2024 was a banner year for rookies and fresh artists to break out—take the incredible successes of acts like Qing Madi, Llona, Ayo Maff, and TML Vibez as proof. And with 2025 shaping up to be a monumental year for Afrobeats, it’s only right that Kwality Kontent highlights 10 rising stars looking primed for their own breakouts.
1 TAR1Q
For fans of: Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Chris Brown. Listen to these songs first: Bad Intentions, Emotions, Cannabi.
Chocolate City’s brightest star has shown extensively since his debut that he is one of the most exceptional talents in Afrobeats. With three EPs released since his debut in 2022, one would think there’s no better time than 2025 to deliver the knockout blow. If the three EPs he has delivered made him an artist to watch, his debut album will solidify his place as one of Nigeria’s best.
2 AMAEYA
For fans of: Tems, Asa, and Tiwa Savage. Listen to these songs first: Element, Too Much, Sweet Escape
Amaeya blossomed like a flower on her debut EP released in 2024. The EP is a perfect debut that showcases her talent and ability to shine in the lead role after making her name doing backing vocals for Tems, Ric Hassani, and SDC, to mention a few. Now that she seems to have found her footing, it is only fair to say she looks primed for a breakout year.
3 AYO MAFF
For fans of: Bella Shmurda, Mohbad, and Seyi Vibez. Listen to these songs first: Dealer, Are You There, 7 Days
Ayo Maff had an incredible 2024. His smash hit record Dealer, featuring Fireboy DML, was the most streamed song of 2024 on Spotify Nigeria. His music is deeply relatable and rooted in Yoruba culture, capturing the pulse of the street. After a phenomenal 2024, 2025 is set to be a monumental year for the rising star who is expected to release his debut album in 2025.
4 LLONA
For fans of: Omah Lay, Listen to these songs first: Can’t Breathe, Cold War, Rollercoaster
Llona’s music is simply impossible to ignore. With his unique Pop fusion, Llona crafts songs that are intimate, personal, relatable, and thought-provoking. While records like Comforter and HBP hinted at his potential, his debut album Homeless cemented him as a force to watch. With every song, Llona pulls listeners into his world, making them feel every word he sings.
5 ZERRY DL
For fans of: Rema, Shallipopi, Focalistic. Listen to these songs first: Knack Am, Puff Puff Pass, Popo
After an unimpressive start to 2024, which culminated in the release of his disappointing Wara Wara Szn EP, ZerryDL scored two smash hits in the final quarter of the year as he continues to shine outside his brother’s shadow. With his debut album in the pipeline, it’s only fair to assume that the Plutomania Records frontman is set for a massive year.
6 TML VIBEZ
For fans of: Seyi Vibez, Asake, and Olamide. Listen to these songs first: Maria, 365, Where I’m From*
TML Vibez is another super talented act moving the streets. The fast-rising star enjoyed mainstream success with his singles Bandana, 247, and Wavy off his joint EP with DJ 4kerty. In 2025, fans will surely be anticipating an explosive year for the Vibez Inc. flagship act.
7 FIRST KLAZ
For fans of: Burna Boy, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Olamide. Listen to these songs first: Gen Z Fuji, Gen Z Faaji
Nigeria’s capital city is enjoying a well-deserved time in the spotlight, and FirstKlaz is among those leading the charge. One of the city’s finest innovators, his exciting blend of Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Fuji has made him one of Nigeria’s most in-demand performers. After a successful 2024, where the Futminna alumni delivered a slew of hit singles, FirstKlaz is on track to be a household name.
8 FIDO
For fans of: Kizz Daniel, Wande Coal, Wizkid. Listen to these songs first:Joy is Coming, Awolowo
Not many would have thought it would be Fido who would deliver the first smash hit of 2025. His monster record Joy Is Coming follows the highly successful stoner anthem Awolowo, which received a remix from Africa’s number one bad girl, Tiwa Savage. With a UK tour already announced and his debut project arriving sooner rather than later, Fido is primed to have a phenomenal year.
9 AWG(Anti World Ganagstar)
For fans of: NWA, The Diplomats, The Remedies. Listen to these songs first:Asampete, Rumuokoro Boys
Abuja’s social currency has gained significant value over the past five years, thanks in no small part to the swaggering personality of AWG frontman Odumodublvck, as well as Reeplay, Shagba, Agunna, Fatboy E, and the other members of the family. Their brand-new album, Nothing Changed, features an explosive array of songs and a lineup of heavyweight guest artists. Nothing Changed indicates the group’s intent to dominate the mainstream as they represent their city.
10 MONAKY
For fans of: Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Damian Marley. Listen to these songs first:Chandelier, Habakkuk, The Goat
Monaky is probably a pretty familiar name to some. His viral hit single The Goat shows off how exciting his music is. While he has been bubbling since releasing his debut album Patient Zero, his introspective, melodic, and nostalgic strain of Afrobeats has really found its stride on his sophomore album Candor. The production is pristine, and the lyrics are intricately crafted and deeply moving, transporting the listener into a musical church where Monaky is the lead preacher.
Written by Philemon Jacob
X(Twitter): @JacobPhilemon_
