As 2024 comes to a close, Nigerian music continues to shine on the global stage, and the year ahead promises even more excitement. The Afrobeats wave has swept across continents, and with new talent emerging every year, 2025 is set to be another monumental year for Nigerian artists.
From chart-toppers to emerging stars, here’s a list of the top ten Nigerian artists to watch in 2025, whose talent, influence, and success will shape the sound of the music scene for the next year and beyond.
Top Ten Nigerian Artists to Watch in 2025
1. Burna Boy – The Global Icon
| Genre | Afrobeats, Afro-fusion |
| Notable Hits | Last Last, Kilometre, Anybody |
Burna Boy continues to be a global icon, and 2025 looks like another massive year for him. The Afro-fusion star has already achieved historic success, including a Grammy win and a string of chart-topping singles. With his unique sound blending Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop, Burna Boy will continue to dominate in 2025. His ongoing international collaborations and global tours will further solidify his legacy in the music world.
Why he’s number one: Burna Boy is not only the face of Afrobeats but a cultural ambassador, and his influence will likely continue to grow in 2025. Explore: Afropop rising stars in 2025.
2. Rema – The Rising Star
| Genre | Afrobeats, Trap, Pop |
| Notable Hits | Calm Down, Dumebi, Soundgasm |
Rema has been one of the most exciting and innovative Nigerian artists in recent years, and 2025 will be his year to shine even brighter. With his global smash hit Calm Down still dominating the charts, his rise shows no signs of slowing down.
Rema has captured the hearts of both Nigerian and international fans with his blend of Afrobeats, trap, and pop influences. Expect his sound to evolve even more in 2025 as he continues experimenting and collaborating with international artists.
Why he’s number two: Rema’s ability to blend genres and create catchy, global hits positions him as one of the most promising stars in Nigerian music for 2025.
3. Wizkid – The Afrobeats Pioneer
| Genre | Afrobeats, R&B |
| Notable Hits | Essence, Bad to Me, Joro |
Wizkid remains one of the most iconic figures in Afrobeats, and he’s not slowing down in 2025. The Essence hitmaker continues to test the boundaries of Afrobeats, combining R&B and pop with his signature style. His upcoming music is highly anticipated, and with his widespread influence, Wizkid is expected to continue dominating charts, both in Nigeria and internationally, through 2025 and beyond. His collaborations, like the one with Tems on Essence, are only a preview of what’s to come in the new year.
Why he’s number three: Wizkid has been a trailblazer for Afrobeats, and his innovative collaborations and musical prowess will keep him at the forefront of the genre in 2025. Explore: Wizkid’s Latest Tour Dates and Events
4. Oxlade – The New R&B Sensation
| Genre | Afrobeats, R&B |
| Notable Hits | Ku Lo Sa, Away, Oxygen |
Oxlade has been a force to reckon with in the Nigerian music industry, and his fame is set to rise even higher in 2025. His song Ku Lo Sa went viral globally, propelling him into the spotlight. With his soulful voice and ability to mix Afrobeat rhythms with R&B, Oxlade brings something unique to the music space. As his fanbase expands, Oxlade is expected to have a notable impact on the music scene in 2025.
Why he’s number four: Oxlade’s smooth, soulful sound and ability to cross genres make him one of the most exciting artists to watch in 2025.
5. Ayra Starr – The Female Powerhouse
| Genre | Afropop, Afrobeats, R&B |
| Notable Hits | Away, Sability, Rush |
Ayra Starr has firmly established herself as a leading figure in Nigerian music, and 2025 promises to be another huge year for her. With her debut album 19 & Dangerous receiving widespread acclaim, Ayra’s blend of Afropop, Afrobeats, and R&B continues to capture the attention of fans worldwide. Songs like Rush and Away have become anthems, and her influence will likely grow in the coming year.
Why she’s number five: Ayra Starr is one of the most talented and influential female artists in Afrobeats, and her captivating music will make her a major player in 2025. Explore: Ayra Starr’s Rise in Afropop
6. Fireboy DML – The Soulful Hitmaker
| Genre | Afrobeats, R&B, Soul |
| Notable Hits | Peru, Jealous, Vibration |
Fireboy DML’s soulful and Afrobeat-infused music continues to resonate with music lovers. Fireboy’s musical journey is gaining momentum with his track Peru dominating charts globally.
In 2025, we expect him to continue captivating fans with his heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies. His unique voice and ability to craft catchy hooks will keep him at the top of the Nigerian music space.
Why he’s number six: Fireboy DML’s unique blend of Afrobeats and soul makes him a standout artist, and his popularity will likely continue to rise in 2025.
7. Skiibii – The Fast-Rising Star
| Genre | Afrobeats, Dancehall |
| Notable Hits | Baddest Boy, Are You Vhere, Daz How Star Do |
Skiibii is rapidly becoming one of the hottest names in the Nigerian music industry, and 2025 will likely see him soar even higher. With his ability to create viral hits, Skiibii’s music blends dancehall, Afrobeat, and high-energy tunes. His recent releases, like Baddest Boy, have captured the attention of listeners worldwide, and his unique lyrics will continue to fuel his success in 2025.
Why he’s number seven: Skiibii’s ability to create viral, high-energy music makes him one of the most promising rising stars of 2025. Explore: Skiibii’s Viral Hits and Trending Music
8. Joeboy – The Future of Afropop
| Genre | Afropop, R&B |
| Notable Hits | Alcohol, Baby, Sip (Alcohol) |
Joeboy’s infectious melodies and catchy hooks make him one of the brightest stars in the Nigerian music scene. His track Alcohol has been a massive hit, and with his ability to blend Afropop with dance-friendly beats, Joeboy’s presence in 2025 is set to be even more impactful. His songs have an undeniable appeal, making him a staple at parties and on playlists.
Why he’s number eight: Joeboy’s fun and engaging Afropop tunes make him one of the most exciting talents to watch in 2025.
9. Lil Kesh – The Industry Veteran
| Genre | Afrobeats, Hip-hop |
| Notable Hits | Kilo Shoki, Shele Gan Gan, Don’t Call Me |
Lil Kesh remains a prominent figure in Nigerian music, and his veteran status may be celebrated in 2025. Known for his mix of Afrobeats and hip-hop, Lil Kesh continues to create music that resonates with his fans. As he continues collaborating with newer artists and stays relevant in the industry, expect more chart-topping hits from him in 2025.
Why he’s number nine: Lil Kesh’s experience, unique lyrics, and collaborations make him a key player in Nigerian music for 2025. Explore: Lil Kesh’s Top Collaborations and Features
10. Johnny Drille – The Indie Soul Sensation
| Genre | Afropop, Indie, Soul |
| Notable Hits | How Are You (My Friend), Bad Dancer, Forever |
Johnny Drille has carved out his niche in Nigerian music with his soulful, indie sound. With a growing fanbase and a style that mixes Afrobeat with indie, soul, and alternative influences, Johnny Drille is expected to make a big impact in 2025. His introspective lyrics and unique style make him a standout artist to watch in the coming year.
Why he’s number ten: Johnny Drille’s ability to blend indie and soul with Afrobeats makes him one of the most exciting Nigerian artists to look out for in 2025.
FAQs: Top Ten Nigerian Artists to Watch in 2025
1. Who is the most popular Nigerian artist in 2025?
Burna Boy is expected to remain the most popular Nigerian artist in 2025, continuing his global dominance.
2. What are the top songs of Nigerian artists in 2025?
Calm Down by Rema, Last Last by Burna Boy, Ku Lo Sa by Oxlade, and Alcohol by Joeboy will likely continue to be some of the most popular songs in 2025.
3. Who are the top female Nigerian artists in 2025?
Ayra Starr remains one of the top female Nigerian artists in 2025, with her vibrant presence in Afropop and Afrobeats.
4. Which Nigerian artist will be the most successful internationally in 2025?
Burna Boy is poised to continue his international success in 2025, having already achieved global recognition.
5. Which Nigerian artists are best known for collaborations in 2025?
Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema are likely to continue making waves with their international collaborations in 2025.
Conclusion: Nigerian Artists to Watch in 2025
As the Nigerian music industry continues to grow, 2025 promises to be a year of even bigger successes, chart-topping hits, and groundbreaking collaborations. Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, Afropop, or soulful indie sounds, Nigerian artists are reshaping the future of global music. Keep an eye on these top ten artists, they’re not just dominating Nigeria; they’re setting the pace for the world!