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Afrobeats albums to expect in the second half of 2025

Here are the most anticipated Afrobeats albums set to drop in the second half of 2025, as fans gear up for another wave of chart-topping hits and global anthems.

Contents
1. Amaarae – BLACK STAR (August 8, 2025)2. Lojay – XOXO (August 22, 2025)3. Kizz Daniel – Uncle K: The Vibe (August)4. Tiwa Savage – This One Is Personal (August 29, 2025)5. Wizard Chan – Healers Chapel (September 3, 2025)6. Reminisce – Title TBA (September 2025)7. Gyakie – After Midnight (date TBA)8. Sarz – Protect Sarz At All Costs (date TBA)9. M.I Abaga – The Wolf (date TBA)10. FOLA – Catharsis (date TBA)

If the first half of 2025 proved anything, it’s that Afrobeats is not slowing down, not in quality, global relevance, or pure cultural impact. From surprise drops to meticulously teased rollouts, we’ve already witnessed some big moments: Davido’s 5IVE dominated the charts, Joeboy’s Viva La Vida ignited endless fan theories, and Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness reminded us why he’s one of the most respected voices in modern music.

But as the ember months for 2025 approach, a fresh wave of Afrobeats albums is about to set the industry on fire again. Heavyweights favorites are gearing up to drop projects that could define the rest of the year.

Here’s a guide to the Afrobeats albums to expect in the second half of 2025, starting with the ones dropping soonest.

1. Amaarae – BLACK STAR (August 8, 2025)

Amaarae’s third album, BLACK STAR, arrives with high expectations following the global success of Fountain Baby, which topped Metacritic’s Best Reviewed Albums of 2023. Released via Golden Child Entertainment and Interscope Records, this album sees the Ghanaian-American genre-bender leaning into dance-rooted Black cultural sounds, Ghanaian highlife, baile funk, ghettotech, and house.

Described by Amaarae as a celebration of identity and joy, BLACK STAR embraces “liberation through excess, contradiction, and refusal.” It features collaborations with Naomi Campbell (Ms60), PinkPantheress (Kiss Me Thru the Phone Pt. 2), Bree Runway & Starkillers (Starkilla), and R&B legend Charlie Wilson (Dream Scenario). Producers include longtime collaborator Kyu Steed, El Guincho, and Bnyx.

With singles like S.M.O. and Girlie-Pop already heating up the scene, BLACK STAR promises to be one of the boldest and most culturally resonant Afrobeats-adjacent projects of the year.

2. Lojay – XOXO (August 22, 2025)

Lojay‘s long-awaited debut album XOXO arrives August 22. The Grammy-nominated artist has seen a rapid rise since his breakout EP LV N ATTN with Sarz, which featured the global smash Monalisa. With over 600 million streams to his name, Lojay is staking his claim as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling voices.

Described by the artist as “messy, emotional, sexy, and honest,” XOXO is a deeply personal record, exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and experimentation. It includes hits like MWAH! featuring Odeal and the Sarz-produced Somebody Like You, as well as the newly released single Tenner, which ventures into 3-step sonics. A global tour kicks off shortly after, further solidifying Lojay’s international momentum.

3. Kizz Daniel – Uncle K: The Vibe (August)

Originally set for 2024, Uncle K: The Vibe was postponed due to personal reasons, signaling a shift in focus for Kizz Daniel, “Family first, music second,” as he noted in a December 2024 teaser. Now set to drop in August, Uncle K is shaping up to be his most emotionally vulnerable and artistically expansive project yet.

The album follows his successful Uncle K: Lemon Chase EP, a prelude that offered raw reflections on grief, healing, and memory. Standout tracks like Al Jannah (with Odumodublvck and Bella Shmurda) and Peace I Chose (featuring Runtown, singing lyrics written by another artist for the first time) hinted at a more introspective Kizz Daniel. Collaborations on the full album are expected to include Angelique Kidjo, Johnny Drille, Zlatan, and more, with production from Blaisebeatz, RewardBeatz, Magicsticks, MOG Beatz, and AyZed.

Uncle K is more than just a collection of songs, it’s a deeply curated experience, described by the artist as “music for when you’re healing, hoping, or remembering.” The album will kick off a world tour spanning the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Africa, concluding with a homecoming concert in Lagos.

4. Tiwa Savage – This One Is Personal (August 29, 2025)

After a five-year hiatus, Tiwa Savage is back with her fourth studio album This One Is Personal, dropping August 29. Known as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Tiwa dives into her ’90s R&B roots while reflecting on both the joyful and painful chapters of her life.

Recorded across Nashville, Malibu, London, San Francisco, and Lagos, the album blends global production with intimate storytelling. It features the soulful single You4Me, which samples Tamia’s So Into You, and the Skepta-assisted On The Low.

With a mature, emotionally resonant sound, this album marks a new era for Tiwa, one focused less on commercial dominance and more on authenticity and personal expression.

5. Wizard Chan – Healers Chapel (September 3, 2025)

Nigerian singer-songwriter Wizard Chan is set to release his debut album Healers Chapel on September 3. Known for his genre-blending style, Chan’s latest project is his most ambitious yet, weaving together reggae, Afro-pop, hip-hop, and soul.

Described as a spiritual and healing experience, the album features introspective tracks like I Want To Live Forever, Amen (God My Dealer), and the standout single Oliver, which fuses gyration and drill. Collaborations include Boma Nime and PDSTRN. Early buzz has already positioned Healers Chapel as a potential Album of the Year contender.

6. Reminisce – Title TBA (September 2025)

Veteran Nigerian rapper Reminisce is gearing up for his eighth studio project, slated for release in September. While the album title hasn’t been confirmed, expectations are high following his acclaimed EP Sui Generis (2024) and past Billboard-charting albums like Baba Hafusa and El Hadj.

Known for his gritty street bars and fusion of rap and Afrobeats, Reminisce’s new project promises heavy-hitting features and lyrical depth. A recent single, I’m Up featuring Jesse Jagz, hints at a creative resurgence.

7. Gyakie – After Midnight (date TBA)

Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie is preparing to release her debut full-length album After Midnight. While no official date has been confirmed, anticipation has been building since its announcement in March.

Thematically anchored in the introspective, emotionally rich hours after midnight, the album reflects Gyakie’s personal journey and creative process. Drawing from Afro-fusion, hip-hop, R&B, and pop, it includes the single Sankofa and promises a deeply poetic experience. Her appearance at the Forbes Summit 2025 further cemented her reputation as one of the genre’s most thoughtful emerging voices.

8. Sarz – Protect Sarz At All Costs (date TBA)

Super-producer Sarz is stepping into the spotlight with his first solo album Protect Sarz At All Costs. While a September 20 release was rumored, no official date has been confirmed.

Famous for crafting hits for Wizkid, Niniola, and Drake, Sarz is known for his sonic experimentation. This album blends Afrobeats, EDM, and R&B into what he’s calling a “rave soundscape.” Collaborators include Gunna, Skrillex, Ayra Starr, Skepta, and Asake. By positioning himself as a front-facing artist, Sarz is pushing for more visibility and respect for producers in the genre.

9. M.I Abaga – The Wolf (date TBA)

Hip-hop icon M.I Abaga is plotting his return with The Wolf, his 14th body of work. Though previously teased for a June or July drop, the album is still listed as “to be announced.”

The Wolf is an ambitious concept album, framed as an audio myth told in chapters. M.I reimagines fables like Cain & Abel and Little Red Riding Hood with an African lens, tackling themes of identity, transformation, and legacy.

A private listening party featured appearances by Jesse Jagz, Odumodublvck, and Ladipoe, suggesting powerful collaborations. With a blend of storytelling, introspection, and lyrical mastery, The Wolf could be one of M.I’s most important works yet.

10. FOLA – Catharsis (date TBA)

Emerging singer FOLA is quietly building one of the most anticipated debut albums of 2025. Titled Catharsis, the project is expected to showcase his signature “Afro-everything” sound, a fluid blend of Afrobeats, Afro-drill, and Afro-fusion layered with emotional depth.

FOLA first gained traction with his 2024 breakout EP What A Feeling, which made waves on Apple Music Nigeria’s charts. He’s since earned industry credibility through strong collaborations, including Dangbana Riddim with Bella Shmurda and his appearance on Kizz Daniel’s Lemon Chase EP. With previous features alongside Magixx and Bhadboi OML, FOLA’s network and sonic reach are expanding fast.

In a recent post on X, FOLA revealed that Catharsis has been over a year in the making and offers deep emotional insight. With fans rallying behind Catharsis, this debut could cement him as one of Afrobeats’ most promising new voices.

In conclusion, Afrobeats and its albums in 2025 is far from finished. These upcoming Afrobeats albums offer a glimpse into the genre’s next evolution in 2025. It shows a mix of debut statements, boundary-pushing production, and legacy-defining narratives. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sound, there’s never been a better time to be tuned into Afrobeats.

ZeeNaija.com

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