Since its inception, particularly in 2020, the “Afrobeats to the World” movement has gained remarkable momentum, producing global hits and captivating audiences worldwide. Sold-out arenas and the rise of new stars have become the norm, propelling the genre to new heights.
2024 marked another stellar year for Afrobeats, both locally and internationally, with the industry experiencing not just the emergence of new talent, but also a surge of investment, infrastructure, and strategic game-changers, further solidifying its growth and influence.
As 2025 begins, artists are stepping into the year with renewed energy and fresh opportunities. Based on projections and the impressive performances of several rising stars in 2024, NotJustOk has compiled a list of artists to watch for in 2025, poised to dominate the Afrobeats scene. The list, in no particular order, includes names like FirstKlaz, Llona, Ayo Maff, AraTheJay, Joshua Bakara, Winny, and many more.
1. FirstKlaz
Blending Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and Fuji, Firstklaz crafts a rich and innovative soundscape that captivates listeners & showcases his lyrical dexterity and genre-bending creativity. Hailing from Northern Nigeria, Firstklaz has mastered the art of connecting with his audience through highly engaging and imaginative social media content, setting himself apart in a crowded industry. His standout tracks, including Gen-Z Fuji and Gen-Z Arewa, have solidified his position as a buzzing voice in the new wave of Afrobeats talent.
2. Fido
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting acts of 2024, Afro-fusion rising star Fido captured massive attention with his debut single and breakout hit Awolowo, a track that dominated the Afrobeats scene. Renowned for his street-smart lyrics and infectious hooks, Fido’s sound seamlessly blends Afro-fusion grooves with street-hop grit, drawing comparisons to heavyweight Kizz Daniel.
Fido has kicked off 2025 on a high note with Joy is Coming, a follow-up anthem of positivity that has resonated as the soundtrack for the new year. Adding to the momentum, a potential remix featuring Kizz Daniel is rumoured to drop soon. With his knack for grassroots connection and strategic social media campaigns, Fido is undeniably one to watch in 2025.
3. ZerryDL
ZerryDL is a versatile hitmaker who effortlessly blends Afrobeats with amapiano influences, carving a niche as one of Nigeria’s most promising new artists. His breakout moment came in 2023 with the Puff & Pass Remix, a party anthem featuring his older brother Shallipopi, which propelled him into the spotlight. In 2024, ZerryDL continued to build on this momentum with captivating storytelling, infectious energy, and a sound that stands out in the ever-evolving Afrobeats scene.
With two EPs to his name and smash hits like Back to Back and Hausapaiano Remix, ZerryDL’s bold approach and genre-crossing music solidify his position as a rising star. His talent and unique style make him a major contender to watch out for in 2025.
4. Tar1q
Tar1q is a skilled lyricist and storyteller whose music resonates deeply through introspective themes and vibrant Afro-R&B rhythms. In 2024, he captivated listeners with Okada Airlines, a standout project that masterfully fused modern sounds with traditional African percussion, earning him praise from critics and fans alike. Known for his ability to craft relatable and emotive narratives, Tar1q has positioned himself as a rising force in the Afrobeats scene. With his growing acclaim and a sound that bridges the contemporary and the traditional, Tar1q is undoubtedly poised for greater success in 2025
5. Taves
Taves first captured attention in 2023 with Eleyele, a soulful ode to his neighbourhood that resonated deeply with Gen Z audiences. Renowned for his reflective lyrics, soothing voice, and smooth delivery, he has emerged as one of the most promising Afro-soul talents. In 2024, Taves solidified his artistry with the release of his EP Are You Listening, showcasing his depth and versatility. His stellar features on tracks like L.A.X’s Let Me Know and Ladipoe’s Compose further highlighted his ability to shine alongside established acts. With his talent and growing reputation, Taves is undoubtedly one to watch in 2025 as he continues to elevate Afrobeats on a global stage.
6. Muyeez
Muyeez stands out for his ability to infuse traditional African sounds into modern Afrobeats, crafting a unique sonic identity. At just 17, he made waves in 2024 with his sleeper hit Instagram, a track that resonated widely and showcased his undeniable talent. While the Seyi Vibez signee has yet to replicate the success of Instagram with a follow-up single, his potential and knack for blending cultural authenticity with contemporary sounds make him an exciting artist to watch in 2025.
7. Tml Vibez
A key figure in the “Afro-Adura” movement, TML Vibez has gained recognition for his focus on themes of optimism, faith, and the struggles of the lower class. Since signing in 2023, the 24-year-old artist has released three EPs, a joint project, and standout tracks like Where I’m From and Alhamdulillah. His catalog resonates strongly with street-hop fans, offering relatable narratives and captivating energy. Although he has yet to achieve a mainstream breakout hit, TML Vibez’s consistent work ethic and undeniable talent keep him firmly in the conversation.
8. Serøtonin
Serøtonin has carved a unique niche in Afrobeats with his introspective and experimental approach. His 2024 singles, May 10th and Venus, highlighted his ability to fuse atmospheric production with poetic, emotive lyrics, setting him apart as a fresh and dynamic voice in the genre. With a growing fanbase and mounting anticipation from industry insiders, Serøtonin’s upcoming 2025 projects are expected to solidify his position as a standout talent and push the boundaries of Afrobeats even further.
9. Joshua Baraka
Ugandan recording artist and producer Joshua Baraka first rose to fame in 2023 with his breakout hit Nana. In 2024, he cemented his reputation as a unique talent with his distinctive blend of Afro-fusion, soul, and traditional rhythms, delivering spellbinding performances that captivated audiences. His single DIGII IV showcased his exceptional musicality and vocal prowess, further highlighting his artistry. Bakara’s ability to weave Afrocentric storytelling into modern sounds positions him as a standout act to watch in 2025, with the potential to elevate East African music on the global stage.
10. AraTheJay
AraTheJay is one of Ghana’s most promising stars, blending soulful themes, cultural richness, and emotional depth in his music. Rooted in Ghanaian traditions yet shaped by his experiences in Kenya and fluency in Swahili, Ara crafts a sound that is both authentically West African and globally resonant. He gained significant attention with standout collaborations like Unruly with Blanco and Sankofa with King Promise, showcasing his versatility and growing influence. With his unique fusion of cultural authenticity and modern appeal, AraTheJay is undoubtedly one to watch closely in 2025.
11. Kojo Blak
Kojo Blak has been steadily building his career, but his breakthrough came when he won Nigerian singer Victony’s Jaga Jaga cover challenge, earning him widespread recognition across the continent. Known for his rich vocals and infectious melodies, Kojo Black has become a prominent figure in Ghana’s music scene, seamlessly blending traditional highlife with modern Afrobeats. His 2024 EP 757 showcased his artistry and versatility, further solidifying his place as an artist to watch. With the right marketing, Kojo Black has the potential to become one of Africa’s biggest stars, ready to make an even greater impact on the global stage.
12. Kweku Smoke
Kweku Smoke has consistently brought fire to the hip-hop scene, adding a distinctive Afrocentric touch to his gritty, bold lyrics. Known for his raw, unfiltered energy, Smoke’s music resonates with fans who appreciate authenticity and power in their rap. In 2024, he made a major impact with the release of two albums, Kweku Jesus and Born in Hell, both of which firmly established him as a trailblazer in Ghanaian drill and hip-hop. To cap off an incredible year, Smoke sold out a headline show in Ghana, further cementing his status as one of the genre’s top talents. With his powerful presence and continued growth, Kweku Smoke is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming years.
13. Brown Joel
Brown Joel gained significant traction after his TikTok viral hit Peace in 2023, a breakthrough moment that led to further success with his feature on the smash record Ogechi and its remix featuring Grammy-nominee Davido. His career soared as he continued to deliver standout tracks like Constantly and Casino, each showcasing his ability to merge highlife, R&B, and Afrobeat elements into a soulful and captivating style. Brown Joel’s emotive delivery and musical versatility were on full display with his latest single, Lose My Mind, which he performed with raw passion on A Colors Show. With his ability to connect deeply with audiences through his music and performances, Brown Joel is undoubtedly an artist to watch closely in the coming years.
14. Zhus Jdo
Zhus Jdo made a significant impact in 2024 with his electrifying Afro-trap and drill sound, particularly with his hit single Johnbull. Known for his high-energy performances and anthemic hooks, he’s quickly becoming a standout figure in the Afrobeats party circuit. Blending hip-hop with his cultural roots, Zhus Jdo creates music that’s not only locally resonant but also globally appealing. With his dynamic style and ever-growing fanbase, Zhus Jdo is undoubtedly an artist to watch in 2025 as he continues to break boundaries and captivate audiences.
15. Winny
Winny’s ethereal vocals and emotional storytelling made a significant impact in 2024, earning her recognition for her distinctive sound and captivating delivery. With three studio projects under her belt, her catalog includes standout tracks like Take Me, Suh Good, and many more, showcasing her ability to blend Afro-R&B, soul, and Caribbean influences into a unique style. The Nigerian singer-songwriter has cultivated a loyal fanbase, drawing comparisons to global star Rihanna with her smooth, lingering voice that stays with listeners long after the music ends. As a breath of fresh air in the Afrobeats scene, Winny is on the brink of superstardom and poised for even greater success in 2025.
16. Llona
Llona has been gaining significant traction since his 2023 remix of HBP featuring Bella Shmurda, which paved the way for his debut album, Homeless—a project rapidly emerging as a strong contender for Album of the Year. The 27-year-old Afro-fusion artist blends authenticity, vulnerability, and powerful storytelling to create music that resonates deeply with today’s youth. With standout tracks like Still Scared and Cold War featuring Fave, Llona’s fanbase is expanding steadily. His strategic focus on community-building, alongside his impressive catalog, has set the stage for his packed headline show in 2024. This makes him one of the most exciting artists to watch in the coming years.
17. Ayo Maff
Initially introduced as a street-hop act with his debut 7 Days, the 18-year-old artist, Ayo Maff has since evolved, blending street-hop, pop, and Afro-fusion into a distinctive sound that sets him apart in the Afrobeats scene. Known for catchy melodies and introspective lyrics exploring themes of faith, resilience, love, and the daily struggles of life, he’s made a strong impression in 2024 with tracks like Dealer featuring Fireboy DML. While his follow-up single Last Week and his EP Maffian haven’t yet reached breakout status, a co-sign from Asake and a performance at London’s iconic O2 Arena show that he’s on the path to something big. With his talent and strategic collaborations, he’s poised for a bright future in 2025 and beyond.
18. FOLA
FOLA’s upbeat, catchy Afropop tracks have quickly made him a rising star in the scene. His 2024 hit Alone became a feel-good anthem that resonated strongly with young audiences, propelling him into the spotlight. With another standout track, Who Does That, from his EP What A Feeling, FOLA continues to demonstrate growth as an artist. His infectious energy and ability to craft songs that connect with listeners showcase his potential for even greater success in 2025. As he continues to build momentum, FOLA is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming year.
19. KOLD AF
KOLD AF’s edgy style and unapologetic lyrics have established her as a unique voice in Afrobeats. Known for her originality and bold expression, she infuses her music with Caribbean influences, creating a distinctive sound that stands out in the genre. Her 2024-released EP features impressive tracks like Manyana, further solidifying her place in the music scene. With a fearless approach to both her music and branding, KOLD AF is poised to make even bolder moves in 2025, continuing to push boundaries and captivate audiences with her distinctive style.
20. Rybeena
A representative of the Afro-Adura movement, which primarily operates within the street-hop genre, Rybeena’s introspective style has captivated his growing fanbase. Since his big break with the fan-favourite ID.me, he’s continued to release impressive tracks like Wise 2.0, featuring heavyweight rapper Olamide, as well as Agba Singing, World Best, and more. With his consistent output and ability to connect with his audience through authentic, thought-provoking music, Rybeena is poised for a thrilling 2025, marking him as one of the most exciting street-hop acts to watch in the coming year.