Rolling Stone’s 2025 “Best Afropop Songs” list highlights a significant year for the genre, dominated by Nigerian global superstars and innovative newcomers.
The year-end list, titled “The 45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025,” showcases how artists from Nigeria continue to push the boundaries of Afrobeats, blending it with R&B, street-pop, and amapiano.
Top Nigerian Artists and Hits of 2025
Nigerian artists feature prominently across the ranking, with veteran acts and rising stars securing top positions:
Rema: His solo single “Baby (Is It a Crime)” ranked #14 on the final year-end list. The track, which samples Sade, was noted for its “uber cool and nonchalant” vibe compared to his high-energy Heis album and earned nearly 3 million streams on its debut day.
Wizkid & Olamide: The two titans collaborated on “Kai!”, which placed #20. Critics praised the song as a “lounging-in-a-penthouse groove” that highlights the long-standing chemistry between the YBNL boss and the Starboy.
Tiwa Savage: Returning to her R&B roots, her track “On the Low” (featuring Skepta) ranked #21.
Shallipopi: His Benin-inspired anthem “Laho” became a social media phenomenon, characterised by its “Minister of enjoyment” persona.
Asake: His track “Why Love” ranked #43, notable for its slow-burn appeal and orchestra-leaning production.
New School & Alté Standouts
The 2025 report emphasises a “new school” of Nigerian artists who are redefining the genre’s aesthetic:
Taves: His “experimental” and “borderline addictive” track, Popstar Party, secured #23.
Blaqbonez: The biting diss track “ACL” (from his album No Excuses) ranked #25, praised for its mature and “athletic” production.
Chella: The breakout hit “My Darling,” featuring Igbo and pidgin lyrics, ranked #27 after soundtracking over seven million TikTok videos.
Rigo Kamp: His track “Marathon” (#37) was recognised for combining traditional juju talking drums with psychedelic strings, marking him as a rising force in the cosmopolitan alté scene.
Broader Context of the 2025 List
The #1 Spot: American-Ghanaian artist Moliy claimed the top position with “Shake It to the Max (Fly)”. The song was a cross-continental smash, also topping the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Year-End Chart for 2025.
Global Impact: Other non-Nigerian high-rankers include South African star Tyla with “Chanel” at #15, which served as a statement of her “It-Girl” status.
Collaborative Trends: The year was defined by a blur of regional lines, with Nigerian artists like Mavo (featured on “Money Constant” at #40) and DJ Tunez collaborating across South African and West African traditions.
Here are the full lists of Rolling Stone’s Staff Ranks 2025’s Best Afropop Songs:
1. Shake It to the Max (Fly)
2. Laho
3. Kongolese Sous BBL
4. Isaka (6AM)
5. Many People
6. With You
7. All My Enemies Are Suffering
8. S.M.O.
9. Baddies
10. Kelebu
11. Hot Body
12. Girlie-Pop!
13. Big Daddy
14. Baby (Is It a Crime)
15. CHANEL
