Here are some interesting insights from the Afrobeats Power Ranking 2025.
NotJustOk’s Afrobeats Power Ranking, launched in January 2025, has quickly become both a reflection of the Afrobeats ecosystem and a monthly measure of the genre’s most influential artists. It also serves as a vital tool for discovering new and emerging talents who are building their legacies.
Below are the key facts from the H1 2025 Afrobeats Power Ranking, as reported by NotJustOk, offering a snapshot of the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeats on a global scale.
Ayra Starr, Tems, Tyla, and Moliy: The only women to ever chart in the Top 10
Only four women managed to break into the Afrobeats Power Ranking’s top 10 in the first six months of 2025: Ayra Starr, Tems, Tyla, and Moliy.
Ayra Starr remained a steady force, with regular top 10 appearances that signalled her continued star power. Tems hit the top 10 briefly in January before fluctuating through the lower ranks in subsequent months. Tyla’s explosive run included a chart-topping feat, while Ghanaian singer Moliy made a surprise leap to #4 in May. Their appearances, though limited, signal the rising visibility and impact of female voices in the genre.
Burna Boy: The only artist to peak at no. 1 twice (March & May 2025)
When it comes to commanding attention and retaining dominance, Burna Boy remains in a league of his own. He is the only artist to reach the #1 spot twice in 2025—first in March and then again in May. His continued relevance across streaming platforms, performances, and cultural discourse has kept him not just afloat but ahead of the pack. These twin peaks reflect his rare ability to evolve while maintaining mass appeal across Africa and beyond.
READ ALSO: Afrobeats Power Ranking: 5 key facts from Q1 2025
Rema and Burna Boy: The only artists never to leave the Top 10
Longevity in the Afrobeats ecosystem is no small feat, but both Rema and Burna Boy proved that consistency is possible even in a genre filled with heavy competition. Across all six months, neither artist slipped outside the top 10. Rema remained a fan and streaming favourite, with strong performances in January, February, and March. Burna Boy, on the other hand, maintained momentum through back-to-back high placements, showing why both artists are often positioned as the faces of global Afrobeats.
Moliy, Tyla, Tayc, and Black Sherif: The Only Non-Nigerians to Chart in the Top 10
Afrobeats may be dominated by Nigeria, but four non-Nigerian acts managed to disrupt that dominance by breaking into the top 10. Tyla’s South African appeal, Black Sherif’s and Moliy’s Ghanaian rise, and Tayc’s francophone edge each carved out moments of dominance. Black Sherif’s dramatic climb from #26 to #2 in April remains one of the biggest leaps of the year, while Tayc brought a refreshing continental fusion sound to the mix.
Tyla: The only woman and non-Nigerian to peak at No. 1
Tyla didn’t just chart—she made history. In February 2025, she became the first and only woman and non-Nigerian to reach #1 on the Afrobeats Power Ranking. Her single’s viral success and genre-blending style made her a continental and global sensation. Tyla’s milestone represents more than just a chart feat—it’s a cultural moment for women in music and for the global spread of Afropop and amapiano hybrids.
Chris Brown: The only non-African artist to appear on the chart
April 2025 saw an unexpected entry: American superstar Chris Brown, who debuted at #24, became the first non-African artist to appear on the Afrobeats Power Ranking. His inclusion was driven by a widely streamed collaboration with an Afrobeats act, highlighting how the genre continues to attract the world’s biggest stars. It was a signal of the growing interconnectedness between Afrobeats and global pop.
The first half of 2025 has shown that while Nigerian artists continue to dominate the field, the genre’s landscape is expanding. Women are carving out their place, non-Nigerians are gaining ground, and global collaborations are beginning to influence the rankings. With six more months to go, the only certainty is that Afrobeats will keep evolving—and the race for the top will only get more intense.
Artists present in all six editions in H1 (Jan–June 2025)
18 artists were present in the Afrobeats Power Ranking each month from January to June 2025. These artists include:
Rema – Maintained top 10 status each month; peaked at #2 (Feb & March).
Burna Boy – Ranked Top 5 for five out of six months; peaked at #1 (March & May).
Wizkid – Opened the year at #1; consistent top 10 presence until June (#11).
Asake – Present every month; peaked at #2 (June).
Ayra Starr – Appeared all six months; mostly within Top 10.
Seyi Vibez – Climbed as high as #3 (Feb); steady presence throughout.
Omah Lay – Held Top 20 spots monthly; peaked at #4 (April).
Fireboy DML – Consistent mid-table; best rank was #7 (Jan).
Tems – Charted each month; peaked at #9 (Jan); dipped in April before rebounding in May.
Kizz Daniel – Charted monthly; hovered between #13 and #24.
CKay – Present each month; mid-table performer.
Davido – Started slower in Jan (#10) but peaked at #1 (April).
Zinoleesky – Reappeared every month but dropped toward lower rankings.
Bella Shmurda – Present all months; usually in the bottom half.
T.I Blaze – Surprise climber in March (#10), then faded slightly.
BNXN – Low Top 30 every month; best at #6 (June).
Balloranking – Always ranked; usually in 30s and 40s.
Victony – Consistent mid-range charting; top 10 peak in Feb (#5).
