Every year Nigeria’s music industry witness the rise to stardom of fresh new talents. Talents that suddenly rise above the noise due the creative newsness of their sound as well as the breathe of fresh air that comes with consuming the new wave of tunes that these artistes offer.
The year 2025 is characterized with the emergence of a particular 4 artistes who are not just making waves but are creating new culture, challenging the existing status quo while building a whole new community of music lovers.
If by now you don’t know Paraboy Nephi, Fola, Kunmie, and Llona, you need to really wake up from slumber and re-examine your music tastebuds as this is no longer the “portable noisy” era or “fast paced Mr. Money” regime. This is 2025, these new acts are no longer “up next” they are “up now” delivering beautiful bangers and making effortless hits.
Let’s get into how they do it.
Paraboy Nephi – The Genius Penman
Real name Ebhohimen Innocent, the Edo State-bred talent who goes by NEPHI is fast becoming one of the most promising voices in Nigeria’s ever-bubbling Afrobeat space.
With a smooth blend of relatable storytelling, sharp songwriting, and melodies that stick, Nephi is clearly not here to play. His pen game cuts deep and this is noticeable right from his breakout single, “Awolowo” in 2023 to his recently released EP “The Otherside”.
Nephi’s discography hits different, his sound is both fresh and grounded in Afrobeat’s rich heritage. He is no doubt one of those artists you sleep on at your own risk.
Fola – The Soothing New Voice
Folarin Odunlami, better known as Fola or Folapondis, is fast becoming one of the most refreshing and captivating voices in Nigeria’s Afrobeat scene.
With a voice that’s as soothing as it is powerful, Fola’s music feels like a warm hug on a tough day. It’s no wonder fans and industry heavyweights alike are starting to key into his sound, especially after his standout collaboration with Bella Shmurda on the smash track “Who Does That.” That record didn’t just put Fola on the map, it introduced the world to a rare kind of artistry.
Fola’s solo effort “Alone” is another testament to his depth. The song combines vulnerable storytelling with smooth melodies that instantly connect. His music isn’t just something you hear, it’s something you feel.
If you’re looking for an artist whose sound is both a sigh of relief and a breath of fresh air, Fola is your guy. His rise is not accidental, it’s built on raw talent, distinctive vocals, and songs that genuinely speak to people.
Kunmie – The Afrobeat Loverboy
If you’re a sucker for well-written love songs that hit you right in the feels, then Kunmie is the name you need on your radar. Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter, known professionally as Kunmie, is one of the brightest rising stars in the Nigerian music scene, and 2025 has been nothing short of his breakout year.
Coming straight out of Orile-Agege, Lagos, Kunmie has built a strong connection with listeners by staying true to his roots and pouring genuine emotion into his music. His hit debut single “Arike” instantly caught the streets, the socials, and the hearts of music lovers everywhere. It’s a tender yet addictive love anthem that showcases his knack for capturing complex feelings in the simplest, most beautiful way.
There’s something effortlessly global about his sound, yet it still feels proudly African. That balance is rare. Keep your eyes on him because if “Arike” and “Before We Became Strangers EP” are anything to go by, this rising star is only just getting started.
Llona – The Northern Star
In an industry brimming with noise, Llona is proving that introspection, purpose, and raw authenticity still could make the cut.
Born Michael Ajuma Attah, the Kogi State-bred, Kano-raised artist is one of Nigeria’s most compelling emerging voices, bringing a fresh Northern touch to Afrobeat while staying rooted in the realities of today’s youth.
With Tracks like “Nobody”, “Comforter”, and “HBP” the heart of Llona’s music lies one powerful thing that is consistent, it’s the truth. Whether it’s the pain of uncertainty, the highs of love, or the struggles of chasing a dream, Llona puts it all into his music with raw, heartfelt honesty. He doesn’t just make songs, he tells stories that inspire, heal, and remind listeners that they’re not alone.
No doubt, Llona is here to stay, and the world is beginning to listen.
In conclusion, it is safe to say these guys are not just your regular fast-rising acts, they are gradually building movements that will stand the test of time, they are shifting the culture and redifining what Nigerian music should feel like in 2025 and beyond.
If by now you’re not streaming these guys’ songs, using their sounds on tiktok and other social media platforms you will end up playing catch-up when they eventually rise to their full potential. Stay plugged in!!
