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Top 50 Best Songs by Boney M

  • Aug 02, 2026
  • By Learn How To Be a DJ
  • DJ Playlist Ideas
  • 5 min read
Top 50 Best Songs by Boney M

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.

  1. Boney M. have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
  2. Frank Farian originally recorded “Baby Do You Wanna Bump” himself before forming the group.
  3. “Rivers of Babylon” remains one of the UK’s biggest selling singles ever.
  4. “Rasputin” became a worldwide viral sensation again more than 40 years after its original release.
  5. The group achieved numerous number one singles across Europe.
  6. Their music combines disco, reggae, funk, pop and Caribbean influences.
  7. Bobby Farrell became famous for his energetic stage performances.
  8. Many of their biggest songs remain staples on cruise ships and wedding playlists.
  9. Boney M.’s Christmas recordings continue to chart and stream heavily every festive season.
  10. 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.

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