15 SONGS THAT SHAPED THE CULTURE IN 2025

2025 was the year artists flexed their experimental prowess, birthing new genres from their genius creations. From Zaylevelten leading at the forefront of the underground movement with his refreshing catchy melodies and rap flows on his acclaimed studio album, ‘then 1t g0t crazy’  to Mavo infectious breakout hit, ‘escaladizzy’ , and Ayra Starr’s highly anticipated collab with label mate, Rema on ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ our artistes have consistently proven a thirst for innovation and growth. 

This list explores the tracks that carried us through 2025 with bold sonic experiments, catchy anthems, and deeper emotional connections, shaping the music industry and the culture around them. From DSPs to the streets, if you were outside or just tapped in then you definitely heard these:

FIDO - JOY IS COMING

Although released in December 2024, Fido’s “Joy Is Coming” slipped into public consciousness at exactly the right emotional moment. A vibrant celebration of hope and gratitude., the track gained massive traction in the new year, quickly moving from a Christmas anthem into an ushering of delightful promise for the year. Blending Afrobeat, Galala, and Fuji influences, the song exudes positivity and resilience, underscoring the certainty of joy even in the face of adversity. Just the perfect mood to usher in a new year.

KUNMIE - ARIKE 

Kunmie’s viral breakout hit took the social media by a storm in February, gaining major traction on TikTok. The debut single marked Kummie’s strong entrance into the Nigerian music scene.

DAVIDO ft OMAH LAY - WITH YOU

Praised as the standout track on Davido’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album, 5ive, With You held us in a chokehold in April with its danceable rhythms and Omah Lay’s sweet melodies.

SHALLIPOPI - LAHO  

The official hustler and enjoyment anthem of 2025, Laho solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon with its viral success on Tikok, influencing a global trend across social media and also charting globally.

MAVO FT WAVE$TAR - ESCALADIZZY

Mavo exploded onto the scene with his breakout viral hit, Escaladizzy. Praised for its unique sound and inventive beats, Escaladizzy became a huge hit in summer of 2025, solidifying Mavo’s place as a major new voice with chart success and Billboard’s “African Rookie of the Month” title. Also known as the Gen Z anthem of 2025, the track holds great cultural impact with Mavo's "izzy" suffix and lyrics resonating deeply amongst his peers making him a voice for Gen Z in Nigerian music.

CHAMPZ - CHAMPION SOUND

Champion Sound heralds promising 14 year old Champz’ venture into an optimistic music career. Floating on polished Afro-swing/grime, Champz delivered smooth confident flows on clean production. Champz holds cultural impact as the youngest Nigerian artist to hit 1M Spotify streams within 24 hours of release.

CKAY ft MAVO - BODY (DANZ)

Catchy hook layered on a beat that slaps, the streets have been hooked on the “your body na meat pie” rave for the past couple weeks. The track marks a huge streaming milestone for both Ckay and Mavo topping the charts as the longest running #1 song on Spotify Nigeria Daily Top Songs Chart.

FOLA ft KIZZ DANIEL - LOST

‘Lost’ delivers a masterful blend of street-pop edge and Afrobeats melody, creating an emotionally charged anthem about heartbreak and self-discovery. The track’s infectious chorus sparked a viral wave on TikTok, with fans recreating its heartfelt hook.

ADEKUNLE GOLD  - MANY PEOPLE

The standout track off Adekunle Gold’s critically acclaimed sixth album, Fuji, Many People might just be the most iconic collaboration of 2025. Featuring not one but two legends; Gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele and Fuji legend, Adewale Ayuba. Many People joyfully blends tradition with modern Afrobeats serving as a heartfelt homage to Fuji music.

AYRA STARR & REMA - WHO’S DAT GIRL

Another iconic collaboration of 2025, Ayra Starr and Rema offer a sonic melting pot of electrifying chemistry and sultry dancehall and R&B fusion.

ZAYLEVELTEN - MAYE

Off the acclaimed album, ‘then 1t g0t crazy’, Maye was the first introduction to Zaylevelten’s unique sound for many. Maye blends Zay’s audacious rap flows with alt infused rhythm, trap percussion, and vivid storytelling. The standout track went viral on TikTok catapulting the self producing artiste (under the name Tenski) to the forefront of the underground moment, cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s most exciting new-wave voices.