wande Coal's 'Baby Hello' (Original Release: 2014) proved that the Black Diamond still shines brightly. His 2014 hit made a stunning comeback in 2024 after a sped-up clip of its hook became the perfect soundtrack for a wave of dance trends on TikTok. A decade after its initial release, a generation that wasn't even in their teens when it first dropped fell in love with the beat, cementing Wande Coal's status as Afrobeats royalty.
P-Square's 'Collabo' featuring Don Jazzy (Original Release: 2015) also experienced a massive second wind. The iconic twin duo and legendary producer's 2015 monster hit resurfaced everywhere in mid-2024. Its smooth and catchy chorus became the go-to audio for countless "couple goals" videos, memes, and relationship skits across TikTok and Instagram, demonstrating that P-Square's dance-pop magic remains irresistible.
Perhaps the most dramatic comeback story belongs to Skales' 'Shake Body' (Original Release: 2014). This 2014 anthem received a Hollywood-worthy revival in early 2025, thanks to a teenage football star. A viral TikTok clip showing Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and his teammates dancing enthusiastically to the track exploded, amassing over 265 million views and turning the song into the global sound of the moment. The frenzy was so immense that Skales was invited to perform at Barcelona's Copa del Rey celebrations, giving his career a massive global second wind a full decade after the song's release.
Highlife and Gospel Get a New Lease on Life
The TikTok revival wasn't limited to Afrobeats. The platform also reached deep into the archives to resurrect classic Highlife and Gospel tunes, introducing them to a modern audience.
The late Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe's 'Ebezina' (Original Release: 1996) experienced a profound resurgence. Since late 2022, this Igbo Highlife classic from his 1996 album 'Kedu America' became a surprisingly popular TikTok sound. It was widely used in videos where users paid homage to their Igbo heritage through dance. The song's comforting message, as "Ebezina" means "do not weep," resonated deeply, showcasing Osadebe's timeless artistry to a new generation.
An even more incredible timeline jump occurred with Gentleman Mike Ejeagha's 'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo' (Original Release: 1983). This 41-year-old Highlife masterpiece was pulled from obscurity in mid-2024. The viral spark came from Instagram comedian Brain Jotter, whose hilarious dance challenge for the song went ballistic. The trend, featuring a comical walk, spread to TikTok with major creators like Craze Clown and Taoomaa joining in. The resurgence was so significant that Brain Jotter sought out the 93-year-old legend to compensate him, setting a respectful precedent for intellectual property in the digital age.
Nostalgia for Igbo Rap and Gospel Vibes
The platform also triggered a wave of nostalgia for mid-2010s Igbo pop and classic gospel, bringing artists back into the spotlight.
The 'Who Get Dat Thing (Remix)' by Dekumzy, SlowDogg, and Stormrex (Original Release: 2016) enjoyed a massive comeback on TikTok in 2024. Its bouncy beat and catchy call-and-response style were perfect for new dance trends, leading to the #DesperateChicks challenge. This viral moment particularly shone a light back on Stormrex, the 'Queen of the East,' whose unique verse fans loved to dance to, reminding everyone of her immense, yet under-realized, potential.
Finally, gospel had its viral moment with Prince Gozie Okeke's 'Akanchawa' (Original Release: 2005). The 2005 anthem of joy and blessings, which literally means "The Hand of Blessing," made a surprise comeback in 2025. This time, its resurgence wasn't driven by dance challenges but by pure nostalgia and humor. TikTok users brought it back with funny point-of-view videos, throwback captions, and classic Naija humor, turning an old-school gospel hit into a fresh source of good vibes for everyone.
