Spotify, has revealed the Nigerian artistes to watch out for this year.b Ayo Maff and Tml Vibez were listed as the top Nigerian artistes to watch out for in 2025.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, said this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Okumu, this is based on the artistes’ ability to infuse Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats adding that Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano could see more collaborations in the new year.
“As the second-highest Amapiano consumer with over 50 billion streams, Nigerian artistes are giving local fans what they want by working Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats.
“Songs like ‘Are You There’, by leading breakout artiste Ayo Maff are further signs of this trend. The self-proclaimed ‘Prince of the Street’ is a performer to watch out for in 2025.
“Tml Vibez’s piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies took second place in Nigeria’s breakout artistes list.
“BoyPee won hearts and feet, and the third breakout artiste position with his infectious mix of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds.
“Tracks like Ogechi with Davido, illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artiste to look out for this year,” she said.
According to Okumu, Afrobeats star, KAESTYLE, remains Nigeria’s fourth-ranking new musician acknowledging his feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity and resilience.
She said Llona’s passionate Afropop songs, like ‘Cold War’ with compatriot FAVE, which reflects the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase had earned him fifth place on Spotify’s breakout artistes charts.
Okumu noted that gospel sounds had continued to make waves on the African continent as groups like ‘Team Eternity Ghana’ reached the masses in 2024.
“Starting as a fellowship of school students, they combine enchanting melodies with evangelical messages that resonate with spiritual song seekers.
“Tracks like Defe Defe which put them on the map, were remixed for genres like Drill, attracting younger fans who found the group through viral dance challenges.
“Kweku Smoke uses religious metaphors and imagery on his Kewku Jesus and Born in Hell albums. His vibrant rap with lyrics in Twi, Pidgin and English made him a standout artiste in 2024.
“He took on themes like the struggle between authenticity and a new identity as one rises to stardom.
“Asakaa and Drill-inspired singer-songwriter, Xlimkid, made a name for himself with party bangers like Valley of Trappers and the emotionally loaded Lonely Road.”
According to Okumu, Kenya’s Arbantone is expected to continue growing in popularity in 2025.
She acknowledged Sean MMG as one of the breakout names of the genre, and fellow rapper YBW Smith, who also solidified his breakthrough with viral hits like ‘Pop Like This’.
She noted that Spotify had also supported the growth of the genre through unique playlists, showcasing new and established artistes.
“These up-and-coming artistes show the bright future that African music has ahead of it.
“From Afrobeats and Amapiano blends to linguistic fusions that connect with fans on emotional and spiritual levels, the continent’s sonic identity is more vibrant than ever.
“These artistes should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025,” she said.
Stephanie Simon VON
