By Rita Okoye

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 sensational artists 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. Fola

He is signed to Bella Shmurda’s Dangbana Records after his hit single Alone, where he featured Badboi DML and the remix featuring Buju bxnx; both songs crossed 20 million streams on Spotify only. The uniqueness of his vocal and his writing skills stands him out which we believe was the reason Bella Shmurda signed him. Fola recently dropped an EP featuring his label boss in one of the tracks. We rooting for him to take 2025 by storm.

4. Zerry DL

Born Divine Uzama, the brother of the popular Edo-born music superstar Shallipopi, who is also signed to Shallipopi’s record label Plutomania, is depicted as a sensational that is about to take up your scene in 2025. With about 1.8M monthly listeners on Spotify and some of his songs crossing 15M streams, he is one to look out for in the coming year. He recently featured in Bayanni’s song “For Where” and took the song to another level. We believe with the exposure his brother has, Plutomania Dapper’s experience and his talent, he will soar in 2025.

5. D’Tee

In the music world, some people make silent moves, just as Seyi vibes did before his mainstream recognition. This artiste is one to look out for in 2025. He headlined two D’Tee CONNECT at Ifako Ijaye and had an amazing turnout, and this is without a major hit song. He even got Pasuma to show up for one of his music shows. The music business is about knowing how to move, and I think he does know how to do his business. With his Latest Single, “I Love My Life”, hitting the airwaves, he seems to have a lot prepared to show us in 2025.

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

Aghedo Osakpolor popular known as Snow D, dropped his first song titled “Life in d Getto” and also dropped a video for that 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 many more sweet musical sounds to come from this amazing superstar Dmarovibe.