The 20 best Afrobeats songs of 2025

These 20 Best Afrobeats songs of 2025 capture the year's most exciting sounds, powerful moments, and standout artistry.

The year 2025 marked a breakthrough for Afrobeats, with the genre cementing its global presence through massive Spotify streams, YouTube views, and viral moments on TikTok and reels. Hits like Moliy’s Shake It to the Max (FLY) remix and Kunmi’s Arike proved that Afrobeats could dominate both international streaming charts and short-form video platforms, blending polished pop production with street-driven energy. Major labels like Mavin Records focused on high-streaming, global-ready pop, while independent outfits such as Plutomania Records leaned on authentic sounds and Amapiano-infused rhythms to capture domestic and social media audiences.

Musically, 2025 showcased diversity within Afrobeats. Rema pushed atmospheric Afrorave, Odumodublvck fused Afro-fusion with Hip-Hop, and Moliy and Ayra Starr delivered Dancehall/Afropop hybrids that became viral party anthems. Amapiano beats became essential, driving collaborations like Money Constant and fueling the rise of new voices like Mavo and Famous Pluto.

Indigenous sounds also gained international recognition. Shallipopi’s Laho, featuring Bini language and street slang, charted globally, proving audiences now value cultural authenticity alongside catchy hooks and danceable rhythms. By combining local identity with viral-ready production, Afrobeats in 2025 achieved both massive streaming success and a significant social impact globally.

Below is a detailed breakdown of The 20 Best Afrobeats Songs of 2025, assessed through verified streaming figures on Spotify, view counts on YouTube, and engagement across TikTok and Instagram reels.

20. Seyi Vibez – Shaolin

Artist: Seyi Vibez
Country: Nigeria
Label: Vibez Nation / EMPIRE
Date of Release: February 19, 2025

Shaolin is one of Seyi Vibez’s defining tracks of 2025, featured on his Children of Africa project. Produced by Larrylanes, the song blends contemporary street-pop with Fuji-inspired Afrobeats, creating a sub-genre often referred to as Afro-Lyrical or Afro-Talo. The track features a pulsating, uptempo beat that makes it highly danceable, perfect for clubs, social media trends, and TikTok or Instagram reels challenges. The instrumentation combines signature Afrobeats drum patterns with subtle melodic textures, allowing Seyi Vibez’s melodic, chant-like vocal delivery to shine over the rhythm.

Lyrically, Shaolin emphasizes ambition, wealth, resilience, and divine grace, with a mix of Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin that resonates strongly with street audiences. Lines like “Money na the formula” and references to standing strong against detractors reflect the themes of hustling and personal triumph, maintaining both cultural authenticity and street credibility. Seyi Vibez’s introspective songwriting, paired with the energetic beat, ensures the track is both motivational and highly engaging for listeners.

The song has achieved notable commercial success and social media traction. On Spotify, Shaolin has amassed over 31 million streams, while the official music video directed by TG Omori has garnered more than 7 million views. The auto-generated audio track has also attracted over 2.3 million views on YouTube. Beyond these numbers, the song’s rhythm and infectious groove inspired a wave of dance challenges and viral content on TikTok and Instagram reels, with individual user-generated videos reaching tens of thousands of views. Shaolin not only reinforced Seyi Vibez’s reputation as a leading voice for street-inspired Afrobeats but also showcased the global relevance of his sound, charting at number 9 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart and solidifying his position as one of the genre’s most consistent hitmakers in 2025.

19. FOLA x Bella Shmurda – Who Does That?

Artist: FOLA feat. Bella Shmurda
Country: Nigeria
Label: Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE
Date of Release: December 5, 2024

Who Does That? is a standout track from FOLA’s debut EP What a Feeling, produced by Oluwole Daramola Ebenezer. The song features a smooth, mid-tempo Afrobeats beat with bouncy percussion and a clean, danceable groove, making it suitable for both club play and casual listening. FOLA’s signature use of deep Yoruba poetry blends seamlessly with Bella Shmurda’s raw, street-inspired vocals, creating a balance between introspective lyricism and energetic delivery. Thematically, the track celebrates ambition, hustle culture, and perseverance, with the chorus,“Dem dey be like, who does that everyday? At the end of the day”, highlighting consistency and hard work.

On streaming platforms, the song has achieved strong traction. On Spotify, it has amassed millions of streams, while the official audio and music video on YouTube have over 7.7 million views collectively. Its catchy beat and relatable lyrics have also fueled popularity on TikTok and Instagram reels, inspiring dance challenges, motivational content, and fan-generated videos, further amplifying its visibility and engagement. The track demonstrates how a mid-tempo Afrobeats song with a motivational message can perform effectively across digital platforms, blending streaming success with social media virality.

Beyond its commercial performance, Who Does That? solidifies FOLA’s position as an emerging talent in the Nigerian Afrobeats scene. Collaborating with Bella Shmurda gave him immediate credibility, while the song’s relatable themes of hustle and resilience resonate deeply with Nigerian youth.

18. Olamide – 99

Artist: Olamide feat. Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn & Daecolm
Country: Nigeria (featuring Zimbabwean artist Daecolm)
Label: YBNL Nation / Empire
Date of Release: June 9, 2025

99 was released as the second single from Olamide’s latest album, produced by Yung Willis. The track is a lively, high-energy Afrobeats record crafted to feature a mix of Nigeria’s top contemporary voices alongside UK singer Daecolm. This diverse lineup ensures a dynamic listening experience, blending melodic hooks, rap flows, and distinctive vocal styles across the track.

The song quickly established itself as a domestic powerhouse, demonstrating remarkable longevity on Nigerian platforms. Over 187 days, 99 amassed more than 28.6 million Spotify streams in Nigeria and maintained a Top 10 chart position for 96 days. Its sustained performance reflects both strong fan engagement and effective strategic planning.

For a veteran like Olamide, 99 exemplifies the advantage of showcasing the new generation of artists. By collaborating with Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Daecolm, he was able to combine multiple fanbases into a single, highly impactful release. This approach not only maximized streaming numbers but also reinforced the track’s cultural relevance across different audience segments. The song’s production, characterized by energetic percussion, catchy melodies, and sharp transitions between artists, ensures a high replay value. Each featured artist brings their own signature style, creating a cohesive yet varied sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

17. Wizkid, Mavo & Maphorisa – Money Constant

Artist: DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid, Mavo
Country: South Africa / Nigeria
Label: New Money Gang Records / Sony Music Entertainment Africa (Pty) Ltd
Date of Release: October 23, 2025

Money Constant is a standout Afrobeats-Amapiano fusion track from the SOUTH GIDI EP, combining the infectious South African Amapiano log drums and grooves with Wizkid’s globally recognised Afrobeats flair. The production, led by DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tunez, is crisp and club-ready, featuring pulsating percussion, an uptempo rhythm, and a smooth bounce that makes it perfect for dance floors, parties, and viral social media trends. The song’s vibe prioritises energy and engagement, creating a high-spirited, celebratory feel that captured the essence of end-of-year festivities in Nigeria and beyond.

Lyrically, Money Constant celebrates financial stability, success, and a carefree, luxurious lifestyle. Wizkid delivers his signature silky topline and polished ad-libs, adding sophistication and global appeal, while Mavo brings a street-pop flavour with local slang, fast-paced delivery, and a youthful, high-energy perspective. The track’s hooks are designed for immediate memorability and mass participation, making it ideal for chants on the dance floor, TikTok dance challenges, and Instagram reels. This balance of global polish and local authenticity gives the song broad appeal across different listener demographics.

Commercially, the track achieved impressive digital and social media traction. On Spotify and Apple Music, Money Constant quickly surpassed 21 million streams, topping the Nigerian Apple Music Chart for two consecutive weeks and claiming the number one spot on the Nigerian Spotify Weekly Chart. YouTube engagement was strong, with the official video and audio clips collectively amassing millions of views. On TikTok, the track inspired over 1.5 million user-generated videos, with the viral dance challenge generating more than 1 billion cumulative views. The track’s success also elevated Mavo’s profile, positioning him as a rising star in 2025, while solidifying the growing Afrobeats-Amapiano crossover as a major cultural and musical phenomenon in Africa and on the global stage.

16. Mavo – Shakabulizzy

Artist: MAVO
Country: Nigeria
Label: Kilogbede Records/ Inner Circle Entertainment Ltd.
Date of Release: September 5, 2025

Shakabulizzy became one of the defining street anthems of 2025, blending Nigerian Street-Hop energy with South African Amapiano grooves. Produced by Dibs, the track features a pulsating log-drum bassline, syncopated shakers, and hi-hats typical of Amapiano, creating an infectious, high-energy rhythm designed for the dance floor and viral social media content. MAVO’s vocal delivery is raw, direct, and conversational, filled with Nigerian slang and catchy, repetitive phrases that encourage crowds to chant along, giving the track instant street credibility and replay value. The song’s lyrics celebrate confidence, swagger, and the pursuit of the "soft life," which resonated deeply with young Nigerians.

Commercially, Shakabulizzy achieved major traction across streaming and social platforms. The original track amassed over 16.1 million streams on Spotify, peaking at #3 on the Nigeria Daily Chart. The remix featuring Davido added roughly 7.3 million streams, extending the song’s lifecycle and introducing MAVO to a broader audience. On YouTube, the official video surpassed 1 million views, complementing the audio’s reach. TikTok and Instagram reels played a crucial role in the track’s virality, with dance challenges and lifestyle content featuring the song spreading rapidly and driving additional streams and chart performance. The track consistently held a Top 5 position on the TurnTable Official Nigeria Top 100 chart throughout the final quarter of 2025.

Culturally, Shakabulizzy strengthened MAVO’s position as a voice for the streets and Nigerian youth. The song’s popularity on TikTok and reels demonstrated its appeal among digital-first audiences, and its slang-filled chorus led to Shakabulizzy entering the Nigerian cultural lexicon as a term for confidence, style, or luxury. The high-profile remix with Davido marked a major crossover moment, transitioning MAVO from rising star to mainstream collaborator, boosting his visibility both domestically and internationally. The track’s combination of infectious production, street-smart lyrics, and social media virality cemented its status as one of the essential Nigerian hits of 2025.

15. Kizz Daniel & FOLA – Lost

Artist: Kizz Daniel & FOLA
Country: Nigeria
Label: Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE
Date of Release: April 25, 2025

Lost is a standout 2025 Afrobeats track that pairs Kizz Daniel’s smooth, melodic delivery with FOLA’s expressive, introspective vocals. Produced by Sb_thaproducer, the song leans into a minimalist, soulful Afrobeats and Afro-R&B fusion. The instrumental features soft arpeggiated guitar lines, gentle melodic synths, subtle flute elements, and restrained percussion, emphasising emotional depth over danceability. This careful production creates an intimate, reflective atmosphere, perfectly supporting the track’s themes of emotional vulnerability, relationship struggles, and the quiet search for reassurance, with lyrics blending English and Nigerian Pidgin for cultural authenticity.

Commercially, Lost performed strongly across streaming platforms and social media, cementing its reputation as both a critical and audience favourite. On Spotify and Apple Music, the track featured on prominent editorial playlists such as Africa Now: Best of 2025 and Afrobeats Hits: Best of 2025, amassing millions of streams. The official YouTube video has surpassed 7.4 million views on FOLA’s channel, demonstrating sustained engagement despite its focus on mood over viral dance trends. On TikTok and Instagram Reels, the song became popular in aesthetic, relationship-focused, and emotional content, allowing fans to connect deeply with the lyrics and mood while generating additional social traction.

Culturally, Lost bridged generations of Afrobeats listeners by combining Kizz Daniel’s mainstream appeal with FOLA’s emerging, alté-influenced style. The track’s introspective nature provided an alternative to the year’s high-energy, club-oriented hits, offering listeners a reflective space that resonated widely.

14. Rahman Jago, Poco Lee & Shoday – Hey Jago

Artist: Rahman Jago, Poco Lee & Shoday
Country: Nigeria
Label: Independent
Date of Release: March 19, 2025

Hey Jago is a high-energy street-hop anthem that positions Rahman Jago, the Nigerian socialite and owner of the “High Fashion” brand, as its central figure. The track also features dancer and hype-man Poco Lee and singer Shoday, creating a blend of performance, vocals, and street energy that makes the song instantly engaging. Produced by Producer X, the beat is an energetic fusion of Afrobeats, Nigerian Street-Hop, and Amapiano. It is driven by a pulsating, log-drum-heavy Amapiano base combined with traditional Nigerian talking drums, syncopated percussion, and other street-inspired instrumentation, creating a relentless, danceable rhythm perfect for clubs, street performances, and short-form social media content.

The song’s success is closely tied to its commercial performance and viral presence. On Spotify, Hey Jago amassed over 1 million streams, quickly becoming one of the most popular tracks for both Rahman Jago and Poco Lee in 2025. Its official YouTube video has accumulated more than 5.7 million views, highlighting its appeal as both a visual and audio hit. The track became an ultra-viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram reels, where high-tempo beats and catchy hooks inspired thousands of dance videos, lifestyle posts, and viral challenges, solidifying its status as a street anthem. The track also charted in the Top 10 across Nigerian radio and streaming charts, reflecting broad domestic recognition.

From a songwriting perspective, Hey Jago is an ode to Rahman Jago’s persona and lifestyle, celebrating luxury, fashion, influence, and success. The lyrics are conversational, boastful, and heavily infused with Yoruba slang, while Poco Lee’s hype-man delivery adds street credibility and performance energy. Shoday complements the track with smooth melodic hooks, balancing the intensity. Socially, the song became a defining street culture anthem of 2025, merging music, dance, and brand amplification. Its connection to the “High Fashion” brand demonstrates how Nigerian artists are increasingly leveraging music as a tool for lifestyle marketing, cultural influence, and viral social engagement.

13. Odomudublvck feat. Victony – Pity This Boy

Artist: Odumodublvck feat. Victony
Country: Nigeria
Label: Kalacious Entertainment / NATIVE Records / Def Jam Recordings
Date of Release: February 7, 2025

Pity This Boy is a standout 2025 Afro-fusion track that pairs Odumodublvck’s intense, street-wise delivery with Victony’s melodic, soulful hooks. The collaboration creates a compelling contrast, blending Afro-Hip-Hop and Afro-Drill sensibilities with a smooth Afrobeats foundation. Produced by Niphkeys, the beat is both lush and precise, combining pounding drill-style percussion with layered synths that allow Odumodublvck’s verses to hit hard while Victony’s hook soars. The song is crafted to balance introspection with groove, making it suitable for both reflective listening and club play.

The commercial success of Pity This Boy was driven by its performance across streaming and social platforms. On Spotify, the track generated high streaming numbers, fueled by its inclusion in key 2025 playlists such as Apple Music’s “Afrobeats Hits: Best of 2025” and “Top Songs of 2025: Nigeria.” Its official video on YouTube amassed over 3.5 million views across platforms, while TikTok and Instagram reels saw a surge in content using the track’s signature phrase, Pity This Boy, which became a viral soundbite for expressing financial pressure and social obligations. These short-form video trends significantly amplified the song’s reach and cultural footprint, translating into sustained chart success across Nigeria.

Lyrically, Pity This Boy addresses the intense pressures faced by young breadwinners in Nigerian society, highlighting the moral and emotional strain of constantly supporting extended networks. Odumodublvck delivers raw, street-level lyricism with local slang, while Victony adds an emotionally resonant hook, enhancing mass appeal. Socially, the track sparked wide discussions about financial responsibility and communal expectations, becoming an unofficial anthem for providers across the country.

12. Burna Boy – Love

Artist: Burna Boy
Country: Nigeria
Label: Spaceship Records / Atlantic Records
Date of Release: July 10, 2025
Album: No Sign of Weakness

Love stands out as one of the most emotionally grounded records on Burna Boy’s 2025 album No Sign of Weakness. Unlike the louder, headline-grabbing tracks on the project, this song built its reputation quietly through consistency, depth, and listener connection. On Spotify, Love recorded strong and steady streaming numbers, contributing significantly to Burna Boy’s position as one of the most-streamed Afrobeats artists globally in 2025. Its placement on major international playlists helped the song grow organically over time rather than peaking quickly and fading out.

On YouTube, the official music video, released on December 9, 2025, pulled in heavy viewership within a short period, trending across multiple regions. The visuals, directed by Ronami Ogulu, leaned into intimate storytelling rather than spectacle, showing family moments, loyal fans, and real-life memories. This approach resonated deeply with viewers and drove repeat views. On TikTok and Instagram reels, Love became a popular sound for emotional posts, relationship reflections, gratitude videos, and loyalty-themed content. While it was not pushed as a dance record, its presence on short-form platforms remained strong because of its message and relatability.

Culturally, Love reinforced Burna Boy’s reputation as more than a hitmaker. It showed his ability to slow down, reflect, and speak directly to human experiences without losing global relevance. The song’s success on charts, peaking at No. 1 in Nigeria, No. 2 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, and No. 4 on the UK Afrobeats chart, proved that emotionally driven Afrobeats records still command massive attention. In 2025, Love stood as a reminder that vulnerability, when done honestly, can travel just as far as energy and noise.

11. FOLA – You

Artist: FOLA
Country: Nigeria
Label: Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE
Date of Release: August 8, 2025

You is the record that firmly placed FOLA at the center of Afrobeats’ new, emotionally driven movement in 2025. The song became one of the biggest moments of his breakout year, pushing his profile from rising act to mainstream force. On Spotify alone, You crossed 26.6 million streams, peaking at No. 1 on the Spotify Nigeria Daily Chart and ranking as one of his most-streamed solo records. Its performance on Apple Music was equally strong, where it held the No. 1 spot on the “Afrobeats Hits” playlist, a major indicator of both fan demand and editorial support.

On YouTube, the official music video recorded over 7.8 million views, while the official audio and lyrics video added another 2.2 million views, showing sustained interest beyond visuals. The song also thrived on TikTok and Instagram reels, where it became a favorite sound for romantic clips, soft lifestyle edits, relationship moments, and late-night reflections. Its steady use across short-form platforms played a key role in FOLA surpassing one billion total career streams in 2025 and earning recognition as one of the faces of Apple Music’s Best of 2025 Afrobeats Hits.

Sonically, You sits comfortably between Afro-R&B and mellow Afrobeats. Kel-P’s production is clean and restrained, built around soft percussion, a calm bassline, and airy melodic layers that gently carry the rhythm. Lyrically, FOLA keeps things direct and honest. The songwriting focuses on emotional openness, commitment, and trust, avoiding exaggeration or flashy metaphors. His delivery feels personal and conversational, switching naturally between English and Yoruba to express affection and reassurance. In terms of impact, You became a defining example of the “soft Afrobeats” wave that gained ground in 2025.

10. Famous Pluto – Na Scra

Artist: Famous Pluto
Country: Nigeria
Label: Plutomania Records / ONErpm
Date of Release: March 7, 2025

Na Scra is the song that pushed Famous Pluto from a fast-rising street name into national relevance in 2025. The record thrived mainly on streaming and short-form platforms, where its simplicity and energy caught on quickly. On Spotify, the song crossed 21 million streams, becoming Famous Pluto’s most-played record and the main driver of his early career numbers. On YouTube, the official lyric video alone passed 3.1 million views, with additional fan-made clips and street visuals adding to its reach. The real engine, however, was TikTok and Instagram reels, where early snippets sparked dance challenges, street skits, and lip-sync videos that ran into tens of thousands of posts and pushed the song into Nigeria’s Top 10 charts.

Sonically, Na Scra sits firmly in the Street-Pop and Afropiano lane. Busy Pluto’s production leans heavily on deep log-drum bass, sharp percussion, and a looping rhythm that feels intentionally repetitive. The beat is built for movement, making it easy to dance to and perfect for short-form video content. Nothing about the instrumental is overworked; its strength lies in how quickly it sticks and how easily it can be replayed without losing momentum.

Lyrically, the song keeps things straightforward and street-focused. Famous Pluto uses Pidgin English and local slang to talk about money, enjoyment, travel, and living without pressure. The writing relies on short, catchy lines meant to be repeated, with Na Scra itself becoming a chant that listeners instantly picked up. Socially, the song had a wider impact beyond music. The phrase Na Scra entered everyday slang in 2025, used to dismiss stress or downplay problems. As his debut single under Plutomania Records, the track also strengthened the growing influence of the Uzama family and Benin City’s street-pop wave, positioning Famous Pluto as a key part of Nigeria’s new-generation sound.

9. Rema – Baby (Is It a Crime)

Artist: Rema
Country: Nigeria
Label: Mavin Global / Jonzing World / Interscope Records
Date of Release: February 7, 2025

Rema’s Baby (Is It a Crime) was one of the clearest commercial standouts of 2025, driven largely by heavy streaming and strong social media traction. On Spotify, the song crossed 83 million streams within the year, becoming the most-streamed Nigerian song in the first quarter of 2025 and hitting over 14 million streams in just three weeks after release. On YouTube, the official music video pulled in millions of views, with steady growth fueled by repeat listens rather than shock virality. TikTok and Instagram reels played a major role in the song’s spread, as the audio was widely used for romantic clips, fashion edits, slow-motion transitions, and couple-focused content, keeping the record active on global short-form feeds for months.

The sound of the record is built around a carefully cleared sample of Sade Adu’s 1985 classic Is It a Crime. Producer P. Priime reshaped the original into a smooth Afrobeats-R&B fusion, keeping the emotional weight of the sample while adding modern drum patterns and subtle Afro-rhythmic bounce. The beat is restrained and polished, allowing the melody to carry the song. Soft percussion, layered harmonies, and light vocal effects give the track a warm, late-night feel. Rather than chasing tempo or dance trends, the production leans into groove, replay value, and emotional pull.

Lyrically, Rema approaches the song with confidence and clarity. He sings about desire, attraction, and devotion, balancing romance with status and self-assurance. His delivery blends English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, making the song feel both global and rooted. Beyond numbers, the song’s biggest cultural impact came from its generational bridge. By sampling Sade, Rema introduced a classic soul record to younger listeners while earning respect from older audiences. The track strengthened his image as an artist willing to take creative risks while still dominating charts, further confirming his role as one of Afrobeats’ most influential global figures in 2025.

8. MAVO – Escaladizzy

Artist: MAVO
Country: Nigeria
Label: Inner Circle Entertainment Ltd.
Date of Release: June 6, 2025

Escaladizzy was the record that pushed MAVO fully into the national spotlight in 2025. The song which featured Wavestar, crossed 12.4 million streams on Spotify by mid-August and maintained steady monthly growth throughout the year.

Sonically, the record sits at the intersection of Afrobeats, Street-Hop, and Amapiano, with production built for movement and volume. 2Frosh’s beat leans on a fast-paced log-drum pattern, sharp percussive hits, and minimal synth stabs that keep the rhythm urgent and bouncy. The tempo is intentionally high, making the track perfect for clubs, car speakers, and dance content. MAVO’s delivery is rhythmic and direct, balancing half-sung melodies with street-styled flows. Rather than complex lyricism, the songwriting focuses on hook strength and repetition, ensuring the chorus sticks quickly and works naturally for crowd chants and viral loops.

Beyond numbers, Escaladizzy left a clear cultural mark in 2025. The word itself became shorthand for a sudden lifestyle upgrade or visible success, spreading far beyond music into everyday online language. For Gen Z listeners in particular, the song captured ambition, confidence, and self-made energy, cementing Escaladizzy as both a street anthem and one of the defining breakout records of the year.

7. Kunmi – Arike

Artist: Kunmi
Country: Nigeria
Label: CiDAR Africa / ONErpm
Date of Release: February 15, 2025

Arike was the song that introduced Kunmi (Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter) to the world and instantly positioned him as one of Afrobeats’ most important new voices in 2025. For a debut single, its numbers were exceptional. The song crossed 59 million streams on Spotify within the year and debuted at No. 2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart, a rare achievement for an emerging Nigerian act. In Nigeria, it peaked at No. 1 on the Spotify Viral 50, while Apple Music placements on major playlists like Africa Now and Afrobeats Hits: Best of 2025 kept the record in constant rotation. On YouTube, the official music video passed 26 million views, hitting its first one million views in just nine days. On TikTok and Instagram reels, Arike became unavoidable, generating over three million user-created videos, with the #ArikeChallenge ranking among the biggest trends of the year.

Sonically, Arike leans into Afro-Soul and Afro-R&B, carried by a restrained Afrobeats rhythm that allows emotion to lead. The production is soft and mid-tempo, built on gentle percussion, warm chords, and a melancholic melody that never overwhelms Kunmi’s vocals. Instead of chasing loud drums or fast tempo, the beat creates space for feeling. Kunmi’s delivery is intimate and sincere, blending English, Pidgin, and Yorùbá with ease. The songwriting focuses on love, longing, and emotional uncertainty, with Arike used as a tender praise name rather than a catchy gimmick. Its strength lies in simplicity, clear emotions, honest lyrics, and a hook that feels personal yet universal.

Culturally, Arike became a defining breakout moment of 2025. The song’s rise from TikTok clips to global charts turned it into a case study on how short-form platforms can launch new Afrobeats stars at scale. Kunmi’s background, including his Orile, Agege roots and the widely shared story of recording the song in a studio that later burned down, added depth to the record’s narrative and online appeal. The success of the original version later led to an official remix featuring Simi and Mabel, further expanding its reach across Nigeria, the UK, and Europe. More than just a hit, Arike marked the arrival of a new wave of soulful, emotionally driven Afrobeats with Kunmi at the center.

6. Chella – My Darling

Artist: Chella
Country: Nigeria
Label: Chella Music / 222 Ent.
Date of Release: March 26, 2025

My Darling became one of the biggest breakout records of 2025, powered largely by streaming numbers and overwhelming social media adoption. On Spotify alone, the song crossed 61 million streams by November 2025, an exceptional milestone for an artist without prior mainstream hits. YouTube played an even bigger role in its rise, the official visualizer surpassed 92 million views, while the auto-generated audio added another 14 million views, making it one of the most-watched Nigerian songs of the year. On TikTok and Instagram reels, the track exploded globally, landing at No. 19 on TikTok’s Global Songs of 2025, the only Nigerian song on the list. Millions of user-generated videos—ranging from love clips to wedding content, kept the song in constant circulation. This online momentum translated into charts, where it peaked at No. 1 on the TurnTable Official Nigeria Top 100 and topped the Global Shazam Chart, a rare achievement for a new Afrobeats act.

Sonically, My Darling thrives on restraint. Produced by Gsticksz (Godfrey Agbonifo), the beat is mid-tempo and clean, blending modern Afrobeats with subtle Highlife and R&B influences. The production relies on soft percussion and a simple but memorable keyboard melody that stays with the listener long after the song ends. Instead of overpowering the vocals, the instrumental creates space for Chella’s smooth delivery. The songwriting focuses on love, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability. Chella sings in a mix of English, Pidgin, and Igbo, with the chorus, “My darling, emerem mu gini oh”, standing out as the emotional core of the song. Its directness and sincerity made it easy for listeners to connect and reuse the sound across platforms.

Culturally, My Darling became one of the clearest examples of how organic virality can outperform traditional marketing. The song’s success turned Chella into one of 2025’s most talked-about new artists and reinforced Afrobeats’ growing influence on global charts. Its cross-border appeal led to a remix EP featuring Diamond Platnumz, Zee Nxumalo, and Tawsen, expanding its reach across Africa and the diaspora. More than just a hit, My Darling proved that emotionally honest songwriting, paired with a simple but effective sound, can travel far, earning a permanent place in the story of Afrobeats’ global rise in 2025.

5. Ayra Starr – Hot Body

Artist: Ayra Starr
Country: Nigeria
Label: Mavin Records / Republic Records
Date of Release: July 25, 2025

Hot Body landed in the heart of 2025 and immediately became one of Ayra Starr’s most visible releases of the year, driven strongly by streaming and social media traction. On Spotify, the song crossed 30 million streams within months, placing it among her top-performing tracks for 2025 and reinforcing her consistency as a streaming powerhouse. The official music video, directed by Claire Bishara, pulled in heavy YouTube traffic thanks to its fashion-forward visuals, summer styling, and confident choreography, keeping the song in daily rotation on the platform. On TikTok and Instagram reels, Hot Body found its strongest footing, its slow, rhythmic tempo and repeat-friendly hook made it a go-to sound for dance clips, body-confidence videos, and lifestyle content, helping the song trend steadily throughout the second half of the year. This digital momentum translated into chart results, with the track holding Top 20 positions in Nigeria and breaking into the UK Official Afrobeats Top 10.

From a sound perspective, Hot Body marked a clear shift in Ayra Starr’s musical direction. Produced by Ragee, with additional input from The Elements, the song blends Afrobeats with Dancehall and pop-R&B influences. The beat is mid-tempo and percussion-led, built around a deep bassline, crisp claps, and minimal layering that leaves room for movement and mood rather than high-energy drops. Unlike the Amapiano-heavy sound dominating 2025, Hot Body leans into restraint, allowing its groove to breathe. Lyrically, the songwriting is bold and deliberate. Ayra uses simple, memorable lines to express confidence, control, and comfort in her own skin. The hooks are direct and chant-ready, clearly written with dance floors and short-form video loops in mind.

Culturally, the song signaled a new chapter in Ayra Starr’s career. Hot Body was widely received as the start of her more mature, sensual era, one that centers self-expression rather than approval. Many listeners embraced it as a statement of female autonomy, especially in how it frames desire as power rather than performance. Released shortly after her Roc Nation management deal, the single also played a strategic role in strengthening her global profile, positioning her comfortably between Afrobeats and mainstream pop. By pairing strong streaming numbers with high social engagement, Hot Body didn’t just succeed commercially, it confirmed Ayra Starr’s place as one of the defining Afrobeats voices of 2025.

4. Moliy – Shake It to the Max (FLY)

Artist: Moliy ft. Skillibeng & Shenseea
Country: Ghana / Jamaica
Label: Gamma
Date of Release: February 21, 2025

The official remix of Shake It to the Max (FLY) transformed Moliy’s viral hit into a full-blown global phenomenon. Originally a high-energy collaboration between Moliy and Jamaican producer Silent Addy, the addition of Dancehall stars Shenseea and Skillibeng amplified the song’s international reach. The remix became a viral powerhouse on social media, generating over 1.2 million TikTok and Reels videos and cementing the #ShakeItToTheMax challenge as a global dance trend. On Spotify, the remix accumulated over 420 million streams, peaking at 1 million streams in a single day, while the YouTube video surpassed 211 million views, topping music charts in Jamaica and trending across multiple countries.

Musically, the track is an expert fusion of Afropop, Afrofusion, and Dancehall, blending Moliy’s Ghanaian Afrobeats roots with the vibrant, swagger-filled Jamaican Dancehall brought by her collaborators. Produced by Silent Addy and Disco Neil, the beat is anchored by hypnotic, tropical percussion, a punchy bassline, and a bouncy rhythm designed for maximum dance-floor impact. Moliy’s vocals are smooth and melodic, while Skillibeng and Shenseea contribute raw, hard-hitting verses in patois, creating a compelling contrast. The lyrics focus on female empowerment, self-confidence, and unbothered energy, with an infectious hook, “Shake it to the max max max!”, that fueled the song’s viral and repeatable nature.

Beyond commercial performance, the remix had a major cultural impact. It highlighted the global crossover potential of African music, proving that Afrobeats and Dancehall could merge seamlessly to dominate charts worldwide. Moliy’s breakout with this remix established her as a global star, elevating her from an emerging Alté artist to a leading figure in Ghanaian music. The track’s success on TikTok, Reels, Spotify, and YouTube showcased how short-form video virality can drive international chart performance, and the remix’s popularity reinforced the growing influence of African artists in shaping global music trends.

3. Shallipopi – Laho

Artist: Shallipopi
Country: Nigeria
Label: Plutomania Records / Since '93
Date of Release: March 13, 2025

Shallipopi’s Laho emerged in early 2025 as a defining track for the new wave of street-pop and Alte Afrobeats. On Spotify, the song surpassed 77 million streams, becoming his most streamed track on the platform, while the official video on YouTube has amassed over 67 million views. Its virality was amplified on TikTok and Reels, with over 1.3 million user-generated videos, largely driven by the song’s catchy hook and energetic beats that inspired dance challenges and lifestyle posts. The remix, Laho II featuring Burna Boy, released in April 2025, further boosted the track’s streams by around 47 million, solidifying its presence both locally and internationally.

Musically, Laho is a masterful blend of Afro Pluto/Street-Hop Afrobeats, incorporating classic Afrobeats rhythms with the hypnotic, bass-heavy pulse of Amapiano. Produced by Progrex, the beat features minimalistic melodic elements layered over thumping drums and a deep bassline, creating a hypnotic groove that is both laid-back and highly engaging. Shallipopi’s delivery is distinct, employing a chant-like, almost nursery-rhyme cadence that is immediately memorable. His use of Bini language alongside Pidgin English adds cultural texture and authenticity, while the lyrical theme celebrates ambition, wealth, and self-confidence, encapsulating his “Pluto President” persona.

The song’s social impact was significant. By centering Edo street culture and the Bini language, Shallipopi gave mainstream visibility to his roots, inspiring fans across Nigeria and beyond. Laho also became associated with confidence and celebration in sports, with NBA and Premier League players using it as part of pre-game rituals and goal celebrations. The remix elevated the track’s reach, proving Shallipopi’s ability to collaborate with established stars like Burna Boy while maintaining his unique artistic identity. The track is a clear example of how Afrobeats continues to blend local vernacular, street culture, and global appeal in 2025.

2. Fido – Joy Is Coming

Artist: Fido
Country: Nigeria
Label: Oosha Records / EMPIRE
Date of Release: December 14, 2024

Fido’s Joy Is Coming quickly became one of the defining Afrobeats tracks of 2025, resonating with listeners across Nigeria and the diaspora. On Spotify, the track has amassed over 30 million streams globally, while on YouTube, the combined views across the official video, lyric video, and fan-uploaded dance clips exceed 15.6 million. Its viral reach on TikTok and reels was equally impressive, inspiring thousands of videos using the track for dance challenges, motivational clips, and celebrations under the hashtag #JoyIsComing, making it a key soundtrack for the year.

Musically, the song is an expert fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano, merging traditional Nigerian rhythms with the signature log-drum percussion and bouncy, hypnotic tempo characteristic of South African Amapiano. Produced by ChokeBoi, the track features a driving bassline, airy synth loops, and a lively percussion pattern that creates an uplifting and danceable groove. Fido’s vocal delivery is heartfelt and emotive, blending English and Yoruba phrases that amplify the song’s message of hope and resilience. The chorus, anchored by “Mo dupẹ f'Oluwa… Joy is coming”, serves as both a spiritual affirmation and a universal mantra of encouragement.

The song’s social impact went far beyond streaming numbers. It became a motivational anthem for 2025, featured at weddings, parties, and gatherings, and widely used as a source of personal and communal inspiration. Its chart performance was historic, earning a year-end No. 1 position on the TurnTable Official Nigeria Top 100 with 87.2 million on-demand streams and over 1.56 billion radio impressions, making it the only track in two years to achieve a clean sweep at year-end. Joy Is Coming not only solidified Fido’s place among top Nigerian artists but also highlighted how emotionally resonant Afrobeats can dominate both commercial and cultural spaces.

1. Davido & Omah Lay – With You

Artist: Davido & Omah Lay
Country: Nigeria
Label: Davido Music Worldwide / Sony Music
Date of Release: April 18, 2025

Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration With You quickly became one of the most talked-about Afrobeats releases of 2025, blending Davido’s vibrant Afropop energy with Omah Lay’s introspective Afro-Fusion style. On Spotify, the song has surpassed 90 million streams, setting a record for the highest first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria with nearly 5 million plays. Its official video is one of the top three most-watched Nigerian music videos of 2025, while TikTok and reels played a key role in driving its virality, inspiring thousands of user-generated dance videos and romantic content clips, solidifying its global presence.

Musically, With You is a masterful fusion of Afropop and Afro-Fusion, structured around a mid-tempo, groovy beat that perfectly balances Davido’s high-energy style with Omah Lay’s more atmospheric, melodic approach. Produced by Tempoe, the track features lush layered instrumentation, a warm bassline, subtle percussion, and airy synths that create a smooth, romantic soundscape. The song’s production allows each artist’s strengths to shine; Omah Lay opens with a husky, vulnerable verse and hook, while Davido injects lively, catchy Pidgin phrases and punchy ad-libs, making the track both intimate and anthemic.

Beyond streams and views, the song made a significant cultural impact in 2025. It became a unifying anthem, merging the fanbases of both artists and dominating playlists, short-form video platforms, and celebrations throughout the year. Its music video and social media buzz turned it into a symbol of modern Afrobeats collaboration, while its romantic and catchy nature made it a staple for personal and public enjoyment alike. The track also highlighted the global reach of Nigerian Afrobeats, charting #1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, #1 on the UK Afrobeats Chart, and reaching #5 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, demonstrating its cross-continental appeal.

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