Online streaming platform Spotify has named Ayo Maff and Tml Vibez as the top Nigerian artistes to watch in 2025, citing their innovative fusion of Amapiano elements into Afrobeats.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting how Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano has influenced its music scene.
“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,” Okumu said.
She noted that Ayo Maff’s hit track Are You There is a prime example of this trend. “The self-proclaimed ‘Prince of the Street’ is a performer to watch out for in 2025,” she added.
Tml Vibez secured second place among Nigeria’s breakout artistes, with Okumu praising his “piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies.”
In third place is BoyPee, whose blend of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds earned him recognition. “Tracks like Ogechi with Davido illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artiste to look out for this year,” Okumu stated.
She further highlighted Afrobeats star KAESTYLE, who ranked fourth for his “feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity, and resilience,” and Llona, who secured fifth place with his passionate Afropop songs like Cold War featuring FAVE. “His music reflects the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase,” Okumu noted.
Beyond Nigeria, Okumu emphasized the broader influence of African music in 2024. She spotlighted Ghana’s Team Eternity for their gospel-infused tracks, including Defe Defe, which gained traction through viral dance challenges. Rapper Kweku Smoke also stood out with albums like Kweku Jesus and Born in Hell, exploring themes of authenticity and identity.
In Kenya, artistes like Arbantone and Sean MMG are expected to continue rising, while Sean’s viral hits like Pop Like This have cemented his breakout status.
“These up-and-coming artistes show the bright future that African music has ahead of it,” Okumu said. “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.”
She concluded by encouraging fans to keep an eye on these artistes. “These artistes should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025,” she said.
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