From Powerhouses to Chart-Topping Rising Stars: Nigerian Artistes Making Global Waves in 2025

Spotify today released its Global Impact List in Nigeria, spotlighting the top 30 Nigerian songs and songs featuring Nigerian artistes that have captured international attention during the first half of 2025. This list specifically spotlights music based on its global listenership outside of Nigeria.

A 'Baby' Boom: Rema commands the global stage

Rema, the prince of Afrobeats, as his loyal fans call him, continues to cement his global star power. Fresh off celebrating the first anniversary of his bold album ‘HEIS’, he is once again making waves. His track “Baby (Is It a Crime)” which features a sample by the iconic soul artiste Sade Adu, has earned the top spot on Spotify’s just-released Global Impact List, ranking as the most exported Nigerian song in the first half of 2025. This milestone reinforces Rema’s status as a global powerhouse.

Gospel sound finds place on the global stage

Quite notably, in a list dominated by Afrobeats and contemporary sounds, “Favour” by Lawrence Oyor stands out as the only gospel track to make the Global Impact List. The presence of the track Favour signals that global audiences are drawn to music that connects with them regardless of genre, and highlights the diversity of sound within Nigeria’s music exports. 

New voices emerge, claiming their international spotlight

Beyond the established names, the list highlights the exciting ascension of emerging talent. artistes such as Chella and Minz are carving out their international presence, each earning spots on the list with tracks “My Darling” and “NUMBER ONE”, a standout collaboration with Himra, a breakout artiste from Ivory Coast, who delivered one of the most talked about performances at the Les Flammes Award earlier this year. 

Their inclusion signals a future for Nigerian music and underscores a rapidly growing international appetite for fresh sounds emanating from Nigeria, where new voices are not only gaining traction but are being celebrated globally.

Female artistes make their mark

Female artistes are demonstrably asserting their influence on the global stage. Both Ayra Starr and Teni secured positions on the list, with Ayra Starr contributing two tracks, “All The love” and “Gimme Dat”, while Teni's “Money” also made a strong showing. Their achievements underscore the continued boundary-pushing and vital presence of women in the Nigerian music landscape.

The OGs still reign supreme

While a new generation rapidly rises, the enduring pillars of Afrobeats demonstrate their influence. Davido leads the pack with an impressive nine entries on the list, followed closely by Burna Boy with five. Their consistent chart presence and widespread appeal highlight their sustained global impact and cross-generational resonance

“This year's Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music," says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. "We're seeing both seasoned global talents and promising new artistes making significant strides. It's particularly exciting to observe Afrobeats not only dominating but continually evolving, capturing the attention of a global audience. Spotify is proud to be a part of this movement”.

Below is the full list of the top 30 Nigerian songs with the biggest global streaming numbers in the first half of 2025: