Top 10 Fast-rising Nigerian Music Artistes

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

In a crowded Nigerian music scene dominated by superstars with hit-making prowess, a cult following, and vast resources, emergence has become increasingly tasking for some up-and-coming artistes, showcasing infectious music and distinctive style. Yet amidst this stiff competition, some have risen to stardom, while others have gone from relative obscurity to mainstream success.

Fola

Fola’s style blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, appealing to younger fans. His 2024 debut EP, ‘What A Feeling’, featured tracks like ‘Alone’, earning recognition across streaming platforms. In early 2025, Apple Music listed him among its Africa Rising Class of 2025, boosting his profile globally. Fola’s latest album, ‘Catharsis’, has also surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. 

Shoday

Shoday made waves with debut hits ‘Caution’ and ‘Dey 4 You’, quickly racking up Spotify streams and followers. In 2025, ‘Hey Jago’ with Poco Lee and Rahman Jago went viral, and his features on Adekunle Gold’s album and Rybeena’s ‘Mr Bee’ EP continued to boost his presence. His first number one on Apple Music Nigeria came with ‘Nakupenda’. Consistency in singles, collaborations, and streaming numbers confirms Shoday’s rise is built on both quality and sustained impact.

Fido

Fido has shown his rise is quite grounded. In December 2024, he released ‘Joy is Coming’, which went viral and hit No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, while also reaching No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Chart. Fido started gaining attention in August 2024 with his debut single ‘Awolowo’. The track quickly gained Shazams and extensive airplay.

Mavo

Mavo solidified his emergence to global attention, thanks to the ‘Kilometer II’ EP and the viral single ‘Escaladizzy’, featuring Wavestar. The snippet went viral prior, fueling anticipation and a chart-topping debut. A remix with Zlatan, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi only amplified its reach. And featured DJ Tunez, DJ Maphorisa, Wizkid, and Ckay, kept him consistently in the spotlight. 

Zaylevelten

Rapper and producer, Zaylevelten has been steadily building a name for himself with his style, credited for blending Nigerian hip hop with influences reminiscent of Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. His sound has truly recently reached mainstream ears. 

Collaborations with Mavo, Odumodu, and Seyi Vibez expanded his reach, entered charts like Apple Music Nigeria, peaking at number 2.

Juno

Juno is a rising Nigerian Afro-soul/Afro-pop singer-songwriter, known for her emotionally rich music. Juno, after posting a freestyle snippet in 2023, grabbed attention, but it was her 2025 collaboration ‘Toy Girl’ with Odumodublvck that really announced her presence. The song showed she could step outside her established sound while keeping her artistic identity intact.

Wavestar

Wavestar, real name, Praise Chiedozie Okechukwu is making his marks as a bold and unfiltered voice for his generation. The teenage rapper has fast become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about artists, using freestyles, storytelling to reflect the struggles of Nigerian youth. His breakout track, ‘Tales of a Yahoo Boy,’ captured attention for its honesty and rawness.

Llona

Afropop singer-songwriter LIona is known for his introspective lyrics, blending traditional African rhythms with modern sounds, and telling stories about resilience, mental health, and his nomadic upbringing in Kogi and Kano states, gaining significant traction with his debut album Homeless and a major nationwide tour in 2024.  His debut Homeless (2024) explores his emotional turmoil from a transient childhood, featuring hits tracks like “Another Day” and “Cold War”.

Elestee

Elestee is what happens when talent and patience align. From opening for Ladipoe to releasing projects like ‘Lifesize Teddy’ and ‘POISN’, she’s consistently sharpened her sound. Tracks like ‘Space’ featuring Ajebo Hustlers have become some of her most-streamed songs, helping her cut through the noise. Her recent EP ‘Mentally I’m Here’ shows clear artistic growth with tighter writing, stronger vocal control, confidence across rap and Afropop lanes.

Sewà

Sewà makes music for people who actually listen and feel. Her debut album ‘Detox’ was rooted in Afro-soul, with sprinkles of R&B, jazz, and pop. It is a fully realised body of work, not just a collection of songs. She has sold out shows in Nigeria, Toronto and shared stages with Asa and The Cavemen. Sewà is building longevity, the kind that fills theatres while filling playlists.