The Nigerian music industry is said to arguably be the most vibrant in Africa, with a reported total revenue of US$122M this year, with many of Nigerian big guns said to earn a million dollars to do international performance.
Nigerian music was said to be discovered by listeners more than 950 million times in 2023. 2024 saw American artists like Usher working with Pheelz and Chris Brown, making more Afrobeat songs with Nigerian global artists like Davido and Lojay.
As much as we have seen the rise and rise of artistes like Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, and the emergence of sensational artistes like Omah Lay, Buju Bxnx, Rema, Ayra Starr and Tems, Nigerian music lovers should be excited for what 2025 is set to bring to the music world. In no particular order, below are the top ten artists to look forward to in the year 2025.
1. Ayomaff
Born Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele, a 19-year-old music sensation signed to Empire. He gained industry recognition when he dropped “Dealer”, a song he featured in Fireboy DML, after which his other song “, Are You There”, was Picked and then he got co-signed by industry giants. Since then, he has been featured by Lil Kesh and Blaqbones, performed at the 02 Arena and recently done the remix of “Are you there” with Ayra Starr, which is set to drop in 2025.
2. QingMadi
Rated by Spotify and Apple Music as one of the sensatiartistsistes to look forward to in 2024 after she gained widespread recognition with her 2022 single “See Finish” and in 2023 follow-up with “Ole” (featuring Bnxn). Both songs went viral on TikTok, which later peaked at number one on the Uganda Top 100 Apple Music chart and number three on the Nigeria Top 100 Apple. She has since then featured American sensational Chloe on the remix of her song Vision and was also featured by Joeboy. She is set to drop her debut album in January 2025.
3. Shoday
Shoday came into the scene making a mark with his songs Queen n More and Casablanca featuring Ayo Maff. His writing skills and beautiful voice make songwriting seem easier than it is. He has mastered how to keep his lyrics in the lips of listeners with hooks DJs cannot do without at their parties. His song “Caution” is still one of the most played songs for a fast-rising artiste in 2024, and we believe 2025 will see more from this amazing artiste.
4. Darkoo
Many will laugh seeing this name on this list. Haven’t seen her featured in Ayra Starr, Rema, Davido and Black Sherif, Tion Wayne and many other superstars. With the 23-year-old commanding a monthly listener of 4.3 million on Spotify only, she is no longer an emerging artiste, but we believe she has even more up her sleeves. 2025. Born Oluwafisayo Isa, the British-Nigeria rapper/Singer, has been in the scene since 2017 but keeps getting better every year, and we think the year 2025 will see her take the story to yet another level entirely.
5. HenryKvsh
Born Owueka Odili Henry, popularly known as Henrykvsh. A Nigerian artist pioneering a new sound he called Afrotrapkin. The trajectory is bold, and his latest EP speaks volumes. He is in that Rema trajectory, although we know there are a lot of things that need to be in place for his career to pick up like Rema’s, but his boldness, his belief in his music, and his charisma speak volumes. His music blends infectious rhythms with captivating storytelling; he will take 2025 by storm.
6 Banjohifi
Banjohifi is a talented artist who is making waves in the music industry.
It’s great to hear that their latest album, “My Body IP vol 1 Ep,” is gaining such popularity both in Nigeria and globally. It’s always exciting to see artists achieve success and reach a wide audience with their music.
If you’re a fan of Banjohifi, you must be enjoying their latest tracks.
7. Hi-Speed
Hi-Speed, a Nigerian Afro-pop/Hip-hop sensation, is setting his sights on the 2025 Grammys, aiming to make a mark in the music industry. With his unique sound and captivating stage presence, Hi-Speed, born Dauda Suleiman, is determined to take his music industry to new heights.
The Okene-Kogi State-born singer, Hi-Speed, has already made a name for himself in the Nigerian music scene. However, he’s not resting on his laurels. With a burning passion to put his crafts on the global music map.
8. Captain Soft
Adefuwape Adebayo Kayode, popularly known as CAPTAIN SOFT, is a fast-rising Nigerian superstar. A recording artist, songwriter and an energetically intriguing entertainer born and raised in Lagos.
In 2020, Captain dropped his first official single, BOJU BOJU, across all platforms worldwide; afterwards, other beautiful tracks like STORY STORY, MUJO, and APONBEPORE. In January 2023, Captain dropped a six-track EP titled (I Belong To Jesus) across all platforms; in 2024, Captain dropped 2 singles, Road to Riches and Jeun Lo, across all platforms.
In 2025, Be expectant of great collaborations and much more sweet music to come from this amazing superstar, CAPTAIN SOFT.
9. Snow D
Artist stage name; Snow D
Aghedo Osakpolor popular known as Snow D, dropped his first song titled “Life in d Getto” and he also dropped a video for dat too, and is a native of Benin ( Edo state ) and now Snow D just dropped a new jam called “Money” and produced by Push Push and more hit songs coming dis 2025.
10. Dmarovibe
Onokurefe lucky E. Oghenemaro, popularly known as Dmarovibe, is a fast-rising Nigerian superstar. A recording artist, songwriter and energetically intriguing entertainer born and raised in Benin City but originally hails from Isoko Township, Delta State.
In 2021, Dmarovibe dropped his first official single, what’s Coming and Hello, and afterwards, other beautiful tracks.
In January 2023, Dmarovibe dropped his EP titled (The Journey )across all platforms; in 2023, Dmarovibe dropped Single Dreams. In 2024, he dropped another single, Work N Chop and APOSTLE.
In 2025, Be expectant of great collaborations and much more sweet music to come from this amazing superstar, Dmarovibe.