As 2025 draws to a close, Afrobeats has solidified its position as a global powerhouse, blending infectious rhythms, heartfelt storytelling, and boundary-pushing collaborations.
Afrobeats artists continued to lead the charge, dominating streaming platforms, selling out international arenas, and earning prestigious accolades—from Grammy nominations to historic festival headliner status.
This year witnessed monumental world tours and groundbreaking albums that redefined the genre's reach. Rema's HEIS world tour captivated audiences with sold-out shows at venues such as Madison Square Garden and Accor Arena, including a notable appearance at Coachella. Burna Boy's No Sign of Weakness fueled his stadium runs with global features. Davido's 5ive delivered triumphant live shows and earned Artist of the Year honours. Wizkid's Morayo experienced cancellations in North America, including the Accor Arena in Paris, due to alleged low ticket sales.
Collaborations remained a cornerstone, with artists like Ayra Starr linking with Coldplay and Tems delivering soulful features. Rising forces such as Mavo (Kilometer II), Seyi Vibez (FUJI MOTO), and Fola (catharsis) brought fresh street energy, while veterans like Adekunle Gold (Fuji) fused highlife with modern flair.
Festival stages worldwide—from Afro Nation to Wireless—highlighted Afrobeats' dominance, with artists achieving record streams, chart-toppers, and cultural milestones. From Odumodublvck's raw rap infusions to Asake's high-energy anthems, 2025 proved the genre's evolution is unstoppable, inspiring fans across continents.
Here are the 20 best Afrobeats artists of 2025, ranked based on streaming dominance, chart performance, tours, albums, and global impact (calendar: November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025):
20. Young Jonn
Country: Nigeria
Label: Chocolate City /Warner Music Africa
Top Songs: Only Fans, Ten Times, Che Che, Cash Flow
Young Jonn had a breakout year in 2025, solidifying his status as a versatile producer-turned-artist with high-energy tracks that dominated playlists. He had a decent year with amazing records like Cash Flow with Wizkid, Che Che with Asake, Only Fans and more as a follow-up to his debut album Jiggy Forever. Key collaborations included features with Olamide on 99, Disco with FOLA, and Aromatherapy with his Chocolate City label mates.
19. Jeriq
Country: Nigeria
Label: Iyoo Cartel
Top Songs: Escape Plan, and Out The Mud
Jeriq solidified his status as the voice of the streets in 2025, using raw storytelling to bridge the gap between indigenous rap and mainstream success. Within the tracking period, his sophomore album KING (August 2024) remained a chart fixture, fueled by the massive success of the single Ije Nwoke, which earned him a win for Best Rap Single at the 17th Headies Awards in early 2025. His cultural impact was further recognized at the 2025 Galaxy Music Awards, where he was honoured as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Jeriq’s East Side dominance peaked with his record-breaking Jeriqhood homecoming concerts, where he sold out the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu and held a massive show in Onitsha, drawing thousands of fans and proving the immense commercial power of Eastern hip-hop. By October 2025, his international stock rose significantly following a standout performance at the African Entertainment Awards (AEAUSA) pre-party in the US, where he was noted for having the fastest-selling ticket window for an emerging African rapper, firmly establishing him as a top-tier global rap export.
18. Kizz Daniel
Country: Nigeria
Label: Flyboy iNC / EMPIRE
Top Songs: Titi, Al-Jannah, To Be A Man
Kizz Daniel extended his legendary hit-making streak through 2025, seamlessly blending Afrobeats with soulful R&B to maintain his status as a global chart fixture. The centrepiece of his year was the release of the seven-track EP UNCLE K: LEMON CHASE (May 30, 2025), which featured the critically acclaimed Police (feat. Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille) and the spiritual anthem Al-Jannah (feat. Odumodublvck & Bella Shmurda). The project accumulated over 200 million global streams within months, bolstered by the lingering dominance of his 2024 hit Twe Twe, which won Song of the Year at the 2025 Headies Awards. Beyond the charts, Kizz Daniel’s Vado World Tour saw him sell out the O2 Indigo in London and deliver a historic, record-breaking performance at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, where he was celebrated for having one of the highest-ever attendances for a solo African act at the event. His year was further solidified by a nomination for Digital Artist of the Year at the Headies and his performance at the 2025 Eyo Festival grand finale in Lagos, confirming his position as a premier cultural ambassador for Nigeria.
17. Seyi Vibez
Country: Nigeria
Label: Vibez iNC / EMPIRE
Top Songs: Pressure, Mario Kart
Seyi Vibez redefined street-pop dominance in 2025 by blending traditional Yoruba spiritual elements with modern high-energy rhythms. Within the tracking period, he released the critically acclaimed Children of Africa EP (February 2025, 4 tracks), featuring the international crossover hit MACHO (feat. NLE Choppa) and the viral anthem Mario Kart, while his 2024 album Loseyi Professor continued to anchor his chart presence. His collaborative power was on full display with the star-studded single "99" (alongside Olamide, Asake, and Young Jonn) and the cultural fusion of Different Pattern, both of which sparked immense X discourse. A definitive highlight of his year was his historic headline concert at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in August 2025, where he performed on a groundbreaking 40-foot 360-degree all-screen stage—the first of its kind. He also swept major honours, including Best Street-Hop Artist at the 2025 Headies Awards and a dominant showing on Spotify and Apple Music's mid-year charts.
16. Shallipopi
Country: Nigeria
Label: Plutomania Records / Since 93
Top Songs: Laho, Na So, Laho II
Shallipopi's 2025 was defined by the massive success of the single Laho (released March 2025), which became a cultural anthem and spawned a heavyweight remix, Laho II featuring Burna Boy (April 2025). The track dominated the TurnTable Top 100 and surpassed 100 million global streams during this period, fueling viral dances that led to him being named African Rookie of the Month by Billboard in May 2025. On the live circuit, Shallipopi delivered a career-defining headline set at Afro Nation Portugal in July 2025 and sold out major venues in Lagos and Johannesburg, breaking records as the fastest-rising artist on TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa. His collaborative run remained unmatched, featuring the buzzy Rockstar with Ruger and the chart-topping HIM featuring Gunna, maintaining his status as a fixture on the Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria Top 10 throughout the year.
15. Mavo
Country: Nigeria
Label: Kilogbede Records/ Inner Circle Entertainment Ltd.
Top Songs: Tumo Weto, Escaladizzy, Shakabulizzy
Mavo had a breakout rookie year in 2025, blending Afrobeats, rap, and street slang ("Burbur Music") for rapid mainstream success. He earned Billboard's African Rookie of the Month title for November, highlighting his high-profile collaborations and viral momentum while studying optometry. Key releases included the viral single Escaladizzy (feat. WAVE$TAR), its remix Escaladizzy II (feat. Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, and Zlatan), BODY (danz) (feat. CKay), Money Constant (with DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, and Wizkid), and Shakabulizzy Remix (feat. Davido)—several tracks dominated charts, with multiple occupying top spots on Apple Music Nigeria simultaneously. These collaborations generated massive buzz on TikTok and X through dance challenges and quotable lyrics. Mavo performed at the inaugural Motherland Festival in Lagos (December 2025) and headlined his first major concert, MAVO LIVE, on December 16 at Livespot Entertarium in Lagos. He also completed a university tour across Nigerian campuses and a UK tour in October.
14. Fola
Country: Nigeria
Label: Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE
Top Songs: you, caricature, lost
FOLA emerged as a breakout force in Nigerian Afrobeats in 2025, blending soulful R&B, pop, and emotional storytelling for widespread recognition. His debut studio album catharsis (released September 4, 2025, via Dangbana Republik/Empire), debuted with a record-breaking 10.66 million first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria—the highest ever for a Nigerian debut project—and later surpassed 100 million streams on the platform, ranking among the top streamed 2025 Nigerian albums. The 11-track project featured collaborations with Victony (on Golibe), Kizz Daniel (on Lost, which peaked at No. 3 on TurnTable Top 100), Gabzy (on Robbery), and Young Jonn (on Disco), earning praise for its introspective themes and cultural resonance. Additional 2025 collaborations included BNXN (on Very Soon) and DJ Tunez/Wizkid (on One Condition). FOLA topped TurnTable Charts' artist index for all four weeks of October 2025 (and into November), driven by the album's dominance. He performed at major events like Motherland Festival in Lagos (December 2025) and headlined his first major concert in Lagos (December 15, 2025, though disrupted by overcrowding safety issues), marking his rapid rise with strong live demand and placement in Spotify Nigeria's top-streamed artists.
13. Adekunle Gold
Country: Nigeria
Label: Somtin Different / Believe UK
Top Songs: Many People, Coco Money, Bobo
Adekunle Gold showcased his evolution through highlife and Fuji influences in 2025 with the release of his sixth studio album, Fuji, on October 3 (15 tracks). The project blended traditional Yoruba elements like Fuji and Sakara with modern Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, earning praise for cultural depth and authenticity. Standout tracks included Bobo (feat. Lojay and Shoday), Coco Money, Obimo, Believe, and Many People (feat. Yinka Ayefele and Adewale Ayuba), with the latter's visuals highlighting legendary guest appearances. Collaborations also featured Attack (with rising star Mavo and Santi), alongside Davido, Robert Glasper, Soweto Gospel Choir, and 6lack. He delivered landmark orchestral performances, including The Greatest Show Yet homecoming concert on December 26 at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre (National Theatre) in Lagos, backed by a 55-piece MUSON orchestra and his band The 79th Element—selling out the main bowl and becoming the first artist to headline the venue post-renovation. Additionally, he performed with a full orchestra at London's Royal Festival Hall on November 23 as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
12. Odumodublvck
Country: Nigeria
Label: Kalacious Entertainment/NATIVE Records/Def Jam Recordings
Top Songs: Pity This Boy, Industry Machine, Big Time
Odumodublvck solidified his rap dominance in 2025 with gritty, genre-blending lyrics that resonated across Nigeria and beyond. He released two major projects: the mixtape THE MACHINE IS COMING (March 31, 2025, 16 tracks), which debuted at No. 1 on Nigerian charts, and his debut studio album INDUSTRY MACHINE (October 2025, 23 tracks), featuring high-profile collaborations including Big Time (feat. Wizkid), tracks with Davido, Seun Kuti, Patoranking, and Stormzy. The album dominated charts, occupying the entire Top 10 on Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria upon release, with Big Time trending heavily and earning acclaim for its fusion energy. Big Time (feat. Wizkid) won Best Continental Afro-Rap Fusion Hit at the 2025 Entertainment Arts Excellence Awards (EAEA). Odumodublvck also won the prestigious Next Rated Artist at the 17th Headies Awards (April 2025), presented by Davido. He ranked as Nigeria's fifth most-streamed artist on Spotify Wrapped 2025, with strong catalogue performance driving significant local engagement.
11. Moliy
Country: Ghana
Label: Gamma.
Top Songs: Shake to the Max (Fly)
Moliy achieved a major global breakthrough in 2025 with her viral hit Shake It to the Max (Fly) (original with Silent Addy, released December 2024). The remix featuring Skillibeng and Shenseea (February 2025) dominated TikTok through a massive dance challenge, topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for extended weeks (including 27 weeks in the tracking period), and claimed No. 1 on Billboard's 2025 year-end U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. The track earned RIAA Gold certification in the U.S. (over 500,000 units), plus Gold in countries like New Zealand, Greece, France, and the U.K., while peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 44) and Global 200. It received an MTV VMA nomination for Best Afrobeats and landed on year-end Best Songs lists from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Billboard, and Complex. Moliy won Hitmaker of the Year at Billboard Africa and was named Billboard’s African Rookie of the Month for June. She made history as the first Ghanaian artist to perform at the BET Awards (June 2025), delivering Shake It to the Max (Fly) and becoming Spotify's most-exported Ghanaian artist of 2025.
10. BNXN
Country: Nigeria
Label: T.Y.E / EMPIRE
Top Songs: Very Soon, Laye Mi, Cutesy
BNXN (formerly known as Buju) showcased his melodic mastery in 2025 with the release of his sophomore album Captain (July 2025), a 16-track Afro-fusion project that highlighted his growth and versatility. The album debuted strongly on global Spotify charts (No. 2 UK, No. 4 Global, No. 8 USA) and surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify within months. Standout singles included "Very Soon" (featuring rising star FOLA), Phenomena, Fi Kan We Kan (feat. Rema), and Cutesy, with collaborations also featuring Seyi Vibez, Victony, and the Soweto Gospel Choir. These tracks generated significant buzz on social media, reinforcing BNXN's reputation for smooth vocals and genre-blending hits. He embarked on the Captain North American Tour in August 2025, performing in major cities across the US and Canada, and headlined Indigo at The O2 in London on November 7, 2025. Additionally, BNXN delivered an intimate "Captain Experience" concert in Lagos, featuring guests like FOLA and Ruger.
9. Olamide
Country: Nigeria
Label: YBNL / EMPIRE
Top Songs: 99, Billionaires Club, Kai!
Olamide reinforced his legendary status in 2025 with the release of his self-titled eleventh studio album Olamidé on June 19 (17 tracks), featuring high-profile collaborations with artists including Wizkid (on Kai! and Billionaires Club), Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, Daecolm (on standout track 99), Popcaan, Dr. Dre, and others. The album dominated Nigerian charts upon release, occupying the entire Top 10 on both Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria, marking a rare feat for a 2025 project. He earned recognition as one of Billboard's 2025 Global Power Players, highlighting YBNL Nation's international expansion and his role in bridging Afrobeats with global genres. Olamide sold out and headlined the OVO Arena Wembley in London on November 23, becoming the first African rapper to achieve this milestone, and delivered an electrifying headline performance at Flytime Fest 2025 in Lagos on December 23, featuring surprise guests like Phyno and Lil Kesh. His influence extended through nurturing talents via YBNL and consistent cultural impact in street-hop and rap.
8. Ruger
Country: Nigeria
Label: Blownboy Entertainment / Promiseland Recordings Limited
Top Songs: Jay Jay, Giveaway, Toma Toma
Ruger had a dynamic 2025 with his signature Afro-dancehall sound gaining further traction. He released his sophomore album BlownBoy Ru on March 28, 2025 (13 tracks), following his 2023 debut Ru The World. The project included singles like Jay Jay, Toma Toma (feat. Tiwa Savage), and DuDu (feat. Kranium). A notable late-year collaboration was Rockstar with Shallipopi (from Shallipopi's Auracle album, released December 2025). Ruger embarked on the BlownBoy Ru World Tour throughout 2025, covering multiple continents with praised performances. He headlined at Indigo at The O2 in London on September 27, 2025. Additionally, he was nominated for MOBO Awards 2025 and included in Spotify's Artist To Watch 2025 list.
7. Tems
Country: Nigeria
Label: RCA Records / Since 93'
Top Songs:
Tems demonstrated strong global appeal in 2025 through major performances and accolades. She won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for Love Me JeJe (from her 2024 album Born in the Wild). She released a surprise 7-track EP titled Love Is a Kingdom on November 21, 2025. Key collaborations included Raindance with British rapper Dave (released October 2025). Tems joined the BoF 500 Class of 2025, recognising her influence in fashion alongside her music career. She performed at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium alongside J Balvin, Doja Cat, and a surprise Coldplay set, marking the first African artist in such a slot. She also supported Coldplay at multiple Wembley Stadium dates in September 2025, including performing Free Mind.
6. Wizkid
Country: Nigeria
Label: Starboy Entertainment Ltd / RCA Records
Top Songs: Kese, Piece of My Heart
Wizkid demonstrated strong influence in 2025 without releasing a new solo album, primarily through high-profile features and the continued success of Morayo (released November 2024). Key collaborations included Money Constant (with DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, and Mavo), Cash Flow (with Young Jonn), Forever Be Mine (with Gunna), Dynamite (with Tyla), and tracks with Olamide and Odumodublvck. Morayo topped Nigeria's most-streamed albums on Spotify and Apple Music for 2025, with standout track Kese (Dance) becoming Nigeria's most-played radio song, achieving a record 1.87 billion impressions. Wizkid won three awards at the 2025 African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA). He headlined Morocco's Mawazine Festival on June 26, 2025, and co-headlined Denmark's AiaSound Festival on August 2, 2025. Wizkid delivered a landmark orchestral debut at the Hollywood Bowl on June 22, 2025, collaborating with the Color of Noize Orchestra and guests including Shenseea and Asake. He remains one of Africa's most-awarded artists overall, with career totals exceeding 197 wins across major ceremonies.
5. Ayra Starr
Country: Nigeria
Label: Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Republic Records
Top Songs: Hot Body, Who's Dat Girl, Gimme Dat, All The Love
Ayra Starr solidified her status as a leading female Afrobeats act in 2025, retaining her position as Nigeria's most-streamed female artist on Spotify for the second consecutive year. She released the single Gimme Dat featuring Wizkid on April 25, which samples Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige's 911 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance (for the 2026 ceremony). Ayra featured on Escaladizzy II by Mavo alongside Shallipopi and Zlatan (released August 2025), delivering a standout verse that trended widely. She made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards by winning Best International Act (first African female in the category) and Best African Music Act (first woman in 16 years). At the 2025 BET Awards, she won Best International Act, becoming the first Nigerian female honoree in that category. Ayra performed at the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony in Morocco on December 21, contributing to the official soundtrack single Le Show alongside Davido and French Montana.
4. Asake
Country: Nigeria
Label: Giran Republic
Top Songs: Why Love, Badman Gangsta
Asake had a strong 2025 marked by his independence after departing YBNL Nation and launching Giran Republic label. He released the standout single Why Love in February, an Amapiano-infused track that peaked at No. 3 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100 and No. 2 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. Additional singles included BADMAN GANGSTA (feat. Tiakola) and Fuji Vibe, continuing his signature blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, and street-hop. Key collaborations featured appearances on 99 (with Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Daecolm), Che Che (with Young Jonn), Gold (with J Hus), and Satisfaction (with Gunna). He delivered a captivating NPR Tiny Desk Concert on October 24, backed by a live band that highlighted his rhythmic fusions. Asake made history with Red Bull Symphonic on November 8 at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, becoming the first African artist to headline the U.S. edition, reimagining hits with a 33-piece orchestra and surprise guests including Wizkid, Central Cee, Gunna, Tiakola, and Fridayy. His catalogue depth shone through, placing three albums in Spotify Nigeria’s top 10 most-streamed for 2025, underscoring enduring fan demand.
3. Burna Boy
Country: Nigeria
Label: Spacheship Entertainment / Bad Habit / Atlantic Records
Top Songs: Love, Tatata, Sweet Love, Update
Burna Boy affirmed his global stature in 2025 with the release of his eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness (July 2025). The album earned Grammy nominations, including Best Global Music Album (for the 2026 ceremony), marking his fifth consecutive album nod and seventh straight year of Grammy recognition. Key collaborations included wgft with Gunna, TaTaTa with Travis Scott, Laho II remix with Shallipopi, and 4 Kampé II with Joé Dwèt Filé. He headlined a historic sold-out concert at Stade de France in Paris (April 18, 2025), becoming the first African artist to do so, with over 80,000 attendees and guest appearances. Burna Boy embarked on the No Sign of Weakness Tour, including a North American leg starting at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (November 2025). Additionally, he topped Spotify's mid-2025 rankings as the most-streamed Afrobeats artist globally and led as Nigeria's most-exported artist.
2. Rema
Country: Nigeria
Label: Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment
Top Songs: FUN, Baby (Is it a crime), KELEBU, and Bout U
Rema demonstrated strong international appeal in 2025 through major live performances and releases. His album HEIS (released 2024) was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the 2025 Grammys but lost. The single Baby (Is It a Crime) (released February 2025) achieved significant chart success, becoming one of the top-streamed Nigerian songs of the year on Spotify and topping multiple Nigerian platforms. Key collaborations included Who’s Dat Girl with Ayra Starr and Lalala with Young Jonn. Rema was named to the 2025 TIME100 Next list as a rising innovator. He headlined Madison Square Garden on May 2/3, 2025, as part of the HEIS World Tour, which included a scheduled performance at The O2 Arena in London on June 8, 2025.
1. Davido
Country: Nigeria
Label: Davido Music Worldwide / Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd
Top Songs: With You, Awuke, Be There Still
Davido had a highly successful year in 2025 with strong commercial performance and visibility, including a top-streamed album, multiple awards, a major tour, and high-profile performances. His album 5ive (released in May 2025) became the most-streamed 2025 Nigerian project on Spotify with 345 million streams. It featured With You featuring Omah Lay as one of the year's top songs, topping Spotify Nigeria's most-streamed tracks, YouTube Nigeria's most-streamed songs, and ranking No. 2 in Sub-Saharan Africa on Apple Music. He won 16 awards in 2025, including Artist of the Year at the 17th Headies Awards (April 2025), making him the most-awarded African artist of the year across categories like NAACP Image Award, Urban Music Awards, and more. Davido's 5ive Alive Tour sold out multiple arenas in North America (e.g., 12 venues including State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, and Caesars Superdome in New Orleans with 82,000 capacity) and reportedly 20 shows overall across continents, including Asia (new dates confirmed) and Africa; it was described as the biggest African tour of 2025.
