Top 50 Best Songs by Boney M
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Aug 02, 2026
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By Learn How To Be a DJ
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DJ Playlist Ideas
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5 min read
Top 50 Best Songs by Boney M.
Boney M. remain one of the biggest selling disco groups in music history, with worldwide record sales estimated at well over 100 million records. Their unique blend of disco, reggae, pop and Caribbean influences made them one of the defining acts of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Produced by Frank Farian, the group achieved enormous international success with a string of chart-topping singles that continue to receive extensive radio play, streaming success and DJ support decades after their original release.
The following list ranks Boney M.’s most commercially successful and historically significant songs using available worldwide sales data, international chart performance, certifications, longevity and overall music industry consensus. While precise worldwide sales figures are unavailable for every individual single, the ordering reflects recognised chart success across multiple territories together with their lasting popularity.
| No. | Track | Featured Artist(s) | Original Release Date | Original Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rivers of Babylon | None | 30 Apr 1978 | Hansa International |
| 2 | Rasputin | None | 28 Aug 1978 | Hansa International |
| 3 | Daddy Cool | None | 31 Aug 1976 | Hansa International |
| 4 | Brown Girl in the Ring | None | 30 Apr 1978 | Hansa International |
| 5 | Ma Baker | None | 2 May 1977 | Hansa International |
| 6 | Sunny | None | 18 Nov 1976 | Hansa International |
| 7 | Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord | None | 27 Nov 1978 | Hansa International |
| 8 | Belfast | None | 19 Sept 1977 | Hansa International |
| 9 | Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holi-Holiday | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 10 | Gotta Go Home | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 11 | Painter Man | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 12 | El Lute | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 13 | Bahama Mama | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 14 | Baby Do You Wanna Bump | None | 7 Oct 1975 | Hansa International |
| 15 | Oceans of Fantasy | None | 1979 | Hansa International |
| 16 | No Woman No Cry | None | 1976 | Hansa International |
| 17 | Kalimba de Luna | None | 1984 | Hansa |
| 18 | Happy Song | None | 1984 | Hansa |
| 19 | We Kill the World (Don’t Kill the World) | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 20 | Malaika | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 21 | Felicidad (Margherita) | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 22 | My Friend Jack | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 23 | I See a Boat on the River | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 24 | Children of Paradise | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 25 | Consuela Biaz | None | 1979 | Hansa |
| 26 | I’m Born Again | None | 1979 | Hansa |
| 27 | No Time to Lose | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 28 | Going Back West | None | 1982 | Hansa |
| 29 | Jambo Hakuna Matata | None | 1983 | Hansa |
| 30 | Zion’s Daughter | None | 1978 | Hansa |
| 31 | Love for Sale | None | 1977 | Hansa |
| 32 | Plantation Boy | None | 1977 | Hansa |
| 33 | Gloria Can You Waddle | None | 1979 | Hansa |
| 34 | Ribbons of Blue | None | 1983 | Hansa |
| 35 | Somewhere in the World | None | 1984 | Hansa |
| 36 | African Moon | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 37 | Goodbye My Friend | None | 1982 | Hansa |
| 38 | Never Change Lovers in the Middle of the Night | None | 1983 | Hansa |
| 39 | Young, Free and Single | None | 1984 | Hansa |
| 40 | Little Drummer Boy | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 41 | The Carnival Is Over | None | 1982 | Hansa |
| 42 | Fever | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 43 | King of the Road | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 44 | Calendar Song (January, February, March…) | None | 1981 | Hansa |
| 45 | Still I’m Sad | None | 1977 | Hansa |
| 46 | Heart of Gold | None | 1978 | Hansa |
| 47 | Dancing in the Streets | None | 1980 | Hansa |
| 48 | Bye Bye Bluebird | None | 1983 | Hansa |
| 49 | Somewhere in the World (Single Version) | None | 1984 | Hansa |
| 50 | Eye Dance | None | 1985 | Hansa |
*Release dates and original labels are based on the original commercial single releases and recognised discography sources.
Why These Songs Belong in Every DJ Collection
Boney M.’s music remains a staple of dance floors across the world. Their records successfully combine infectious disco grooves with reggae rhythms, memorable hooks and polished studio production. Tracks such as Rivers of Babylon, Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Sunny, Ma Baker and Brown Girl in the Ring continue to fill dance floors at weddings, festivals, retro nights, cruises, family parties and club events.
Many of these songs have enjoyed renewed popularity through streaming platforms and social media, introducing Boney M. to entirely new generations of listeners. “Rasputin” in particular experienced a significant revival thanks to TikTok and modern dance remixes, reaffirming its status as one of disco’s greatest recordings.
The History of Boney M.
Boney M. was created in Germany by producer Frank Farian in 1975. Initially conceived as a studio project, the group evolved into one of the most recognisable acts of the disco era.
The classic line-up featured:
- Liz Mitchell
- Marcia Barrett
- Bobby Farrell
- Maizie Williams
Between 1976 and 1980 the group dominated charts throughout Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and many other territories. Their combination of disco, pop and Caribbean influences helped define the sound of late 1970s popular music.
Their biggest worldwide hit, Rivers of Babylon / Brown Girl in the Ring, became one of the UK’s best selling singles of all time and spent five consecutive weeks at number one.
10 Fun Facts About Boney M.
- Boney M. have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
- Frank Farian originally recorded “Baby Do You Wanna Bump” himself before forming the group.
- “Rivers of Babylon” remains one of the UK’s biggest selling singles ever.
- “Rasputin” became a worldwide viral sensation again more than 40 years after its original release.
- The group achieved numerous number one singles across Europe.
- Their music combines disco, reggae, funk, pop and Caribbean influences.
- Bobby Farrell became famous for his energetic stage performances.
- Many of their biggest songs remain staples on cruise ships and wedding playlists.
- Boney M.’s Christmas recordings continue to chart and stream heavily every festive season.
- Their influence can still be heard in modern dance music and pop production.
Learn How to Become a DJ
If listening to timeless classics like Boney M. inspires you to start DJing, there has never been a better time to learn. Understanding why legendary records work on the dance floor is one of the fastest ways to build great DJ skills.
Whether you want to DJ at home, perform in clubs, play weddings or become a professional entertainer, the right training can help you master mixing, beatmatching, music selection, reading a crowd and building unforgettable sets.
Visit <a href=”https://www.learnhowtobeadj.com/”>How to Become a DJ</a> to discover practical DJ training and purchase the comprehensive DJ ebook designed to help beginners build the confidence and skills needed to perform professionally.