Afrobeats Power Ranking: The 13 artists who dominated Q1 2025
The Afrobeats scene in 2025 has been a power play, with artists pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with genre fusions, and commanding global attention like never before.
NotJustOk’s Afrobeats Power Rankings for January, February, and March 2025 serve as a pulse check on the genre’s momentum—and a celebration of the stars leading the charge. Among hundreds of artists vying for attention, a select group of 13 have proven their staying power by consistently ranking in the top 20 across all three months of Q1.
These elite hitmakers have delivered chart-topping singles, unforgettable performances, and moments that define what Afrobeats looks and sounds like today. Their ability to maintain relevance in a competitive and fast-evolving industry speaks volumes about their talent, strategy, and connection with fans.
Below, we dive into the artists—listed alphabetically—who dominated the first quarter of 2025, along with their monthly rankings.
1. Asake
January: 5
February: 4
March: 7
Asake’s infectious blend of Amapiano, Fuji, and Afrobeats has kept him at the forefront of the genre. Known as "Mr. Money," his versatility and knack for anthems like those from his 2024 album Lungu Boy ensured he stayed in the top 10 across all three months. His slight dip to 7th in March only hints at the fierce competition, not a wane in his dominance.
2. Ayra Starr
January: 6
February: 8
March: 8
The "Sabi Girl" continues to shine as one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars. Her soulful voice and genre-blending style, heard in hits like Commas, kept her firmly in the top 10. Maintaining the 8th spot in both February and March underscores her consistency and growing global appeal.
3. Burna Boy
January: 2
February: 6
March: 1
The African Giant is a force of nature. From runner-up in January to reclaiming the top spot in March, his genre-defying sound and commanding presence solidify his status as Afrobeats royalty. His dip to 6th in February only set the stage for a dominant comeback.
4. Davido
January: 10
February: 13
March: 2
Davido’s charisma and hit-making prowess make him a perennial favourite. Climbing from 10th in January to an impressive 2nd in March, he proved his staying power with infectious tracks and high-profile collaborations that resonate globally.
5. Fireboy DML
January: 7
February: 11
March: 15
Fireboy DML’s emotive vocals and introspective lyricism kept him in the top 15 throughout the quarter. His smooth blend of Afrobeats and R&B, showcased on projects like Adedamola, ensured his continued relevance amid stiff competition.
6. Omah Lay
January: 8
February: 12
March: 14
Omah Lay’s moody, introspective take on Afrobeats continues to resonate with fans. His consistent top-15 placements reflect his ability to craft hits like Holy Ghost that speak to emotion and vibe, maintaining his spot in a saturated space.
7. Rema
January: 3
February: 2
March: 3
Rema’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing. His unique “Afrorave” style and international success with tracks like Calm Down kept him in the top three all quarter long. His grip on the charts is both impressive and unrelenting.
8. Ruger
January: 14
February: 10
March: 5
Ruger’s bold persona and catchy melodies pushed him into the top 10 by March. Rising from 14th to 5th, his momentum is undeniable, fuelled by hits and a style that cuts through the noise.
9. Seyi Vibez
January: 13
February: 3
March: 9
Seyi Vibez’s street-inspired sound and spiritual edge made a big impact this quarter. His leap to 3rd in February signaled a breakout moment, and maintaining a top-10 position in March shows that the buzz is backed by staying power.
10. Tems
January: 9
February: 14
March: 17
Tems’ soulful voice and genre-transcending appeal kept her in the top 20, even as she balanced global collaborations and her own projects. Her consistent presence reflects her role as a key voice in Afrobeats’ international expansion.
11. TML Vibez
January: 4
February: 17
March: 13
TML Vibez emerged as a consistent contender, with his vibrant energy and street-driven sound keeping him in the conversation. His high of 4th in January pointed to breakout potential, and his March rebound shows he's not fading anytime soon.
12. Victony
January: 16
February: 5
March: 18
Victony’s genre-blending approach propelled him into the top five in February, making him one of the quarter’s standout risers. While March saw a dip, his presence across all three months proves that his sound continues to resonate with listeners.
13. Wizkid
January: 1
February: 9
March: 6
Wizkid opened the year in commanding fashion at number one and never left the top 10. With his signature smoothness and global appeal, the Starboy remains a constant in the upper ranks of Afrobeats, bridging eras with effortless cool.
Why does this matter?
These 13 artists represent the heartbeat of Afrobeats in the first quarter of 2025 according to NotJustOk’s Afrobeats Power Ranking for January, February, and March 2025. Their consistent presence in the top 20 reflects their popularity and ability to stay relevant in a fast-evolving industry.
KEY LINKS
