In a stunning display of cultural power, Nigerian artists have overwhelmingly conquered the official Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs year-end chart for 2025, claiming 22 of the top 25 spots.
This definitive ranking, measuring the year’s most popular Afrobeats tracks in America, serves as a resounding testament to Nigeria’s unrivalled influence in shaping and leading the global Afrobeats movement.
The chart, launched by Billboard in 2022 to track the genre’s explosive growth in the U.S., has become a key barometer of success. Topping this year’s list is South African superstar Tyla at #1, a testament to the genre’s continental appeal. However, the narrative is defined by a “Naija” takeover, with icons like Wizkid (#2), Rema (#3), and Davido (#4) leading a pack of Nigerian hitmakers. Burna Boy, the self-styled “African Giant,” sits at #5, followed by a wave of talent from across the nation’s vibrant scenes—from street-pop pioneers Shallipopi (#8) and Seyi Vibez (#9) to acclaimed vocalists Tems (#12) and Ayra Starr (#15).
This dominance is no accident. It is the result of years of artistic innovation, strategic international collaboration, and tireless fan-driven momentum. Rema made history in 2023 by becoming the first African artist to top the inaugural year-end chart with “Calm Down,” blasting the door open for this year’s cohort. Artists like Moliy (#6), an American artist, also highlight the genre’s diasporic fusion, but the list solidifies Nigeria as the genre’s undeniable epicentre.
The 2025 year-end chart proves that the vibrant sounds emerging from Nigeria are no longer a passing trend but a permanent and dominant force on the world’s most significant music stage, powered by Nigerian creativity.
2025 Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs: Year-End Top 25
| Rank | Artist | Nationality | Notable Achievement/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyla | South African | Topped the chart with global hit “Water”; represents strong non-Nigerian success. |
| 2 | Wizkid | Nigerian | Afrobeats global pioneer; consistently charts with major cross-over appeal. |
| 3 | Rema | Nigerian | First artist to top inaugural 2023 year-end chart; huge success of “Calm Down.” |
| 4 | Davido | Nigerian | Superstar with massive hits and a defining run in 2023 (Timeless album). |
| 5 | Burna Boy | Nigerian | Grammy winner has pushed Afrobeats to global arenas and festivals. |
| 6 | Moliy | American | Highlights genre’s diasporic influence and fusion. |
| 7 | Asake | Nigerian | Defined 2023 with breakout hits and a unique Fuji-infused sound. |
| 8 | Shallipopi | Nigerian | Leader of the new wave of Nigerian street-pop. |
| 9 | Seyi Vibez | Nigerian | Key figure in the Nigerian street-pop and “Alte” movement. |
| 10 | BNXN | Nigerian | Acclaimed singer and frequent collaborator with major stars. |
| 11-25 | Various | Primarily Nigerian | Includes Olamide, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel, OdumoduBlvck, and more. |
