// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Buga say to its remix? "You buga me
| "Buga" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Kizz Daniel featuring Tekno | ||||
| from the album Maverick | ||||
| Released | 4 May 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:03 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Kizz Daniel singles chronology | ||||
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| Tekno singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Buga" on YouTube | ||||
"Buga (Lo Lo Lo)", also known as just "Buga", is a song by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel featuring fellow Nigerian singer Tekno. It was released on 4 May 2022 by Flyboy I.N.C and Empire Distribution as the second single from Daniel's fourth studio album Maverick (2023) and was produced by Reward Beatz, Blaisebeatz, and Yung Willis.[3][2] The song reached No. 1 on Apple Music's Nigeria Top 100 chart three days after its release,[4][5] and topped the TurnTable Top 100 for seven weeks and ultimately emerging as the year's leading song. With a record-breaking 57.9 million streams, it achieved the highest streaming numbers ever in a single calendar year in Nigeria. It later became the most Shazamed song in the world after claiming the No. 1 spot in 13 countries.[6]
In addition to topping the streaming charts, "Buga" secured top-five positions in both radio and TV impressions.[7] It won Song of the Year at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival in 2023 and received a nomination for Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, and Headies Viewer's Choice at The Headies 2023.[8][9] The song was declared as the No. 1 Nigerian song of 2022 by TurnTable magazine, and was ranked #43 on Billboard magazine's list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time.[7][10]
Background and release
[edit]Reward Beatz, one of the song's producers, explained in an interview with TurnTable magazine that he created the beat from scratch in the studio with Kizz Daniel and later sent to him for recording.[11] On the day of the song's release, Kizz Daniel started a viral dance challenge, which launched through his social media page, providing a ₦1,000,000 prize for the best "Buga" video content, with fans acting as the judges.[12] The challenge was won by Chionye Elvira, who was one year old at the time.[13]
Composition and lyrics
[edit]The song was recorded in the key of A♭ major with a tempo of 116 BPM.[14] The lyrics of "Buga" focus on confidence and celebration. "Buga" is a Yoruba slang term that means to show off, take pride, or flaunt success. In the song, Kizz Daniel uses it to encourage listeners to enjoy the results of their hard work, celebrate their wins, and keep a positive mindset while avoiding negativity.[15]
Reception
[edit]In a review for Afrocritik, Emmanuel Daraloye called "Buga" a "feel-good, perky type of song" infused with amapiano elements, highlighted by log drums and a "sublime" verse from Tekno that complements Daniel's performance. He suggested the song might be an "unofficial song of the summer," comparing it to Wizkid and Tems' impact the previous year, and added that the track's viral dance move has further fueled its popularity across social media platforms. He rated the song a 6.5/10.[15] Gabriel Myers Hansen of Music in Africa said that Kizz Daniel was "very much a linchpin" in Afrobeats whose career had shown steady growth, describing "Buga" as "Afrobeats' leading song," praising its "unique aural draw" and "elegant plainness," noting its sustained momentum beyond TikTok trends, and concluding that the song’s appeal lay in "a singular groove and melody, immense charisma and songwriting that succeeds in cajoling listeners."[1]
Impact
[edit]Former Liberian president George Weah,[16] Nigerian Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila,[17] former Nigerian Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi,[18] and the 16th president of Nigeria Bola Tinubu,[19] all shared videos of themselves dancing to the song.
Music video
[edit]The music video for "Buga," directed by TG Omori, was published to YouTube on 22 June 2022. It showcases a celebratory theme, featuring a carnival-like setting shot in Lagos and Abuja. The video, featuring a cameo from Oga Sabinus, includes vibrant choreography and festive visuals that align with the song's message of enjoyment and success. It amassed over 3.8 million views within just two days.[20][21]
Commercial performance
[edit]Upon its release, "Buga" achieved commercial success and set multiple records. By 16 May 2022, two weeks after its debut, the song recorded 11.4 million equivalent streams and 47.5 million radio impressions, breaking the record for the largest streaming week since TurnTable began tracking in July 2020. It debuted at No. 1 on the TurnTable Top 50, becoming Kizz Daniel’s third chart-topping single and Tekno's first.[22] By 25 May 2022, "Buga" simultaneously held the records for the highest weekly streaming tally, highest weekly radio tally, and highest total chart activity recorded by a song in a single week. During that week, it tallied 12.3 million equivalent streams (up 7.8%) and 71.6 million radio impressions (up 50.7%). It also remained at No. 1 with nearly twice the points of the No. 2 song on the TurnTable Top 50 chart.[23]
By 1 June 2022, "Buga" spent a third consecutive week atop the streaming chart with 9.03 million equivalent streams and led the radio chart for a second week with 59.3 million impressions. At the time, it held the three highest chart point tallies in TurnTable history, recorded on the charts dated 16 May, 23 May, and 30 May 2022.[24] By 13 June 2022, the song matched the five-week No. 1 runs of Skiibii's "Baddest Boy (Remix)" and Black Sherif's "Kwaku the Traveller" as the longest-running chart-toppers of 2022. It also recorded a fifth consecutive week as Nigeria’s most streamed song and remained No. 1 on the radio chart.[25] By 20 June 2022, "Buga" set a new record for the most weeks at No. 1 in 2022, spending six weeks atop the TurnTable Top 50.[26] On 19 May 2022, Shazam announced that "Buga" was the most Shazamed song in the world. The song also set a new streaming record by becoming the first song to reach one million streams within 24 hours on Boomplay Music.[27]
Controversy
[edit]In April 2024, Kizz Daniel and Tekno were involved in a public dispute over the royalties from "Buga". The controversy began after a blog claimed that Tekno had said in an interview that he had no formal agreement regarding his feature on the song and received 50% of its revenue, reportedly amounting to nearly ₦1,000,000. Tekno denied the claim, describing the interview as "fake" and suggesting that Kizz Daniel did not have such funds to distribute. Kizz Daniel subsequently responded on Twitter, accusing Tekno of disrespect and claiming that "Buga" had revived his music career. Tekno replied by questioning Daniel's motives and warning him not to "play" with him, suggesting that Daniel's remarks stemmed from insecurity. The exchange continued on social media and attracted attention from fans and media outlets.[28][29]
Accolades
[edit]| Organization | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Africa Music Awards | 2023 | Song of the Year | Nominated | [30] |
| Best African Collaboration | Nominated | |||
| Best African Video | Won | |||
| Best Artiste/Duo/Group in African Pop | Nominated | |||
| Best Male Artiste in West Africa (Kizz Daniel for "Buga") |
Nominated | |||
| Producer of the Year (Reward Beatz for "Buga") |
Nominated | |||
| The Headies | Song of the Year | Nominated | [8] | |
| Afrobeats Single of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Headies' Viewers' Choice | Nominated | |||
| African Entertainment Awards USA | Song of the Year | Won | [31] | |
| Soundcity MVP Awards Festival | Song of the Year | Won | [9] |
Charts
[edit]Weekly charts
[edit]| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable Top 50)[32] | 1 |
| UK Afrobeats (Official Charts)[33] | 2 |
Year-end charts
[edit]| Chart (2022) | Position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[34] | 9 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (TCSN)[35] | 4× Platinum | 400,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[36] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from Apple Music.[37]
- Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe – vocals, songwriter
- Augustine Miles Kelechi - vocals, songwriter
- Reward Beatz - production
- Blaisebeatz - production
- Yung Willis - production
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 4 March 2022 |
|
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 Myers Hansen, Gabriel (27 June 2022). "Buga: Kizz Daniel triggers global fever". Music in Africa. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- 1 2 Eze, Chinelo (5 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel And Tekno Drop New Collaboration 'Buga'". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Sulaimon, Muhibat (5 May 2022). "DOWNLOAD: Kizz Daniel, Tekno combine for 'Buga'". TheCable. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Tenadu, Nana (6 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel And Tekno's 'Buga' Tops Apple Music's Top 100: Nigeria Chart". Unorthodox Reviews. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Afeez, Ademoye (6 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel & Tekno's 'Buga' Becomes No. 1 Song In Nigeria, SEE DETAILS". NotJustOk. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Tenadu, Nana (16 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel's 'Buga' is the Most Shazamed Song in The World". Unorthodox Reviews. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- 1 2 Oriowo, Ayomide (26 December 2022). "Kizz Daniel's "Buga (Lo Lo Lo)" with Tekno is the No. 1 Song of 2022 in Nigeria, Asake Dominates the Top Ten with Four Entries". TurnTable. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- 1 2 Grein, Paul (28 August 2023). "Burna Boy Leads in 2023 Headies Awards Nominations: Full List (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- 1 2 Emmanuel, Solution (12 February 2023). "Soundcity MVP Awards 2023: Burnaboy, Kizz Daniel win (FULL WINNERS LIST)". Premium Times. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ↑ Mamo, Heran; Maduafokwa, Blossom; Okon, Wongo; Scott, Nicholas-Tyrell; Oloworekende, Wale (19 August 2025). "The 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time: Full Staff List". Billboard. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ "Producing Kizz Daniel's Buga came easy, says Reward Beatz". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Courage, Onyema (4 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel and Tekno release new single 'Buga'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (27 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel's 'Buga' Gets First Challenge Winner, Becomes Most 'Shazamed' Song". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ "Buga (Lo Lo Lo) - Kizz Daniel, Tekno BPM & Key". songdata.io. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- 1 2 Daraloye, Emmanuel (17 May 2022). "What Does "Buga" Portend for Kizz Daniel's Career?". Afrocritik. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ "Liberian leader George Weah gets the BUGA dance bug". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Adegboyega, Adeleye (19 August 2022). "VIDEO: Gbajabiamila dances to Kizz Daniel's Buga". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Usaini, Nebianet (21 July 2022). "Kizz Daniel's 'Buga' Is The Most Googled Song In Nigeria". Channels TV. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Adedamola, Quasim (6 December 2022). "Tinubu dances to Kizz Daniel's "Buga" song after Chattam House Conference". Daily Trust. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Idowu, Oluwamayowa (22 June 2022). "Kizz Daniel and Tekno Throw A Carnival in the Video for 'Buga'". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ "Kizz Daniel's "Buga" Video Makes Impressive Outing". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 25 June 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Wangeci, Tela (16 May 2022). "TurnTable Top 50: Kizz Daniel's "Buga" Debuts At No.1 This Week". The Native. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ↑ "Kizz Daniel & Tekno's 'Buga' fends off stiff competition to retain No.1 spot". Pulse Nigeria. 25 May 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ↑ "'Buga (Lo Lo Lo)' by Kizz Daniel & Tekno spends third week at No. 1 on Turntable Top 50". Pulse Nigeria. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ↑ "'Buga' by Kizz Daniel & Tekno spends fifth week at no.1, Lade's 'Adulthood Anthem' debuts at No. 9". Pulse Nigeria. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ↑ Ade Peter, Dennis (20 June 2022). "TurnTable Top 50: Kizz Daniel & Tekno's "Buga" stays at No. 1 for the sixth straight week". The Native. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ↑ Mujuru, Mufaro (22 May 2022). "Kizz Daniel and Tekno's 'Buga' becomes most Shazamed song in the world". Grungecake. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Bolawa, Pelumi (30 April 2024). "Kizz Daniel, Tekno trade insults on X over 'Buga'". TheCable. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Ubanagu, Makua (30 April 2024). "Kizz Daniel, Tekno in war of words over 'Buga'". The Punch. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ Yongo, Sughnen (23 January 2023). "Here Are All the Winners at the AFRIMA Awards". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ↑ "8TH ANNUAL AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS, USA (AEAUSA) 2022 WINNERS". AEUSAs. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ↑ "Official Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable.
- ↑ "Official Afrobeats Chart on 19/6/2022 – Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
- ↑ "End of the Year Charts — TurnTable Top 100". TurnTable. 2 January 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ↑ "American single certifications – Kizz Daniel, Tekno – BUGA (LO LO LO)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ "Buga (Lo Lo Lo) - Single - Album by Kizz Daniel & Tekno". Apple Music. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2024.