Rivers State in Nigeria is buzzing with creative energy, especially in music. From Port Harcourt to Bonny Island, a new generation of artists, rising talents from Rivers, is forging bold new sounds, blending genres such as Afro-fusion, R&B, highlife, and street-hop.
These are voices born from the Niger Delta, telling their stories and making waves nationally and beyond. Here are ten you should know:
Rising Music Stars from Rivers State to Watch in 2025
1. Vicoka
2. POS
3. Kaestyle
4. Lifesize Teddy
5. Kemuel
6. Rukmani
7. Ninety
8. Ogranya
9. Lakhed
10. Kapaxity
1. Vicoka (Port Harcourt)
Vicoka.
Born Christopher Victor Okafor in July 2002, Vicoka burst into public attention with his deeply personal single “Port Harcourt” in October 2024. The track reflects his strict upbringing and the emotional struggles he faced.
Its follow-up, “Port Harcourt 2.0”, featuring Ajebo Hustlers, brought him over 460,000 monthly Spotify listeners by mid‑2025. Critics and fans alike praise his raw lyricism, which is mixed with elements of Afropop and hip-hop.
2. POS (Ordu Philip, Port Harcourt)
POS, born in September 1998, is a performing artist who climbed from piano lessons at age seven to viral fame in 2024 with his single “Wyn.” It landed on Spotify Viral Top 50 and the Nigeria TurnTable Top 100.
His follow-up, “Lifestyle,” confirmed his energetic, street-hop-flavoured Afro-fusion sound. Listed among leading breakout artists for 2025, his momentum shows no sign of slowing.
3. Kaestyle (Kelvin Ibinabo Oriye, Port Harcourt/Bonny Island)
Born in April 1996, Kaestyle mixes highlife and drill in infectious songs. His 2024 EP “Another Style” features collaborations with Omah Lay, M3lon, and 6lack.
Tracks like “Egberi” and “My Dealer” serve as metaphors for resilience in tough times, boldly blending genres and drawing attention from major platforms like Apple Music’s Africa Rising.
4. Lifesize Teddy (Bonny Island)
Lifesize Teddy.
Signed to Mavin Records in 2023, Lifesize Teddy is a rapper and singer whose debut EP and sophomore project “POISN” blend hip-hop, Afropop, and dancehall.
Her style is bold and confident; her vocal range and flow are already being compared to those of Sasha P and Eve. She’s constantly changing her sound, keeping fans hooked.
5. Kemuel (Port Harcourt)
Kemuel is a soul‑driven singer-songwriter whose emotional vocals and storytelling set him apart. He’s collaborated with heavyweights like SPINALL and Olamide, and his two EPs are full of intimate, heartfelt compositions.
His warm voice and lyrical honesty have earned him a spot as a standout rising talent from Rivers.
6. Rukmani (Port Harcourt)
Rukmani’s sultry and bold tone first caught attention on Instagram with “Getaway Drug.” Her debut EP, “Angel on the Run,” is raw, fearless, and imbued with sensuality without relying on clichés.
Signed under development with Cocoon, she shows clear potential to break through in 2025 with her confident persona and smooth R&B delivery.
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7. Ninety (Alabo Tuonims, Port Harcourt/Bonny Island)
Ninety, born in 1996, is a singer-songwriter and producer whose debut Pulse EP earned high praise. Known for his honesty in songwriting and polished production, he seamlessly blends Afro-fusion and R&B with emotionally charged storytelling.
His disciplined musical background, multilingual lyrics, and soulful sound make him one of Rivers’ most consistent prospects.
8. Ogranya (Ogranya Jable Osai, Port Harcourt)
Born in August 1991, Ogranya combines R&B, highlife, soul and Afrofusion in a distinctive alternative style. His debut album, “With Open Arms”, released in December 2024, reflects rich musicality and lyrical depth.
Beyond music, he made his acting debut in Freedom Way, a film that premiered at TIFF in 2024 and won the AMVCA in 2025. He’s crafting art that spans disciplines.
9. Lakhed (Lucky Gospel Uwam, Port Harcourt)
Lakhed
An emerging singer-songwriter blending Afro‑Soul and R&B. Known for smooth melodies and clever lyricism, Lakhed is also praised for vibrant live performances and strong stage presence.
With a rising fanbase and consistent releases, he’s gaining traction as one of Port Harcourt’s bright new artists.
10. Kapaxity (Samuel Chibuzor Godswill, Port Harcourt)
Kapaxity mixes Afrobeat, rap and melody, reflecting his life stories and emotions. He made a mark with the single “Mayweather” and continues to grow with his 2025 debut “My Flowers” featuring Lawki. Fans anticipate his forthcoming EP, which promises polished production and reflective songwriting.
Why These Rising Talents from Rivers Matter
- Deep connection to their roots: From Port Harcourt to Bonny Island, these artists draw inspiration from their communities, the political realities of the Niger Delta, and its culture.
- Genre fusion & storytelling: Each artist blends styles, Afropop, R&B, highlife, street-hop, with personal narratives, creating fresh sounds that resonate widely.
- Digital visibility: Streaming milestones, viral hits, and playlist features fuel their rising popularity, not just in Nigeria but globally.
- Live energy & performance: Many, like Lakhed, stand out on stage, while civic and cultural platforms, such as Alliance Française in Port Harcourt, amplify their reach.
The music coming from Rivers State right now is authentic, inspiring, and evolving fast. These rising talents from Rivers aren’t just upcoming acts; they’re cultural ambassadors, using personal stories and innovative sounds to engage audiences worldwide.
From Vicoka’s heartbreaking Port Harcourt to Ogranya’s highlife-infused debut and Lifesize Teddy’s fearless persona, each artist has their own story and their audience.
If you’re building playlists, supporting new music, or just curious about up-and-coming Nigerian voices, these ten artists are what you need to know. Rivers State is producing the future, and it’s sounding beautiful.
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FAQs – Rising Talents from Rivers
Why is Rivers State producing so many new music stars?
Port Harcourt and Bonny Island have vibrant cultural scenes. From local nightlife to community events and mentorship platforms, the region nurtures creativity. Organisations like Alliance Française regularly host performance events to showcase emerging artists for free, providing a significant boost to visibility and career growth.
Do these artists mainly sing in English or local languages?
Most use English or Nigerian Pidgin as their primary language, but many incorporate Ikwerre or Igbo phrases to ground their songs in regional identity.
Are they signed or independent?
Some are signed, including Lifesize Teddy with Mavin, while others, such as Kapaxity, are developing their EP, and Lakhed is rising independently. Meanwhile, others like Ogranya and Ninety remain unsigned, releasing music through indie channels.
Where can I discover their music?
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and SoundCloud, as well as social media channels like Instagram and TikTok, are great places to start. Many share snippets and live sessions directly with fans.
Who’s most likely to break internationally next?
Vicoka and POS have already gone viral, gaining streams and chart traction. Kaestyle has big collabs and recognition. Lifesize Teddy’s Mavin backing and Rukmani’s unique voice also put them well on track.