Interesting facts from Afrobeats Power Ranking 2025 so far
- Discovery Community
- Nov 9
- 4 min read
Afrobeats Power Ranking 2025: Key Insights from the First Half of the Year
The Afrobeats Power Ranking, launched by NotJustOk in January 2025, has quickly evolved into one of the most reliable barometers of success and influence within the Afrobeats ecosystem. Updated monthly, the ranking not only tracks the biggest stars in the genre but also shines a spotlight on emerging artists redefining Africa’s global sound.
As the first half of 2025 comes to a close, the H1 report reveals fascinating insights into the artists shaping Afrobeats’ future both within Africa and across the world.
Women of Power: Ayra Starr, Tems, Tyla, and Moliy in the Top 10
Only four women broke into the Top 10 of the Afrobeats Power Ranking during the first six months of 2025: Ayra Starr, Tems, Tyla, and Moliy.
Ayra Starr’s consistent appearances confirmed her as one of the most bankable female stars in the genre. Tems, though less consistent, made an early impact in January before fluctuating in later months. Tyla, the South African sensation, made history with a chart-topping run, while Ghana’s Moliy surprised fans by soaring to #4 in May.
Their achievements reflect a growing shift toward visibility and recognition for women in Afrobeats a space long dominated by men.
Burna Boy: The Only Artist to Peak at No. 1 Twice
When it comes to dominance, Burna Boy continues to set the pace. The Grammy-winning artist remains the only act to hit #1 twice in 2025 first in March, and again in May.
His sustained relevance across live performances, streaming charts, and cultural moments underscores why he remains a defining figure in Afrobeats. Burna’s ability to reinvent himself while maintaining mass appeal keeps him firmly ahead of the competition.
Rema and Burna Boy: Consistency Kings
In a genre driven by constant competition, Rema and Burna Boy stand tall as the only artists who never dropped out of the Top 10 from January to June 2025.
Rema’s consistency in streaming and fan engagement, especially in the early months, solidified his position as a global Afrobeats force. Burna Boy’s unwavering momentum throughout the same period further cements the pair as symbols of longevity and dominance.
Breaking Borders: Moliy, Tyla, Tayc, and Black Sherif
While Nigerian artists largely dominate Afrobeats, 2025 has seen significant representation from beyond the country’s borders. Four non-Nigerian acts Tyla (South Africa), Black Sherif (Ghana), Moliy (Ghana), and Tayc (France/Cameroon) broke into the Top 10.
Black Sherif’s incredible leap from #26 to #2 in April remains one of the biggest chart jumps of the year, while Tayc’s francophone fusion added a refreshing continental flavor to the ranking. Together, these artists highlight Afrobeats’ expanding global footprint.
Tyla Makes History: The First Woman and Non-Nigerian to Reach No. 1
February 2025 marked a defining moment for Afrobeats. Tyla became the first woman and first non-Nigerian artist to hit the #1 spot on the Power Ranking.
Her rise, powered by a viral single that merged Afropop with amapiano, captured hearts across continents. Beyond the statistics, Tyla’s achievement symbolizes a broader cultural shift one where Afrobeats embraces new voices, new sounds, and new origins.
Chris Brown: The First Non-African to Chart
In April 2025, American superstar Chris Brown made a surprising debut at #24, becoming the first non-African artist to appear on the Afrobeats Power Ranking.
His entry, driven by a successful collaboration with an African act, reflects how global pop continues to merge with Afrobeats. It’s further proof that the genre’s reach now extends deep into international mainstream culture.
The Expanding Afrobeats Landscape
The first half of 2025 paints a clear picture: Afrobeats remains Nigeria-led but increasingly global. Female artists are carving out powerful narratives, non-Nigerian acts are asserting influence, and international collaborations are shaping the sound of tomorrow.
With six more months ahead, one thing is certain the race for dominance is far from over, and Afrobeats will continue to evolve in new and unexpected ways.
Artists Present in All Six Editions (January–June 2025)
Eighteen artists maintained their presence across all six months of the Afrobeats Power Ranking, showcasing resilience and consistency:
Rema – Peaked at #2 (Feb & March)
Burna Boy – Peaked at #1 (March & May)
Wizkid – Opened at #1; held Top 10 until June (#11)
Asake – Peaked at #2 (June)
Ayra Starr – Consistent Top 10 performer
Seyi Vibez – Peaked at #3 (Feb)
Omah Lay – Peaked at #4 (April)
Fireboy DML – Peaked at #7 (Jan)
Tems – Peaked at #9 (Jan); rebounded in May
CKay – Consistent mid-table performer
Davido – Peaked at #1 (April)
Zinoleesky – Consistent presence; dropped slightly
Bella Shmurda – Regular lower-half presence
T.I Blaze – Peaked at #10 (March)
BNXN – Peaked at #6 (June)
Balloranking – Regular lower-table ranking
Victony – Peaked at #5 (Feb)
Conclusion:
From Burna Boy’s dual peaks to Tyla’s history-making run, the Afrobeats Power Ranking 2025 is more than just a leaderboard it’s a reflection of how far the genre has come and where it’s heading. The next six months promise even fiercer competition, deeper crossovers, and perhaps, new names rewriting Afrobeats history.
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