The prestigious music publication Pitchfork has released its authoritative '100 Best Songs of 2025' list, delivering a verdict that has sparked conversations across the African music scene. In a significant shift, the list saw major Nigerian Afrobeats stars sidelined, while two Ghanaian artists claimed the spotlight.
Ghana's Triumph on the Global Stage
Leading the African charge is Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae, whose genre-defying track 'S.M.O.' from her album BLACK STAR achieved a remarkable #3 ranking. This placement elevates her from a regional talent to a recognized global pop auteur. The song, praised for its fusion of baile funk and subtle highlife elements, was ranked above hits by international superstars like Addison Rae, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga.
The only other West African entry came from fellow Ghanaian singer Moliy. Her viral hit 'Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)', featuring Skillibeng, Shenseea, and Silent Addy, secured the #72 position. The track was a social media phenomenon, topping the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart and sparking countless viral challenges, proving its massive cultural impact.
The Notable Omission of Nigerian Giants
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Pitchfork's 2025 list completely bypassed Nigeria's Afrobeats titans. Despite their commercial dominance and sold-out global tours in 2025, artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tems were absent from the top 100. This omission highlights a potential disconnect between massive commercial success and critical acclaim from certain Western music institutions.
Grammy Snub Adds to Industry Controversy
In a stark contrast to Pitchfork's celebration, Moliy's chart-topping remix faced institutional rejection. The Recording Academy made the controversial decision to disqualify 'Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)' from consideration for the 2026 Grammy Awards. The disqualification was based on a technicality, as the Academy's rules rendered the definitive 'remix' version ineligible for the Best Global Music Performance category.
This ruling has reignited debates about gatekeeping in major award institutions. Reports suggest the enforcement of this rule even led to the dismissal of a Grammy official, adding a layer of corporate drama. The situation presents a confusing message: an artist can be celebrated by critics, dominate charts, yet be barred from music's biggest award stage on a technicality.
As the year concludes, Ghana holds the critical crown for 2025, with Amaarae and Moliy receiving prestigious recognition. However, the juxtaposition of Pitchfork's praise and the Grammy's rejection underscores the ongoing and complex fight for full institutional respect for African artists on the global scene.
