Top 10 popular Nigerian Christmas songs to listen to this season

Christmas in Nigeria is a vibrant celebration filled with family reunions, festive decorations, and a rich tapestry of music that welcomes the holiday season.

IDOMA VOICE reports that the Nigerian Christmas songs and carols often blend traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and cheerful spirit throughout the festivities.

Here are ten popular Nigerian Christmas songs and carols to warm your heart and bring rhythm to your holiday celebrations:

1. Elu Agogo Keresimesi
“Elu Agogo Keresimesi” is a beloved Yoruba Christmas song written by Ife Ogunwumiju. The song, which translates to “Christmas Bells Are Ringing,” expresses joy and festivity in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

2. Long Time Ago In Bethlehem
A timeless classic, “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” reflects on the humble birth of Jesus. Although written by Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, its heartfelt message resonates with Nigerian audiences and is frequently performed during the Christmas season across the country.

3. 12 Days of Christmas
Originally a traditional English folk song, the “12 Days of Christmas” has been given a Nigerian twist in renditions like the Naija Boys version, adding local flavor and humor to the classic carol.

4. Odun Nlo Sopin
“Odun Nlo Sopin,” meaning “The Year is Ending,” is a popular Nigerian Christmas carol performed by the CAC Good Women’s Choir. The song blends Yoruba rhythms with church choir arrangements, creating an uplifting and joyous atmosphere during the holiday season.

5. Silent Night
“Silent Night,” first performed in Austria in 1818, is one of the most beloved Christmas carols worldwide. With over 300 translations, it has become a staple of Nigerian Christmas celebrations.

6. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” celebrates the birth of Christ and the peace and goodwill that follow. In Nigeria, this carol is frequently performed during Christmas services, often with local adjustments in various languages and styles, including Afrobeat versions.

7. Feliz Navidad
José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad,” written in 1970, is a classic Christmas song that has gained popularity in Nigeria, especially in neighborhoods where both English and local languages are spoken. Its cheerful tune is a favorite at parties, church services, and festive gatherings, promoting joy and unity.

8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a beloved English carol that has been embraced in Nigeria, often performed in Pidgin or local languages with a playful tone and traditional beats, making it a festive favorite during the holiday season.

9. Joy to the World
“Joy to the World,” based on Psalm 98, is another popular carol in Nigeria. Composed by George Frideric Handel, it celebrates God’s reign and the hope of salvation, and has been adapted in numerous styles to fit Nigeria’s vibrant Christmas celebrations.

10. O Come, All Ye Faithful
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a classic carol known for its jubilant and welcoming lyrics. It has become a staple in Nigerian Christmas services and celebrations.

These songs encapsulate the essence of Nigerian Christmas, blending local traditions with global themes to create a festive and unique holiday atmosphere.