If you’ve ever caught yourself vibing to Afrobeats in the car, on a walk, or during a midnight YouTube binge, then you already know Nigerian artists are owning the global music space right now. From Lagos to London to Los Angeles, these stars are raking in streams like it’s child’s play, and trust me, they’re just getting started.
In 2025, some familiar faces continue to dominate, while new stars are rising fast and shining even brighter. Curious who’s at the top of the streaming food chain right now? Now let’s talk about the ten Nigerian artists with the highest streams this year. Spoiler alert: the numbers are wild!
1. Rema – The Prince of Global Pop (223 Million Streams)
Honestly, at this point, is anyone surprised? Rema has been riding a tsunami of success ever since “Calm Down” (especially the Selena Gomez remix) exploded across the world. In Q1 of 2025 alone, this Benin-born star clocked 223 million YouTube Music streams globally. That’s not just massive—it’s historic.
What’s special about Rema isn’t just the numbers. It’s how his sound merges afro-rhythm with pop, trap, and even Bollywood flavors. He’s become the blueprint for global Afrobeats domination, and let’s be real, the boy’s not done yet.
2. Burna Boy – The African Giant Still Roars (171 Million Streams)
Burna’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. Clocking 171 million streams in just three months, the Grammy-winner continues to command respect globally. Whether it’s a politically charged track or a club banger, Burna delivers with soul, message, and unmistakable swag.
His 2024 album “Outsider’s Legacy” (yes, we’re still playing it on repeat) set the tone for this year, and fans worldwide are still soaking it up. Burna’s artistry is the type that doesn’t fade—it evolves, provokes, and lasts.
3. Ayra Starr – The Celestial Girl Ascends (169 Million Streams)
Ayra Starr is no longer the next big thing—she is the big thing. With 169 million streams in Q1 2025, she’s now the highest-ranked female artist in the Nigerian music industry this year.
Her sophomore album “The Year I Became a Star” is a Gen Z anthem. Think baddie vibes, heartbreak feels, and pure vocal magic. Ayra’s blending attitude with vulnerability, and listeners everywhere are obsessed. She’s proof that the future of Afrobeats is very female.
4. Davido – Mr. Consistent with a Side of Swagger (113 Million Streams)
Davido continues to show us why he’s called OBO. With 113 million streams already in 2025, he proves that consistency is just as powerful as innovation.
Following the emotional depth of his 2023 album “Timeless”, Davido has dropped a string of chart-topping singles that blend traditional Afrobeats with amapiano and R&B flavors. It’s clear: when Davido drops, the world listens.
5. Wizkid – The Starboy Still Shines (102 Million Streams)
Some call him subtle. Others call him genius. Wizkid’s style may be laid-back, but the numbers? They scream loud. With 102 million streams this year so far, Starboy is showing us why his place in the Afrobeats hall of fame is forever secure.
Whether it’s a smooth collab or a soulful solo, Wizkid’s magic is in the vibe—cool, calculated, and always timeless. Fans keep returning because no one else quite sounds like him.
6. Omah Lay – The Soulful Hitmaker (96.7 Million Streams)
Omah Lay has carved out a lane so unique that his songs feel more like journal entries set to rhythm. With 96.7 million streams already in 2025, it’s clear that fans around the world are connecting deeply with his emotionally raw sound.
Tracks like “Soso,” “Understand,” and “Holy Ghost” have become spiritual anthems for heartbroken lovers and introspective listeners alike. What sets Omah apart is how his voice floats on beats melancholic yet catchy, somber yet healing. The boy bleeds on tracks, and fans are grateful for it.
7. Kizz Daniel – The Hook King (67.9 Million Streams)
Nobody crafts a catchy hook quite like Kizz Daniel. With 67.9 million streams in just three months, the “Buga” crooner is still high on the streaming charts—and for good reason.
Kizz Daniel has a formula: sleek vocals, infectious rhythm, and lyrics that hit just right. Whether it’s love, dance, or vibes, he gives you something that sticks in your head for days. And let’s be honest—who hasn’t randomly started humming “Cough (Odo)” out of nowhere?
8. Ruger – Mr. Red Flag is Still Waving (65.7 Million Streams)
Ruger, with his signature eye patch and unapologetic lyrics, is not just a visual icon—he’s a certified hitmaker. 65.7 million streams this year prove that he knows exactly how to keep fans on their toes.
He’s spicy, a little controversial, but always catchy. Songs like “Asiwaju” and “Girlfriend” are regulars in party playlists. In 2025, Ruger is showing he’s not just here to flirt with success—he’s here to own it.
9. CKay – The Emo-Afrobeats Pioneer (64.6 Million Streams)
Remember “Love Nwantiti?” Of course you do. CKay’s romantic, emo-inspired Afrobeats style took over the world in 2021—and he’s still raking in love and streams. 64.6 million of them in Q1 2025, to be exact.
CKay isn’t just riding past glory; he’s doubling down on his signature sound. Smooth instrumentals, whispery vocals, and lyrics that hit like late-night texts you shouldn’t have sent—yeah, CKay knows the assignment. And the fans are eating it up.
10. Asake—The Street Prophet with Global Appeal (63.4 Million Streams)
Asake is the embodiment of “from the trenches to the top.” With 63.4 million streams, he’s cementing his status as the new sound of the streets—only now, those streets include London, New York, and Tokyo.
With his fusion of fuji, amapiano, and Yoruba chants, Asake’s music hits different. Every track sounds like a celebration of hustle, resilience, and homegrown flavor. He’s one of those artists who doesn’t just make you dance—he makes you feel proud to be Nigerian.
Final Thoughts – The Streaming Kings and Queen of 2025
2025 has proven that Nigerian music isn’t just surviving the global wave—it’s leading it. These artists aren’t just topping charts; they’re shaping culture, pushing boundaries, and bringing African storytelling to the world stage.
Whether you’re into vibes, lyrics, romance, or straight-up turn-up, this list has someone for you. And while numbers tell part of the story, the heart behind the music is what makes each of these artists unforgettable.
Afrobeats isn’t the future. It’s the now. And these ten artists? They’re the sound of 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is the most-streamed Nigerian artist in 2025 so far?
Rema leads the chart with over 223 million streams globally in Q1 2025.
2. Is Ayra Starr the top female Nigerian artist in 2025?
Yes! Ayra Starr currently ranks #3 overall with 169 million streams—the highest among female Nigerian artists.
3. Which platform was used to measure these streaming stats?
The data is based on global YouTube Music streaming numbers for Q1 2025.
4. Has Burna Boy maintained his popularity over the years?
Absolutely. Burna Boy remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent and impactful artists globally.
5. Are these rankings final for the whole year?
Nope—this list reflects performance in the first quarter of 2025. More may change as the year progresses.
