Nigeria’s music scene continues to flourish, introducing a vibrant array of rising Afrobeats artists in 2025 who are redefining the industry with their unique sounds. Here are some of the top upcoming Nigerian artists to watch in 2025 and their notable tracks that have garnered significant attention.
Rising Afrobeats Artists to Watch
1. Qing Madi
2. Zerry DL
3. Ayo Maff
4. Fola
5. Kunmie
6. BadBoi OML
7. Taves
8. TML Vibez
9. Llona
1. Qing Madi
At just 18, Qing Madi has made remarkable strides in the Nigerian music industry. Her 2022 single, “See Finish,” went viral on TikTok, propelling her into the spotlight. She continued her ascent with the 2023 track “Ole,” featuring Bnxn, which peaked at number three on the Nigeria Top 100 Apple Music chart. Her self-titled debut EP, Qing Madi, released in November 2023, showcases her versatility across genres like Afrobeats, neo-soul, and Afropop.
2. Zerry DL
Zerry DL, born Divine Uzama in Benin City, is a fast-rising Afrobeats and Amapiano artist. He gained attention in 2023 with “Puff & Pass”, which debuted at number 39 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 100, followed by a remix with Shallipopi that amassed over 5.4 million YouTube views. His debut EP, Danger Zee (2023), peaked at number 14 on Nigeria’s Official Top 50 Albums Chart, while his sophomore EP, Wara Wara Szn (2024), featured collaborations with Seyi Vibez and Tega Boi Dc. His single “Back to Back” hit number 42 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, solidifying his growing influence.
3. Ayo Maff
Ayo Maff, born Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele on July 18, 2005, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a rising Afrobeats artist known for his unique blend of street rap and melodic rhythms. He began his musical journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from his surroundings. His breakthrough came with the single “Dealer“, featuring Fireboy DML, which topped various music charts and garnered over 2.5 million views on YouTube as of February 2025. In August 2024, he released his debut EP, Maffian, a seven-track project that includes the notable song “Last Week.“
4. Fola
Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, is a rising Nigerian Afrobeat artist who gained significant attention after signing Bella Shmurda’s Dangbana Republik label in late 2024. His debut EP, What a Feeling, released in early 2025, features the standout track “Who Does That?” featuring Bella Shmurda. This collaboration has been well-received, with the official video available on YouTube. Fola’s emotive storytelling and unique sound have made him a promising talent in the Nigerian music scene.
5. Kunmie
Kunmie, a rising Nigerian Afrobeat singer-songwriter, gained rapid attention with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. His debut single, “Arike”, released on February 15, 2025, became a hit, amassing over 7 million Spotify streams in a month and reaching number two on the Spotify Global Viral Chart. The track also exploded on TikTok, appearing in over 186,000 videos. Following this success, he dropped his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, on March 4, 2025, featuring standout tracks like “Majẹkajá” and “I Admit“.
6. BadBoi OML
Bhadboi OML, born Akinyinka Kuham Oladimeji on February 19, 2000, in Mushin, Lagos, is an emerging Afrobeat and Afropop artist known for blending classic rhythms with modern production. His track “Testimony” has gained widespread recognition, amassing over 1.1 million plays on YouTube Music, while “Opueh” has further cemented his place in the industry. With a growing fanbase on Instagram and TikTok, he actively engages with listeners and continues to expand his reach. His collaborations, including “Alone” with Fola, highlight his versatility.
7. Taves
Taves, born Toluwanimi Aluko on June 23, 2003, in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a rising Afrobeat artist known for blending Afropop, R&B, and soul. He started writing songs at nine and gained early recognition with a viral cover of BNXN’s “For Days“, which led to a record deal with BNXN’s label. His breakout single, “Folake“, gained widespread attention and earned him the title of Billboard’s African Rookie of the Month for March 2025. His latest EP, Are You Listening?, reinforces his growing presence in the industry. With his ability to fuse multiple genres, Taves is one of the most promising Nigerian artists to watch in 2025.
8. TML Vibez
TML Vibez, born Timileyin Sulaimon in 2000, is a rising Nigerian Afrobeats artist known for his dynamic sound and energetic performances. Signed to Vibez Inc., a label owned by renowned artist Seyi Vibez, he gained prominence in 2023 with the single “Goated“, featuring Seyi Vibez, which showcased his vibrant musical style. His collaboration with DJ 4kerty on “Going” further expanded his reach, leading to a live performance that garnered significant attention on TikTok. With a growing discography that includes tracks like “Boss” and “NSNV Vibe“.
9. Llona
Michael Ajuma Attah, known professionally as Llona, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born in Kogi State on December 14, 1996. Raised in Kano State, he was deeply influenced by Northern Nigerian culture, which is reflected in his Afro-fusion and Afro-pop musical style. Llona gained recognition with his debut album, Homeless, released on July 25, 2024, peaking at number 11 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Official Top 100 Albums Chart. The album features notable tracks like “HBP” and its remix featuring Bella Shmurda.
Conclusion
As Nigerian music continues to evolve, a new wave of artists is shaping the future of Afrobeats with distinct sounds and undeniable talent. From viral hits to chart-topping collaborations, these rising stars are capturing attention and building dedicated fan bases. With powerful storytelling, genre-blending innovation, and a fresh approach to music, they are poised for even greater success in 2025.
Keep an eye on these names because the next big hit could be just around the corner.
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FAQs
1. Who is the fastest-rising Nigerian artist in 2025?
Qing Madi, Llona, and Zerry DL have been gaining rapid attention, making them some of the industry’s fastest-rising stars.
2. Which upcoming Nigerian artist has the most streams?
Streaming numbers fluctuate, but Qing Madi’s tracks, especially “Ole”, have consistently attracted large audiences.
3. What genre do most upcoming Nigerian artists focus on?
Afrobeats remain dominant, but many upcoming artists experimented with R&B, alternative sounds, and street pop.
