Let the music play on
THE MOST FAMOUS NIGERIAN ARTISTS GLOBALLY IN 2025
1. REMA
Rema, born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, is currently Nigeria’s most globally streamed artist. His hit single Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez has broken multiple international records, surpassing 2.5 billion streams across platforms. In 2024, his album Heis earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. With over 223 million streams in just the first quarter of 2025, Rema has become a global icon of Afrobeats and a true ambassador of Nigerian music worldwide.
Image from rattibha.com
2. BURNA BOY
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, was born on July 2, 1991. He is a Nigerian Afro-fusion superstar and one of Africa’s biggest exports. Burna Boy’s 2019 album African Giant brought him international acclaim, followed by a Grammy Award win in 2021 for Twice as Tall. In 2023, he became the first African artist to headline a stadium concert in the UK. His powerful lyrics, stage presence, and global tours have solidified him as a household name in world music.
Image from viagogo
3. AYRA STAR
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, was born on June 14, 2002. She is signed to Mavin Records and is one of the fastest-rising stars in Nigeria. Her 2021 self-titled debut EP introduced her unique sound, while her single Rush gained worldwide recognition, earning her Grammy nominations. By 2025, she had amassed over 169 million global streams, making her one of the most listened-to female artists from Nigeria. Ayra Starr has been hailed as the “Celestial Being” of Afrobeats.
Image from Soundcity
4. DAVIDO
David Adedeji Adeleke, famously known as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992. He is a leading Afrobeats artist celebrated for hits like Fall, If, and Unavailable. Davido has won numerous awards, including BET and MTV accolades, and continues to influence the global spread of Afrobeats. In 2023, his album Timeless received critical acclaim and made Billboard’s World Albums chart. With more than a decade in the industry, Davido remains one of the most streamed and respected Nigerian stars.
Image from dailypost
5. WIZKID
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990. Rising to fame with his 2011 hit Holla at Your Boy, he has since grown into one of Africa’s biggest music icons. Wizkid made history in 2021 when his song Essence with Tems became the first Nigerian track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, he sold out Madison Square Garden, making him one of the few African acts to achieve such a milestone. Wizkid continues to shape global Afrobeats culture.
Image from microsoft bing
6. TEMS
Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995. She gained international recognition with her collaboration on Wizkid’s Essence and her work on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. In 2023, Tems won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future and Drake on Wait for U. Her soulful voice and songwriting have positioned her as one of Nigeria’s most influential female artists, loved by fans across continents.
Image from pmnewsnigeria
7. ASAKE
Ahmed Ololade, widely recognized as Asake, was born on January 13, 1995. He stormed into the Nigerian music scene under YBNL Nation with his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe in 2022, which quickly climbed to the top of charts. Known for his Fuji-inspired Afrobeats sound, Asake’s stage performances and energy have earned him international bookings. By 2025, he remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about young stars.
Image from microsoft bing
8. OMAH LAY
Stanley Omah Didia, known as Omah Lay, was born on May 19, 1997. He gained fame with his 2020 debut EP Get Layd, featuring hits like Bad Influence. Omah Lay’s emotional style blends Afrobeats with R&B, making him popular globally. His song Understand topped charts across Africa, while his 2022 album Boy Alone showcased his artistry to a worldwide audience. By 2025, he is one of Nigeria’s most streamed young acts internationally.
Image from Wikipedia
9. FIREBOY DML
Adedamola Adefolahan, better known as Fireboy DML, was born on February 5, 1996. Signed to YBNL Nation and Empire, Fireboy rose to fame with hits like Jealous and King. His 2020 single Peru became a global anthem, with a remix featuring Ed Sheeran that boosted him into international stardom. Fireboy is recognized for blending Afrobeats with soulful melodies, cementing his place among Nigeria’s most talented new-generation artists.
Image from Google
10. KIZZ DANIEL
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, famously called Kizz Daniel, was born on May 1, 1994. He broke into the Nigerian music industry with his hit Woju in 2014 and has since released multiple chart-topping songs. His single Buga became a global hit in 2022, dominating social media with viral dance challenges. Known for his consistency, Kizz Daniel remains one of Nigeria’s most bankable stars, with a loyal fan base across Africa, Europe, and America.
Image from Pinterest
KENYA'S MOST FAMOUS MUSICIANS
In the last five years, the Kenyan music industry has rapidly expanded, moving from rap and hip-hop to Afro-pop and Gengetone. The once-struggling industry has now grown to be worth $1 billion. As a result, the top musicians are increasing their impact across the continent, while the up-and-coming musicians are unfazed. But who are the top-tier and up-and-coming Kenyan musicians? We've laid it all out here.
Even though there are many musicians in Kenya, very few are well-known. When we refer to the elite, we mean those having a history of achievement, honors, and worldwide or domestic partnerships. Here are five examples in this group.
1. KHALIHGRAPH JONES
The real Khaligraph Jones is Brain Robert Ouko. His birthday is June 12, 1990. Aged 31 years old, he. At neighborhood clubs in Eastlands, the Kayole rapper first began outperforming the competition. It was difficult for him because he was a budding artist. He frequently left his performances without being paid, but that did not deter him from pursuing his dream. He made his first song available at the age of 13, and his hit song "Yego" made him famous.
He has quickly risen to prominence as one of Kenya's top musicians and has enjoyed financial success as a result. Currently, Khaligraph demands Ksh1 million to play at any event.
Additionally, he can generate a respectable salary from sponsorship arrangements. Brands including Tusker, Redbull, Monster, and Bel Air have sponsored him.
Image from kelebrity
2. SAUTI- SOL
In 2005, the vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Polycarp Otieno, and Savara Mudigi founded the Kenyan afro-pop group Sauti Sol in Nairobi. The boy band incorporates local and regional dances with western-influenced music genres like soul and R&B while singing in Swahili. After releasing Sol Filosofia in 2011 and their debut album Mwanzo in 2008, Sauti Sol gained recognition as one of the top bands in the nation. In 2020, the band is on the verge of slowing down, and fans are eagerly anticipating their fifth album. Sauti Sol has published the second instant gratification single from their upcoming album, which is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2020. The group is getting ready for their first major-label release, "Midnight Train."
Image from wikipedia
3. KING KAKA
Rapper King Kaka, from Kenya, has gained popularity across the country. Kennedy Ombima, his true name, was born on May 7, 1987, although today he is better known by his stage names King Kaka and Rabbit. At 34 years old, through the release of his album Tales of Kaka Sungura, King Kaka made his debut in the music industry. Even though the record was in Swahili, it helped him become so well-known in the nation. King Kaka was able to gather thousands of followers thanks to hits like Uko Chua, Swahili Shakespeare, and Adisia, and soon some of his songs were being used as street anthems.
Kaka is a successful businessman in addition to his great singing career. He started Kaka Empire's Majik Water, a filtered water business, in 2015. He gave his music brand name as the name of the business.
Image from Soundcity
4. NYASHINSKI
One of the best rappers in the nation is Nyashinski, whose true name is Nyamari Ongegu. He was born in 1983, and although his precise birth date is unknown, it is known that he is 38 years old. He was a former member of the trio of musicians known as Kleptomaniax, which also included Nyashinski, Collo (Collins Majale), and Roba (Robert Manasa). Sadly, the band disbanded in 2007. With the release of the R&B song "Bebi be" in 2018, Nyanshiski made a spectacular comeback to the music scene after a ten-year absence. The fans were not anticipating much from him when he released the song on Valentine's Day.
Nyashinski demonstrates that he is a successful individual who is creative and wholly dedicated to producing excellent music. Over 1.4 million people have viewed his most recent song, "Lift Me," on YouTube.
Image from deezer
5. FENA
Fena Gitu, a singer and songwriter who specializes in "Urban Soul," became well-known after participating in the music competition Coke Studio Africa. In 1991, on April 25th, Fena was born. She's thirty years old. Fena's major break in the music business occurred in 2008 when she took first place in Nairobi's "Fete de la Musique" singing contest. She debuted with Donk in 2009, followed by Phenomenal Woman, which helped her gain popularity in the music industry. She celebrated all African kings by releasing the popular song African King in 2015.
Since then, she has released two albums, "Phenomenon" and "Unleashed," each of which has over 30 songs. She has shared the stage with artists like Ice Prince, Davido, Sauti Sol, Dela, Kagwe Mungai, Naiboi, Khaligraph Jones, and the late HHP from South Africa thanks to her profession in the music industry. At the AFRIMMA awards in 2020, she was also nominated for Best Female East Africa. Along with Tanasha, Akothee, and Zuchu, she put herself forward.
Image from nairobi news
6. NONINI
One of the nation's musical pioneers, Nonini, is highly recognized. On October 2nd, 1982, he was born. A 39-year-old man, He was born Hubert Nakitare but later changed his name, going by the stage name Nonini.
His musical career began in 2002 with Calif Records. His debut single, Nonini Ni Nani, became a hit and helped him gain notoriety in the Kenyan urban music scene. On the Tanzanian musician Juma Nature's song Nani Mwenza, which went on to become a hit locally, he collaborated. The majority of people can relate to the music industry, and Kenya is a nation that is proud of its musicians and their commitment to excellence.
Image from litkeyan
7. JUA CALI
Jua Cali, also known as Paul Julius Nunda, was born on September 12, 1979. He has 42 years of age. He is a renowned Kenyan pop musician who sings in Swahili and Sheng, a popular sort of rap. Ruka, Jua Cali's debut smash single from 2001, was followed by Nipe Asali in 2002. He was chosen as one of Kenya's most prominent artists in 2007 and has since worked hard to get several significant sponsorship deals. Among the well-known companies he has worked with include Motorola, Orange Mobile, Pamoja Mtaani, Protex, and Pilsner. In addition to purchasing a plane, he also owns many high-end automobile brands, including Bentley, BMW, Benz, and Jaguar.
Image from the star
