Here, we explore 10 toxic Afrobeats songs about cheating and infidelity you need to hear.
Art often reflects society, and the prevalence of toxic love themes in our music may mirror the increasing presence of such instances in society. In today’s social media-driven world, where savagery and toxicity are worn as badges of honor, it’s unsurprising that these elements find prominence in our music. The toxic movement is gradually permeating the Afrobeats genre, and here, we explore 10 toxic Afrobeats (African) songs that explore cheating and infidelity.
1. CKay – You Cheated, I Cheated Too
From his sophomore album “Sad Romance”, CKay’s unapologetically titled track “You Cheated I Cheated Too” offers a candid glimpse into the complexities of infidelity and toxicity in romantic relationships. Through vindictive lyrics and soulful melodies, CKay navigates the intricacies of love, heartbreak, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
2. Fireboy DML – Ashawo
Embracing the overarching theme of his third studio album, “Playboy”, Fireboy sheds his loverboy persona to embrace the archetype of a philanderer. This shift in roles takes center stage in the track “Ashawo”. Here Fireboy DML embodies a nonchalant attitude toward fidelity, seemingly assuring his partner with words like, “If I cheat on you, I’m sorry, and if you cheat on me, no worry”.
3. KiDi – End In Tears
In “End In Tears”, KiDi grapples with infidelity, displaying enough self-awareness to understand that he won’t fulfill the expectations of the women he encounters. “Don’t fall for a man like me, It will only end in tears, oh please” he croons on the unapologetic track which highlights his non-commital and casual approach to love.
4. Vision DJ ft. King Promise & Sarkodie – Double Trouble
Building on the success of his single “Grind” featuring singer Ayisi, formerly known as A.I, Vision DJ brought together King Promise and Sarkodie in 2017 for “Double Trouble”. Playing on the classic “this is wrong, but feels so right” trope, King Promise and Sarkodie skillfully illustrate the predicament of two cheaters who find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other despite being in separate relationships. “The day my girl go catch you… ego be double trouble,” King Promise cautions on the infectious hook, capturing the tension and allure of forbidden love.
5. Ruger – Girlfriend
Ruger unapologetically embraces his womanizing persona, evident throughout his music catalog. On “Girlfriend,” he vividly narrates the tale of shamelessly attempting to cheat on his girlfriend with a newfound love interest. The recurring question, “What if I do have a girlfriend?” echoes throughout the song. Ruger delves into the moral ambiguity of his actions, blurring the lines between desire and loyalty.
6. Stonebwoy ft. Dexta Daps – Secret Lover
From Stonebwoy’s critically acclaimed “5th Dimension” album, the track “Secret Lover” features Jamaican artiste Dexta Daps, adding depth to its narrative. The song chronicles the protagonist, navigating the delicate balance of infidelity, cautioning his secret lover to proceed with caution to avoid exposing their affair to his girlfriend.
7. Blaqbonez – Back In Uni
From his 2022 album “Young Preacher,” Blaqbonez recounts his past on “Back In Uni”. The track documents his trail of heartbreaks from his university days, highlighting his unfaithfulness to his then-girlfriend. Blaqbonez refrains from taking responsibility or offering apologies for his serial infidelity, hinting that his penchant for philandering persists to this day.
8. Kizz Daniel – Fvck You
Arguably one of Kizz Daniel’s most impactful songs, “Fvck You” produced by Young Jonn, delves into being on the wrong side of infidelity. In the song, Kizz Daniel expresses profound regret for loving the wrong woman, taking a controversial and toxic turn as he resorts to derogatory language, expressing his disdain for her promiscuity.
9. RJZ ft. Mac M – Not Yours
Back in 2018, the Ghanaian Twitter community went into delirium when two females took to the timeline to accuse RJZ, the then-burgeoning artiste, and member of cult music collective La Meme Gang, of infidelity. The rapper’s surprise clap back came swiftly in the form of the song “Not Yours”. Here, RJZ unapologetically justifies his cheating ways. “I’m with you but I’m not yours,” he croons. The song is riddled with several other quotable lyrics that feed into the now-in-vogue toxic masculinity trope.
10. Ric Hassani – Thunder Fire You
From Ric Hassani’s album “The Prince I Have Become,” the track “Thunder Fire You” emerges as a passionate response to betrayal and mistreatment within a relationship. Heartbroken, Ric Hassani unleashes curses upon his ex-lover (and her friends), telling her to go to hell! This fiery expression may have led the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ban the song from the airwaves, signaling a contentious reaction to its raw emotion and provocative lyrics.
