For the first time, I’m putting together a midyear list. Why? Because the scene is overflowing with musical gems, hidden treasures that deserve more ears. This isn’t just about what’s trending; it’s about quality, creativity, and projects that have stuck with me. By year-end, I’ll be expanding this into a Top 50 of 2025. But for now, here are 25 of the finest bodies of work released in 2025 (in no particular order). If you haven’t tapped in yet, consider this your cue.
1. Agbalagbi by Oluwamillar
A culturally rich, rap project that bridges tradition and urban storytelling with sonic finesse, personally one of my favorite rap projects released this year.
2. Bhadboi by Bhadboi OML
OML comes into this with his own identity and street-hop energy rooted in real-life experiences and charm, and endless infusion of indigenous elements.
3. Black and White by Terry Apala
Apala fusion done right, Terry blends gritty Afro-soul with Yoruba folklore and contemporary sounds. Trust me, this project is more than whatever your expectation is.
4. Virtuoso by Rybeena
A captivating debut showcasing Rybeena’s lyrical dexterity and sonic maturity across eclectic Afro sounds. An impressive showing from the fast rising star.
5. Viva Lavida by Joeboy
Free-spirited and experimental, Joeboy offers a genre-bending journey filled with zest and vulnerability. A different feel to his previous projects and a peak listening experience.
6. Blownboy Ru by Ruger
A self-titled project that cements Ru’s presence in the new wave, defined by his signature bad boy theme, this is a beautiful album from top to bottom
7. Barry Star by Barry Jhay
The Afro-Adura king finally dropped the much anticipated album, filled with emotional ballads, street hymns, and motivational grit. Tap In!
8. Out of the Blue by Olivetheboy
The breakout Ghanaian act paints with soft tones and breezy harmonies; a romantic, feel-good tape.
9. Easy on Dem by Easyscope & Semzi
The Producer-Artist duo delivers on this project infusing Indigenous elements like Fuji with contemporary Afrobeats beats, creating a pocket of hi-fi Afro nostalgia.
10. Lemon Chase by Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel champions Afrobeats to another level with this project, no one does it better than him.
11. Warrior Child by Dai Verse
Emotive and heartfelt, this project wrestles with pain, love, and resilience through melodic confessionals.
12. Paradise Now by Obongjayar
A spiritual and sonically daring collaboration that merges Afro-futurism with soul-searching lyrics.
13. Kurima by Priesst
Priesst creates one of the best projects with this, an exemplary show of passion and talent runs through this album.
14. Konsoliday by Islambo
Street-hop Energy and Lamba, Islambo channels another angle to telling hustle tales with infectious wordplays.
15. Reflection Station by Tay Iwar
Tay Iwar returns with atmospheric production, where neo-soul meets Afro-fusion. And come on, its Tay Iwar!
16. Lagos Lover Boy by Ric Hassani
Romantic, clean, and emotional. Ric pens an ode to city love with pop-driven ballads and almost impossible range of sounds
17. Sweet Songs 4 You by TML Vibez & Lasmid
This joint tape bursts with high-energy bops and love-fueled bangers perfect for the dancefloor.
18. When Nobody is Watching by Ayox
Ayox gets personal in a tape that explores self-doubt, heartbreak, and quiet ambition.
19. Baby Boy by Jaylona
Jaylona leans into romantic pop with rich vocals and Afro-influenced production.
20. The Machine is Coming by Odumodublvck
Aggressive, cinematic, and unrelenting. Odumodu’s dystopian flows continue to shape Nigeria’s hiphop scene.
21. Onorato by Ajebo Hustlers
A sonically tight project that tackles societal pressure, success, and hustle ethics with wit and rhythm.
22. Synergy by Hyce, Boypee & Brownjoel
Three emerging talents merge voices and vibes to deliver one of the most cohesive collab tapes of the year.
23. Spiral by Tim Lyre
Smooth, layered, and hypnotic. Tim Lyre weaves alté textures with jazz, soul, and electronic blends.
24. The Feast by Falz
Falz returns with sharp commentary and genre-melding production in a high-concept, feature-heavy project.
25. Gen Z – Zinoleesky
Zinoleesky holds nothing back, with street anthems, chest-thumping confidence, and compelling cadences.
This list is a personal celebration of sound, ranging from dynamic experiments to emotionally grounded projects. Whether you’re into raw storytelling, lush instrumentation, or hard-hitting bangers, there’s something here for you. Keep your ears open, we’re only halfway through 2025.
