The Future of Nigerian Music: Rising Stars to Watch in 2025

The Nigerian music industry continues to evolve, producing a wave of talented young artists who are redefining sound and setting new standards.

From viral hits to chart-topping anthems, these rising stars have made their mark and earned widespread recognition.

CityBuzz takes a closer look at the breakout artists making waves in 2024—and adds a few more names you should keep an eye on!

Ayo Maff – The Hitmaker in the Spotlight

Ayorinde Ayodele, popularly known as Ayo Maff, has had an exceptional year, breaking into the mainstream with hits that resonated with fans across Nigeria and beyond. His viral track, ‘Are You There’, showcased his melodic talent, while his chart-topping single ‘Dealer’ solidified his position as one of the year’s breakout stars. With collaborations featuring heavyweights like Fireboy, Blaqbonez, and Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff continues to climb the ladder of success, cementing his name among Nigeria’s next-generation hitmakers.

Darkoo – A Unique Voice for the Future

British Nigerian singer and rapper Darkoo (real name Oluwadisayo Isa) has captured audiences with her genre-bending sound and compelling lyrics. Her hit single ‘Favourite Girl’ dominated the charts, and the remix featuring Rema skyrocketed her to further prominence. Known for her distinctive voice and cross-continental appeal, Darkoo has proven she’s here to stay.

Mannywellz – Soulful and Smooth

Mannywellz, although not a new name, has made significant strides this year. His soulful style and relatable lyrics in songs like ‘Ouu Wee (Brown)’, ‘Masterpiece’, and ‘Magic’ have captivated audiences, particularly among women of colour. With his smooth vocals and thought-provoking themes, Mannywellz has carved a niche for himself, becoming a fan favourite in 2024.

Khaid – Resilient and Talented

Despite facing health challenges earlier this year, Sulaimon Solomon, popularly known as Khaid, made a remarkable comeback with his EP, ‘444’. The hit single ‘Orobo’ became an instant fan favorite and earned him a spot among Google’s most searched Nigerian personalities in 2024. Khaid’s resilience and talent continue to shine, making him a name to watch.

Boy Spyce – The Romantic Crooner

Mavin Records signee Boy Spyce (real name Ugbekile Osemeke) has charmed audiences with his romantic ballads. His hit single ‘I Don’t Care’ became a viral sensation and dominated playlists on streaming platforms. It even topped Google Trends as the most-searched song by Nigerians in 2024, solidifying Boy Spyce’s place as a rising star.

Nasboi – From Comedy to Music Stardom

Known initially for his comedic skits, Nasboi (real name Lawal Nasir) returned to his musical roots with his viral hit ‘Umbrella’. Building on that success, he dropped singles like ‘Small Money’ and ‘Short Skirt’, along with an EP titled ‘In Nasboi I Trust’. Featuring collaborations with industry icons such as 2Baba, Falz, Joeboy, Chike, and MI, Nasboi’s transformation from comedian to music star has been nothing short of remarkable.

More Rising Stars to Watch

Bayanni – Afropop’s Smooth Operator

Another rising act under Mavin Records, Bayanni gained traction with his debut EP and singles like ‘Ta Ta Ta’, which quickly became a social media sensation. His soulful vocals and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with fans across Nigeria.

Winny – The Afro-R&B Sensation

Winifred Oyo-Ita, popularly known as Winny, has earned recognition for her refreshing blend of Afrobeat and R&B. Her hit singles ‘Pretty’ and ‘Don’t Leave’ have established her as a rising voice in Nigerian music, offering soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Bloody Civilian – Bold and Fearless

Emoseh Khamofu, aka Bloody Civilian, emerged as a bold, genre-defying artist with her track ‘How to Kill a Man’ gaining attention for its provocative lyrics and fierce delivery. Her fearless approach to music has earned her a cult following, making her one to watch in the coming years.

Odumodublvck – The Rap Revolutionary

Rapper Odumodublvck has captured hip-hop lovers with his edgy bars and storytelling abilities. Songs like ‘Declan Rice’ and ‘Picanto’ featuring Zlatan have made him one of Nigeria’s most promising hip-hop exports.

Fave – Afrobeat’s New Voice

Fave SZN, whose soulful track ‘Baby Riddim’ topped charts last year, continues her rise with follow-ups like ‘Scatta Scatta’. Her ability to blend R&B with Afrobeat rhythms has earned her a devoted fanbase and widespread acclaim.

Final Thoughts

From viral sensations to soulful vocalists, these rising stars are redefining the soundscape of Nigerian music. Their fresh sounds, lyrical depth, and chart-topping hits prove that the future of Afrobeat and Afropop is in capable hands.

CityBuzz will keep you updated on their journeys as they continue to push boundaries and conquer global stages. Watch out—these stars are just getting started!