Meet Nigeria’s freshest voices making music and building real momentum.
2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Afrobeat’s next generation. With the lines between mainstream and indie blurring more than ever, these emerging artists are not just showing potential; they're actively building loyal fanbases, racking up digital streams, and shaping the genre’s future in real time.
Here are seven new voices who are climbing fast and putting everyone on notice:
Kunmie
Kunmie has the raw edge of a street prophet and the polish of a crossover star in waiting. Since his first breakout on TikTok in early 2025, his follow-ups have been undeniable. Blending melancholic melodies with drill-leaning Afro-fusion beats, his catalog speaks to a generation of dreamers navigating the Lagos hustle. What makes Kunmie stand out is his grip on storytelling. For example, Arike doesn’t just ride beats; he brings emotional weight to each line. The streets are watching him closely, and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through completely.
Chella
If 2025 had a breakout male Afrobeat rookie to bet on, Chella would be the top name. With his sticky melodies, digital-native branding, and Gen Z relatability, Chella is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about names in the alt-Afrobeat lane. His track My Darling went viral in Q2, and his minimalist but visually striking aesthetics have made him a go-to for major brand partnerships. Chella represents the new school of artists who understand that being seen is as crucial as being heard, and he’s doing both well.
FOLA
FOLA brings melody and bounce together with an ease that feels almost too smooth. His songs feature clean vocals over bouncy Afro-fusion beats, with lyrics that strike the perfect balance in the energy of nightlife. He’s the guy who’ll have the girls singing along at sip-and-paint events and the guys vibing hard at rooftop parties. Fola might not be the loudest in the room yet, but his music carries serious ember-month replay value.
Zerry DL
Zerry DL has been building momentum quietly but surely, with viral hooks and TikTok-fueled moments that have started spilling into real-life club spins. His music is easy to catch, fun to sing along to, and perfect for hype moments. Think beach parties, house parties, and every December weekend, where nobody wants to think too hard, they just want to catch a cruise.
Kosi
Kosi is not just entering the scene; he’s entering with structure. From his label development deal to his Kukbeatz-powered production, everything about Kosi feels intentional. His music is rooted in Afrobeat’s rhythmic soul but layered with vulnerable lyrics and church-inspired cadences. That unique mix is earning him attention not just locally but among international music heads watching Nigeria’s next exports.
These five artists represent the future not just of Afrobeat, but of what it means to be a Nigerian artist in a hyperconnected world. 2025 is their warm-up year, and the waves they're creating are impossible to ignore.
VASA
VASA has managed to grow a cult fanbase purely from his music and collaboration with artists like Crayon, TML Vibez, without needing any high-profile co-signs or viral tricks. His sonic approach is rich with highlife undertones, jazzy horn sections, and honest lyrics. There’s a spiritual weight to VASA's delivery, reminiscent of early Mohbad but distinctly his own. The industry buzz around him is strong, and 2025 might just be the year he makes that leap into the bigger rooms.
Vicoka
There’s a certain electricity Vicoka brings that makes you pay attention, even before he opens his mouth. Known for his explosive stage presence and bold Afro-rave records, he’s quickly owning the lane between street anthems and dancefloor bangers. His single Port Harcourt caught fire late last year and is still climbing playlists. Vicoka’s biggest weapon is his charisma; he sounds hungry, he looks ready, and the people are responding.
