By Ayo Onikoyi

As we reflect on the explosive growth and undeniable influence of Nigerian artistes throughout 2024, it’s clear that the year set the stage for even greater things to come.

From groundbreaking performances and record-breaking streams to prestigious award wins, Nigerian music has resonated globally like never before.

These achievements have positioned a select group of artists for an even more remarkable 2025. Their unique sounds, international recognition, and expanding fanbases are paving the way for a year where new milestones will be reached. Here are the 10 Nigerian artistes who are set to continue dominating the music scene in 2025.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s biggest global music exports. The self-proclaimed Odogwu began 2024 with a groundbreaking performance at the Grammys, becoming the first African artist to grace the main stage. He was honored as Best African Music Artist at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, solidifying his influence.

The 2024 NAACP Image Awards also celebrated Burna Boy’s unique sound, spotlighting hits like “City Boys,” “Sittin’ On Top of the World” (featuring 21 Savage), and “Ye.” His single “Higher,” released on June 27, achieved a record-breaking 1.3 million Spotify streams on its first day, setting a new benchmark for African solo acts. Burna Boy is undoubtedly poised to take Nigerian music to even greater global acclaim in 2025.

Wizkid

Wizkid’s star continues to shine brightly. His 2024 album Morayo, a tribute to his late mother, featured collaborations with Asake, Anaïs Cardot, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola. Standout singles like “Piece of My Heart” (featuring Brent Faiyaz) and “Kese (Dance)” set records for single-day streaming debuts on Spotify Nigeria, each amassing over 1.5 million streams.

Ranked as the 11th top artist globally by Chart Data in 2024, Wizkid’s influence on the international stage is undeniable. He also garnered his fifth Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance with Asake’s “MMS.” 2025 promises even more groundbreaking achievements from this Afrobeats giant.

Davido

Davido’s 2024 was a year of milestones, thanks to his global smash hit “Unavailable,” which dominated charts in the UK, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Suriname. With his fourth studio album Timeless still making waves, Davido received three Grammy nominations and earned a spot on Billboard’s Honour Roll.

In 2024, his collaboration “Funds” (featuring ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike) amassed over 5.3 million YouTube views. Looking forward to 2025, Davido is set to release his highly anticipated album 5ive in March, promising new hits and more global accolades.

Asake

Asake’s meteoric rise continued in 2024 with his record-breaking third album Lungu Boy, which garnered 9.2 million Spotify streams on its first day. The lead single, “MMS” featuring Wizkid, further solidified his status as an international force.

His sold-out Lungu Boy World Tour, coupled with a 2024 MOBO Award win for Best African Act, underscored his dominance. Grammy nods for tracks like “Amapiano” and a NAACP nomination highlighted his versatility. Asake’s blend of Afrobeat and unique rhythms positions him as an essential figure to watch in 2025.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s growth in 2024 positioned her as a global powerhouse. Her album The Year I Turned 21 debuted atop the Nigerian Albums Chart and gained international recognition, reaching number 89 on the Canadian Albums Chart and 195 on the US Billboard 200.

With collaborations featuring Anitta, Giveon, and Rauw Alejandro, Ayra Starr demonstrated her versatility. Her single “Rush” secured a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. Additionally, she bagged the Best Female Artist award at the AEAUSA and four MTV EMA nominations. In 2025, Ayra Starr is set to shatter more glass ceilings with her undeniable talent.

Tems

Tems continued to ascend to global stardom in 2024. Her debut album Born in the Wild broke new ground, peaking at top positions on UK, Netherlands, and Swiss charts. Singles like “Love Me JeJe” highlighted her distinct sound and earned critical acclaim, with Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album, Best R&B Song (“Burning”), and Best African Music Performance.

In 2025, Tems will make history as the first African female headliner of Afro Nation. With a performance scheduled at Johannesburg’s TicketPro Dome, her ongoing success story is set to inspire even more milestones.

Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade’s 2024 accomplishments underscored her reputation as a global icon. Her album Rebel Queen included Grammy-nominated track “Tomorrow,” and her AFCON 2023 anthem “Akwaba” resonated across cultures. Exploring Amapiano sounds in her Mamapiano EP showed her adaptability and range.

A scheduled headlining slot at the WOMADelaide festival in 2025 signals another exciting chapter for Yemi Alade. With her ability to bridge traditional African music and contemporary styles, she is set to achieve even more.

These ten artists represent the rich diversity and boundless talent within the African music landscape. From Grammy nods to chart-topping singles and international tours, their achievements underscore why they are the ones to watch in 2025.

Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel’s 2024 hit single “Twe Twe” became the most-streamed song in Nigeria, cementing his status as an Afrobeats heavyweight. He made history by becoming the first African artist to perform at the Calgary Stampede, earning the prestigious Champions Belt.

Looking to 2025, Kizz Daniel’s upcoming album Uncle K promises to further expand his influence. His dedication to family and artistry ensures his spot as a force to reckon with in the new year.

Seyi Vibez

Seyi Vibez had an outstanding 2024 with his BET Award nomination for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act. His hit single “Instagram” (featuring Muyeez) topped Apple Music Nigeria’s charts within 24 hours of release. Tracks from his debut album Billion Dollar Baby continue to resonate with fans.

Collaborations like DJ YK’s remix of “Obleee” further increased his reach. Speculation about a forthcoming remix of the same song featuring Wizkid adds to the anticipation. Seyi Vibez’s trajectory indicates a promising 2025 ahead.

Young Jonn

Young Jonn’s 2024 debut album Jiggy Forever under Chocolate City Music featured heavyweights like Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez, and Sean Paul. Tracks such as “Big Big Things” and “Stronger” earned millions of views on YouTube, highlighting his storytelling prowess.

Claiming seven spots on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart in 2024, Young Jonn solidified his position in the global market. His accomplishments pave the way for further success in 2025 as he emerges as an Afrobeats powerhouse.