Top 10 Nigerian Musicians of 2025
Here’s an in-depth look at the Top 10 Nigerian Musicians of 2025—based on streaming data, awards, and global influence. Each profile explores their music, impact, and why they’re leading the Nigerian music scene this year:
1. Tems
Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, continues her meteoric rise with soulful, genre-blending music that connects deeply both at home and abroad. Her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild topped charts in the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and she became the first Nigerian female artist to win multiple Grammys—taking home Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” and earning nominations for Best R&B Song (“Burning”) and Best Global Music Album.
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Her international visibility soared via performances like Coachella and NPR Tiny Desk, and her brand expanded beyond music as she joined San Diego FC’s ownership group—the first African woman to do so. Tems’ introspective songwriting, powerful vocals, and global presence make her a trailblazer for Nigerian women in music.
2. Burna Boy
Damini Ogulu, who performs as Burna Boy, continues to be a dominant force in Afro-fusion, seamlessly blending traditional African sounds with reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. His 2025 single “Higher” received Grammy recognition with a Best African Music Performance nomination. His influence has helped propel Afrobeats into mainstream global culture, as evidenced by his record-breaking U.S. tour performances and Grammys.
Known for championing Pan-African unity and authenticity, Burna Boy remains an activist-artist—a voice for African pride and resilience—while continually elevating the genre worldwide.
3. Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, retains his regal status in Afrobeats as “Starboy.” In 2024, he released Morayo, an album honoring his late mother, and set a new Spotify streaming record for Nigerian music. He also earned a Grammy nomination with Asake for “MMS” in the Best African Music Performance category.
Wizkid’s global collaborations—ranging from Drake to Brent Faiyaz—and sold-out arena shows affirm his enduring appeal. His ability to blend local flavor with international flair cements his place as a global Ambassador for Nigerian music.
4. Davido
David Adeleke’s journey from chart-topping hits to personal trials and triumphs has defined his 2025 album 5ive. This emotionally resonant project, featuring stars like Chris Brown and Omah Lay, reflects his growth amidst tragedy and celebration. Davido has earned Grammy and BET nominations and continues to be a prominent voice in Afrobeats’ global ascent.
Beyond his music, Davido actively advocates for African representation, mentoring upcoming talent and encouraging stylistic originality within the genre.
5. Ayra Starr
Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, is Nigeria’s 2025 queen of Gen‑Z Afropop. Her album The Year I Turned 21 topped local and international charts, with tracks like “Rush” earning Grammy nominations and multiple awards, including the MOBO for Best African Act.
Her collaborations with Anitta and Rauw Alejandro showcase her global ambition. Ayra’s style and voice represent a bold, female-centric future in African music—authentic, fashion-forward, and internationally resonant.
6. Asake
Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, blends traditional Yoruba music with modern street-pop and Amapiano rhythms. His 2024 album Lungu Boy shattered streaming records, leading Nigerian charts unprecedentedly. He received Grammy and MOBO nominations, underlining his growing impact .
Asake’s energetic choruses and cultural authenticity position him as a trendsetter, redefining how traditional elements can coexist with contemporary sounds.
7. Rema
Divine Ikubor, stage name Rema, is the youthful innovator leading Nigeria into the future. His songs like “Baby (Is It a Crime)” and “Bout U” consistently hit streaming charts. His “Afro-rave” fusion has won international acclaim, from Coachella stages to Grammy nods.
As an artist and fashion icon, Rema merges music, style, and youth culture—earning him enlarged global influence among Gen-Z.
8. Tiwa Savage
Often hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Tiwa Savage continues to be a powerful female voice in 2025. Despite not dominating the charts, her influence spans fashion, film, and advocacy for women in entertainment.
With Grammy nominations and prominent performances, Tiwa stands as a pioneering role model, supporting trailblazers like Ayra Starr and Tems.
9. Omah Lay
Stanley Omah Didia, stage name Omah Lay, is a compelling voice in introspective Afrofusion. His debut EP Get Layd topped charts; his album Boy Alone debuted at #1 in Nigeria and sold out London’s O2 Brixton .
Omah Lay’s emotionally honest lyrics and soulful delivery distinguish him in the scene—modern, introspective, and internationally resonant.
10. Fireboy DML
Adedamola Adefolahan, famously known as Fireboy DML, bridges R&B and Afrobeats with soulful finesse. His global hit “Peru” exceeded 224 million YouTube streams and earned critical acclaim, including steady Billboard placements.
Fireboy’s poetic storytelling and vocal style make him a beloved artist on both continents, with a growing impact that belies his position at #10.
🧭 Summary
These artists represent Nigeria’s rich musical tapestry in 2025—from cultural icons and genre innovators to introspective storytellers and global ambassadors. They shape not just soundtracks, but cultural conversations—lifting Nigeria’s global artistic footprint higher than ever.
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