It was the renowned musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who described music as a weapon all those years ago. Decades later, music remains a profound weapon for a variety of reasons. For Fela, music was an instrument against post-colonial repression and institutional corruption. For a new generation of Africans and Black diasporans, music is a tool to deal with ennui, emotional imbalance, and the socio-economic landscape of the 21st century.  2025 has not proved to be an exception in that regard, thanks to the inspired work of several talented musicians who continue to forge new pathways for our music. This year has seen a further uptick in the proliferation of Dance music from Southern Africa, while the Nigerian underground has also made a spirited comeback. It all set the stage for some thrilling music that never let the groove stop throughout 2025. 

20. “Bengicela” – GL_Ceejay, MaWhoo, and Thukuthela

Collaborations are powerful, and when voices meld in deep-seated alchemy, the result is a layered, tranquil experience that is gracefully depicted on MaWhoo’s  “Bengicela.” Assisted by South African heavyweights GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela, and JAZZWRLD, “Bengicela” is divinely inclined, subtly translating to a vulnerable call to be saved amidst life tribulations. It is lyrically despondent but simultaneously uplifting. – Michelle Ejiro 

19. “99” – Olamide ft. Asake, Young Jonn, Seyi Vibez & Daecolm

The Yung Willis-produced “99” is the standout tune on Olamide’s self-titled eleventh LP with good reason. It features a cast of Afrobeats heavy hitters and the South-African born Zimbabwean Daecolm. Despite the all-star lineup, the star wattage doesn’t burst the fusion of smooth Electronic Dance and retro Hip-Hop sensibilities the song invokes. It is the Afropop lingua that gives it away as local production. “99” packs a global feel with its elevated but understated production values. – Dami Ajayi

18. “Shaolin” –  Seyi Vibez

2025 was a somewhat muted year for Seyi Vibez, but that said, the larrylanes-produced tune “Shaolin” is a standout record from this year. With an incantatory verse delivered in spirited cadence full of vibrant street slang, the TG-Omori-directed music video adds visual colour, Kung Fu-inspired scenes, and Nigerian-life-inspired dance choreography into this less than three-minute-long song, fusing ambient oriental music with relentless African percussion. – D.A

17. “One Condition” – DJ Tunez, Wizkid, FOLA 

DJ Tunez and Wizkid were arguably as active this year as they’ve ever been. The duo was on a noteworthy run all year, strategically embracing a new wave of Afropop talents to skillfully blend their signature, Dance-inspired soundscape with fresh, innovative perspectives. This strategy worked a treat, especially on the hypnotic “One Condition,” a buoyant, Ozedikus-produced number that pairs FOLA’s soothing vocals with Wizkid’s laid-back charm. The result is an irresistible track equally suited for the fervor of an energetic dancefloor and the solitude of a quiet bedroom. – Boluwatife Adeyemi

16. “Cough Syrup” – Bnxn

Originally owned by Victony, but astutely complemented by Bnxn, it’s a delight that they were both convinced it fit better on ‘Captain’, and quite frankly, it’s one of the songs that gave life to the album. It is arguably one of the unrivalled written Afropop records of 2025 with spellbinding vocal delivery from both artists. – M.E

15. “Mali” – Dlala Thuzkin, Zee Nxumalo, Sykes

Coming off Dlala Thuzkin’s second edition of ‘031 Studio Camp,’ an album that features the best South African voices operating at the moment, Zee Nxumalo and Sykes complement Dlala’s inventive production on “Mali,” heralding a song that has travelled far across the continent, satiating the increasing demand for House music at raves. Within the year, Dlala Thuzkin has gradually become a staple name at parties, thanks to the propelling moment “Mali” earned post-release of the album. – M.E

14. “2:02 PM IN LONDON” – ODUMODUBLVCK

The timestamp record is a time-honoured staple of Hip-Hop music, giving birth to some of the genre’s most cathartic music. ODUMODUBLVCK’s  “2:02 PM IN LONDON” is no less exorcising than some of the most scathing records in that fashion, finding the Abuja rapper channelling the most menacing interpretation of his Okporoko sound this year. Spitting molten bars about his position as a Hip-Hop dynamo, he brought listeners up to date with his thoughts on vacationing with his girlfriend and keeping Afropop stars on their toes despite, operating primarily as a rapper. All while ramping up anticipation for his long-expected album, ‘Industry Machine.’ – Wale Oloworekende

13. Ayra Starr – “Hot Body”

From the moment that Ayra Starr teased a snippet of her latest single, “Hot Body,” it sounded ready-made for revelry and summer thrills. Always a keen advocate for the girlies turning up and appreciating themselves, Ayra Starr takes things up a notch with “Hot Body,” helming an hypnotic anthem about all the things that a hot body can conceivably do. Produced by Ragee and The Elements, it also marked an evolution in Ayra Starr’s career as she leans into themes directly tied to the pleasures and freedom of being a young woman at the pinnacle of Afropop. – W.O

12. “Emhlabeni” – Kelvin Momo, Da Muziqal Chef, Thatohatsi, and Tracy

“Emhlabeni,” the lynchpin of Kelvin Momo’s evocative album, ‘Thato Ya Modimo,’ arrives just six songs into the 29-song album, but it packs a punch. Peeling back the layers of betrayal and divine redemption, Thatohatsi and Tracy help steer a proclamation of self-autonomy that coasts along over a spirited mix of drums and groovy shakers. – W.O

11. “Laho” – Shallipopi

When Shallipopi teased a snippet of “Laho” in February 2025, many listeners were sure that it would go on to be one of the most definitive songs of 2025. Months on from its release, that assertion has proven to be true. The laid-back style of Shallipopi’s delivery and infusion of Bini language have orchestrated a hit that has resonated with listeners worldwide. It has also spawned numerous versions and unofficial remixes, easily becoming one of the biggest Afropop songs of the year while ensuring that Shallipopi retains his position at the forefront of popular music from West Africa.  – W.O

10. “Shakabulizzy” – Mavo

In the wake of the success of “Escaladizzy,” fans were curious to see what Mavo would get up to next, and there was no better way to answer those questions than with “Shakabulizzy,” a heat rock of gigantic proportions that took off upon release. Cut from the same cloth as his breakout hit, “Shakabulizzy” features more of the quotables, soundbites, and inventive lingo that have made the 21-year-old the breakout act of the year. It also helps that he was proposing to take his lover on an epic shopping spree once his money clears; there was no universe where Shakabulizzy” wasn’t taking off.  – W.O

9. “Money Constant” -Wizkid, DJ Tunez, DJ Maphorisa, Mavo 

This song is a complete transmission from someplace more euphoric and rapturous than our world. Mavo opens with smooth bars and tasteful lamba that lock into every pocket of the beat, before Wizkid slides in to take the baton and carry it forward with equal competence. It’s a seamless handoff over a DJ Tunez and DJ Maphorisa–led production that truly bangs. – Melony Akpoghene

8. “Shake It To The Max”-  MOLIY, Shensea, Skillibeng 

Moliy was hard at work in late 2024, building momentum behind what quickly became her biggest single yet and one of the biggest songs from the continent this year. An uncomplicated viral dance challenge helped the original release become a regional hit, but it was the Shenseea and Skillibeng remix from earlier in the year that took the song to the next level. The remix topped several charts across the globe and had everyone from Cardi B to Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo shaking it to the max. – B.A

7. “Uzizwa Kanjan” – Jazzworx, MaWhoo, Thukuthela &GL_Ceejay 

Johannesburg production duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela are, without a doubt, one of the year’s most exciting and innovative acts. The duo manage to capture the current pulse of South African House music on singles like “Uzizwa Kanjan,” one of the few hits they’ve been responsible for this year. The single fuses the throbbing kick drums of 3-step with MaWhoo’s soulful vocals, creating a track that is incredibly soothing, melodic and deeply rooted in South African musical heritage. – B.A

6. Guide Pass” – Zaylevelten 

“Guide Pass,” the runaway hit from Zaylevelten’s breakout mixtape, ‘then 1t g0t crazy,’ is essentially all you need for an introduction to the rapper and his work. The self-produced beat is a masterclass in minimalist complexity, built on a deeply resonant bassline and unexpected percussive elements that provide perfect backdrop for his infinite stack of flows and multiple quotable lines. It’s a track that demands repeat listens, each one pressing home what the hype surrounding this rap prodigy is all about. – B.A

5. “Chanel” – Tyla

“Chanel” is a dazzling song, confident in its breeziness and full of feeling. Tyla has had a strong 2025, and the track feels like the climax of her run this year. She is already earning a solid reputation as a hitmaker, and here she harnesses one of her greatest gifts: bright energy, slick hooks, and a charming ability to turn every line into a moment you want to sing back.- M.A

4.“B2B” – Amaarae

A standout cut from ‘BLACK STAR,’ “B2B” finds Amaarae seething with an insatiable fire. She expresses a fervent desire to sustain the blurred boundaries of a complicated, steamy affair, oscillating between sweet demands and wounded longing. Produced by Kyu Steed and Ape Drums, the track pairs Amaarae’s spectral vocals with mesmeric Deep House rhythms that abruptly dissolve into delicate Spanish guitar, resulting in an utterly hypnotic listen. – M.A

3. CIZA, Tems, Omah Lay – “Isaka II”

The ascent of CIZA’s “Isaka (6 am)” is a textbook example of a modern-day breakout hit. Propelled by a viral TikTok challenge from earlier in the year, the original single became practically inescapable on the internet and subsequently dancefloors. The explosive success of the single launched CIZA into the mainstream limelight, establishing him as a significant new voice on the continent. A high-profile remix featuring Omah Lay and Tems followed months after the original, boosting the song’s popularity and highlighting the synergy between SA’s infectious Dance rhythms and the global reach of West African Pop music. – B.A 

2. “Baby (Is It A Crime)” – Rema

The rule of thumb expects that a sampled classic should outdo the original or, at the very least, match the already existing quality. When Rema first shared a snippet of his reimagination of Sade’s 1985 “Is It a Crime,” the sole brilliance brewed heated anticipation for its release and his ability to make gold off a stellar record shone when it finally dropped. “Baby (Is It A Crime)” is as soulful as the original and its infusion in making the Afropop hit calls for passionate romance.. – M.E

1. Davido & Omah Lay – “With You”

If there are two things Davido has unarguably mastered, they’re how to craft fit-for-purpose Afropop hits and selecting ideal collaborators. Both Davido and Omah Lay spoke highly of this collaboration a few times before its official release, but I imagine neither the pair might have envisioned how rapidly it took off. Those opening guitar licks were enough to cause delirium in functions across the continent, and its nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards speaks to its status not just as a fleeting hit but as a significant piece of contemporary African music that resonates on the highest international platforms. – B.A