Top 5 Rising Nigerian Music Stars To Watch Out For

The Nigerian music industry is constantly evolving. Fresh talent emerges and reshapes the sound of Afrobeats and beyond. While established stars continue to dominate, a new wave of rising Nigerian artists is making a name for themselves. They blend genres, push creative boundaries, and captivate audiences worldwide, much like South African music stars who are also making waves in the global music scene. As these rising talents grow, they aim to follow in the footsteps of the biggest Nigerian music stars, redefining the industry with fresh sounds and international appeal.

Read Also: Tyla Wins Best Afrobeats and Best African Act at 2024 VMAs, Honors Afrobeats Genre

1. Qing Madi

Real Name: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma
Breakout Song: See Finish
Genres: Afrobeats, Pop, Soul, R&B

Qing Madi has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in Nigerian music. Born in Benin City, Edo State, she started singing at age seven. She has developed a signature sound that fuses Afrobeats, Pop, Soul, and R&B.

Her hit song See Finish put her in the spotlight. It showcased her ability to tell emotional stories with rich vocals and melodies. Inspired by Kendrick Lamar, Qing Madi is determined to push the boundaries of Nigerian music. She aims to do this with deep lyrics and a unique artistic vision.

With her growing fanbase and ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly, Qing Madi is undoubtedly a star to watch.

2. Amid

Real Name: Aluko Toluwanimi
Breakout Moment: For Days (Cover) by BNXN
Genres: R&B, Soul

While Afrobeats dominates the Nigerian music scene, Taves is one of the few artists staying true to his R&B roots. He proves that soulful music still has a place in the industry. Born in Ibadan, his love for music was shaped by legendary singer Asa. Her melodies inspired his early songwriting.

Starting his journey by covering songs like Ckay’s Beggi Beggi and Lojay’s Moto, Taves gained wider recognition with his viral cover of BNXN’s For Days. This caught BNXN’s attention and led to a record deal with To Your Ears Entertainment. He later secured a major signing with Atlantic Records, solidifying his career.

With hit singles like Folake and Bodija, Taves is proving that R&B still has a place in Nigerian music.

Read Also: Tems’ ‘Born In The Wild’ Ranks #2 on Billboard’s Best R&B Albums of 2024

3. Llona

Real Name: Michael Ajuma Attah
Breakout Song: HBP (Remix) ft. Bella Shmurda
Genres: Afrobeats, R&B, Dancehall

Hailing from Kogi State, Llona is one of the most dynamic new voices in Afrobeats. Since his debut single Nobody, he has consistently refined his sound. He blends Afrobeats, R&B, and Dancehall into a fresh, energetic style.

His breakthrough came with HBP, a song that quickly gained traction. This led to a chart-topping remix featuring Bella Shmurda. Drawing inspiration from legends like Olamide, Llona’s music balances street appeal with smooth melodies. This makes him a favorite among both local and international audiences.

With a growing fanbase and an impressive catalog, Llona is set to dominate the charts.

4. Brown Joel

Real Name: Agubosim Favour Brown
Breakout Songs: Omo Ologo, Peace, Ogechi (ft. Boypee, Hyce & Davido)
Genres: Afrobeats, Contemporary Pop

Brown Joel is not just an artist; he’s a storyteller who connects deeply with his audience. Born and raised in Lagos, he channels his personal experiences, emotions, and surroundings into his music. As a result, he makes songs that spread hope and inspiration.

Starting his career with social media covers, Brown Joel quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights. He landed a deal with Musiq Bank Company. His single Peace became a viral sensation on TikTok, sparking dance challenges and influencer collaborations. His collaboration on Ogechi, featuring Davido, Boypee, and Hyce, further solidified his position as a rising star.

With his ability to craft relatable and heartfelt music, Brown Joel is shaping up to be one of Gen-Z’s most influential artists.

5. Yarden

Real Name: Okereke Blessed Jordan
Breakout Songs: Wetin, Busy Body
Genres: Afrobeats, Afro-Fusion

Yarden hails from Abia State and was raised in Lagos State, where he spent most of his early days. Yarden started singing in church and gradually started taking music seriously at school, where he often attended rap battles and shows.

Yarden is carving out a name for himself in the Afrobeats scene. Signed to Etins Record Limited, he started making music as a teenager and later became a full-fledged artist.

With songs like Wetin and Busy Body, Yarden’s unique voice and ability to blend soulful melodies with traditional Afrobeats rhythms make him stand out. His growing fanbase and viral moments on social media are proof that his global breakthrough is only a matter of time.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Nigerian Music is Bright

These rising Nigerian music stars are pushing the industry forward with fresh sounds, boundary-breaking creativity, and undeniable talent. Whether it’s Qing Madi’s genre-blending artistry, Taves’ dedication to R&B, Llona’s Afrobeats mastery, Brown Joel’s emotional storytelling, or Yarden’s Afro-fusion appeal, one thing is certain—these artists are here to stay.

As they continue to dominate the charts, win fans, and break new ground, the future of Nigerian music has never looked more promising.

Who’s your favorite rising star on this list? Let us know in the comments!