5 Afrobeats Rising Stars To Watch In 2025

Afrobeats, with its infectious rhythms and vibrant melodies, has firmly established itself on the global stage, evolving into one of the world’s most celebrated music genres. From chart-topping hits to electrifying performances, Nigerian artists have been at the forefront of this movement, seamlessly blending traditional sounds with contemporary innovation. As we settle into 2025, the Afrobeats scene is brimming with fresh talents and emerging stars, all set to captivate the world and redefine the genre once again.

Today, we shine a spotlight on five exceptional rising stars who are reshaping the Afrobeats narrative with their distinctive sounds, captivating stories, and magnetic stage presence. These artists have already made significant waves in the music scene, and their upward trajectory indicates they are on the verge of reaching even greater heights.

Here are 5 Afrobeats rising stars to watch in 2025…

#1. Ayo Maff

At just 19 years old, Ayo Maff—born Ayorinde Ayodele—is quickly emerging as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats genre. His breakout single, “Dealer,” featuring Fireboy DML, received widespread acclaim, marking the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey. Ayo Maff’s follow-up track, “Are You There?” further solidified his place in the industry, resonating deeply with fans and earning co-signs from some of the genre’s most influential figures.

Performing at the iconic O2 Arena and collaborating with renowned artists like Blaqbones and Lil Kesh have firmly established Ayo Maff as one of Afrobeats’ brightest rising stars. His highly anticipated remix of “Are You There?”featuring Ayra Starr is already generating buzz and is poised to be one of the standout releases of 2025. With a unique blend of youthful energy and artistic maturity, Ayo Maff is undeniably an artist to watch in the coming years.

#2. Qing Madi

Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, better known as Qing Madi, is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. The Benin City-born singer made her debut in 2022 with the infectious hit “See Finish,” which quickly captured the hearts of music lovers. Her collaboration with BNXN on “Ole” took her career to new heights, earning her a spot on major charts, including the TurnTable Top 100 and the Official Afrobeats Chart.

Inspired by the lyrical depth of Kendrick Lamar, Qing Madi infuses her music with a unique blend of relatable storytelling and infectious beats. Her inclusion in Apple Music’s Rising Class of 2024 marks a significant milestone in her journey, signaling her rapidly growing prominence. With her dynamic performances and catchy tunes, Qing Madi is poised to captivate even larger audiences in 2025, cementing her place as one of the genre’s most exciting talents.

#3. Llona

Michael Ajuma Attah, better known as Llona, is a rising talent whose music embodies both resilience and authenticity. Hailing from Kano State, Llona’s sound is a fusion of his Northern Nigerian heritage, blending dancehall, R&B, and contemporary Afrobeats. His debut album, “Homeless,” earned critical acclaim and reached an impressive peak at number eleven on Nigeria’s Official Top 100 Albums chart, marking a powerful start to his career.

Llona’s breakout single, “HBP,” and its remix featuring Bella Shmurda have firmly established him as a versatile artist with a remarkable gift for storytelling. His reflective lyrics, which delve into mental health and personal struggles, strike a powerful chord with fans. As Llona prepares for a defining year in 2025, his ability to blend raw emotion with infectious beats positions him as a standout star in the Afrobeats scene.

#4. Raebel

Ademuyiwa Oluwatobi Christiana, better known as Raebel, has successfully carved a niche for herself in the Afrobeats scene with her unique blend of dancehall and reggae influences. Initially, the 20-year-old artist gained attention through her captivating freestyle performances, which eventually led to a record deal with Konvest Music. From there, her breakout hit “Miniskirt” transitioned from a freestyle into a chart-topping anthem, further cementing her place in the industry.

With follow-up tracks like “Kash and Karry,” Raebel continues to showcase her versatility and musical prowess. Furthermore, her collaboration with renowned video director TG Omori, who now serves as her creative director, is helping her refine her artistry. As she prepares to elevate her career to new heights, Raebel’s innovative sound and dynamic performances position her as a rising force in the industry.

#5. Taves

Hailing from Ibadan, Toluwanimi Aluko, better known as Taves, is a genre-defying artist who seamlessly blends Afrobeats with pop and soul. Drawing inspiration from global icons like Khalid and Post Malone, alongside Nigerian legends such as Asa and Wande Coal, Taves crafts music that transcends borders. His breakout singles, “Bodija” and “Folake,” highlight his talent for merging diverse influences into a uniquely cohesive sound.

Taves’ knack for creating relatable, forward-thinking music has garnered him a loyal fan base. As he gears up to release new material in 2025, his distinct style and unwavering commitment to authenticity position him as a rising star, destined for even greater success.

Featured image: @boyllona @qingmadi @tavesthegreat/Instagram

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