When Nigerian artists talk about money, success and the kind of lifestyle many people aspire to, certain names are almost guaranteed to come up.
Interestingly, the references aren’t always about how much money he has. Sometimes, artists use his name to express their own aspirations, make a playful comparison or even imagine what it would be like to have him as a friend.
Beyond Dangote and Otedola, Tony Elumelu has become another familiar reference in Afrobeats, with his name often associated with wealth, business success and financial ambition.
From Young Jonn to Rema, Olamide and M.I Abaga, here are 10 Afrobeats songs that reference Tony Elumelu.
1. Young Jonn – Elumelu
“I dey carry my body like Elumelu, Show me what God cannot do.”
Young Jonn makes Tony Elumelu’s name central to his expression of confidence and gratitude. By associating himself with the businessman, he taps into the image of someone who has achieved remarkable success, while the following line adds a touch of faith and belief in possibilities.
2. Rema – Azaman
“Eh, Dangote na baba Elumelu, eh, na baba Otedola, eh, na baba.”
Rema brings three of Nigeria’s biggest business names into the same conversation. By calling Dangote, Elumelu and Otedola “baba”, he uses their wealth and influence as references for the kind of financial status that defines the song’s money-conscious energy.
3. Olamide – Oil & Gas
“Tony Elumelu, Wá ba mi jó sílú.”
Olamide casually calls out Tony Elumelu in a line that feels like an invitation to come and enjoy the good life. It’s a playful reference that brings one of Nigeria’s most recognisable businessmen into the song’s celebration of money, enjoyment and success.
4. Frenna ft. Davido & Dystinct – More Pretty Girls
“Chekeleke gimme one kele, Tony Elumelu, You know say when I roger, them go come again.”
Davido brings Tony Elumelu into a conversation about spending and attracting attention. The reference suggests that having serious money makes certain things easier, with the businessman serving as a familiar symbol of the financial power behind that kind of lifestyle.
5. Rema – Villain
“Elumelu, tell me where I go put my money make e double unfailingly.”
Rema takes the reference a step further by imagining Tony Elumelu as someone who could offer advice on making money grow. It’s a humorous but relatable thought: when you think about wealth creation and investment, who better to ask than someone who has built a successful business empire?
6. Timi Dakolo – Everything (Amen)
“Elumelu go be your guy, amen.”
Timi Dakolo gives the reference a more prayerful and hopeful twist. Rather than simply wishing for money, he includes having someone like Tony Elumelu in your corner among the blessings being called upon. It’s a short line, but one that captures the familiar Nigerian desire for good connections and people who can open doors.
7. Idahams – Billion Dollar
“Eledumare give me billion dollar, Like you give oh Lulu Briggs, Like you give oh Elumelu.”
Idahams takes his financial ambitions straight to God, asking for the kind of wealth associated with successful Nigerian businessmen. By mentioning Lulu Briggs and Tony Elumelu, he gives his prayer a familiar point of reference. It’s essentially a request for the kind of financial breakthrough that can change a person’s life.
8. Rybeena – Dantata
“Tony Elumelu, Emi f’ola yin toro.”
Rybeena brings Tony Elumelu into a Yoruba expression that speaks to wealth and prosperity. The mention fits the song’s wider association with influential and successful figures, using Elumelu as another example of the kind of financial standing people aspire to.
9. M.I Abaga ft. Lord Vino – Soft Like Tony
“Grind for Elumelu money.”
M.I Abaga and Lord Vino make the reference particularly straightforward. Tony Elumelu’s name becomes shorthand for the kind of money that comes with serious success. The line also connects to the idea of grinding and working towards financial freedom rather than simply wishing for it.
10. Charles Okocha – Elumelu
“Shey you fit swag like Elumelu, You fit talk like Elumelu, You fit spend like Elumelu?”
Charles Okocha turns Tony Elumelu’s name into a playful measure of status, asking whether anyone can match his style, confidence and spending power. It’s a humorous comparison that plays on the businessman’s public image as a wealthy and influential figure, making the name-drop central to the song’s character.
