The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

This month came with many releases, with the Nigerian scene remaining hyper-productive. There was also a lot of activity from Southern Africa and East Africa, where the R&B culture continues to thrive alongside the percussive inclinations of Afrobeats. It's been a sonically exciting month, and the songs on this list represent the depth and range of African music in 2025, a stunning achievement that stands side-by-side with the music coming out from any other part of the world.

These are OkayAfrica's Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now.

Niphkeys, ODUMODUBLVCK & May D – "Conse" feat. Fatboy E & Smada [Nigeria]

It's impossible to ignore what everyone did on "Conse." From the chill 2000s-evoking Niphkeys production to the mood-setting verse and melodies fromOdumodublvck, it's a well-curated record. With Odumodu being an important core of Nigerian pop right now, the vibe revolves around his sing-song grit, and the memorable May D follows his lead. The duo of verses from Odumodu's associates, Fatboy E and Smada, also work brilliantly into the retro vision, all distinctly interpreting the idea of playing along with a woman who knows what she wants.

Feli Nandi – “Ndisiyei” [Zimbabwe]

On the titular track from her latest project, Zimbabwe's Feli Nandi shows precisely why she's so acclaimed in the country. "Ndisiyei" showcases her distinct Afropop style, bringing her vocals into powerful runs that create the imagery of a universally impactful affair. A light and humane sentiment breaks through this song, supplying an endless source of inspiration to those who listen with an open mind.

Lasmid – "Olivia" [Ghana]

Femme fatales are a recurring motif in Afropop. Lasmid's "Olivia" comes from the same tradition, captivatingly painting the appeal of the titular character, even though she's unavailable. "Why you come dey put the blame on me?" the Ghanaian artist asks in one line, but he doesn't plunge headlong into confusion; he only documents it — with the calm baritone of his vocals — so the listener can feel his hurt.

Kelechi Africana – "Mama Achani" feat. Mr Bado & Kennes [Kenya]

One of the most interesting voices in Kenyan music, Kelechi Africana, embodies the vivacity that makes the sound so heralded. As both performer and vocalist, he's able to tap into complementing modes of perception, such as he does here on this record. It's a groovy song that evokes relaxing moments as he croons lovingly about a woman, setting the tension beautifully. With his features doing well in their roles, it's a warm record that has the potential to grow into one's comfort song, with the right mood and tone to go with it.

TAR1Q – "Must Have Been" [Nigeria]

"Injury no be tattoo," sings TAR1Q in a line from his latest standout record, "Must Have Been." The artist is known to unite extremes, easily going from hurt to hedonism, and this new single honors those narrative impulses. The song falls into a theme TAR1Q's often covered before: the 'crashing out' that comes from a failed romance.

Abigail Chams & Harmonize – "Me Too" [Tanzania]

Abigail Chams, one of our African Artists to Watch this year, has a voice that will catch you unaware as her delivery creeps into your consciousness. Such is the quality of "Me Too," her riveting duet with Tanzanian superstar Harmonize. Over an R&B-inflected beat, both artists showcase remarkable chemistry, flexing their vocals even as they propel the storyline about being the perfect one for the other person.

Joeboy – "Taxi Driver" [Nigeria]

Joeboy has been on a prolific run of late. "Taxi Driver," the artist's latest single, further reveals his unique strengths. Among those is an impeccable ability to present a lovelorn character with all the tone and detail to go with it. Calling to mind the service professional whose space encourages storytelling, Joeboy works up an emotional angle, with the sweet, evocative production doing the rest.

MOLIY – "Shake It To The Max (Fly) [Remix]" feat. Skillibeng, Shenseea & Silent Addy [Ghana / Jamaica]

It's been clear for a while thatMOLIY has an incredible handle on bops. Since her sexy, show-stealing feature on Amaarae's huge record "Sad Girlz Luv Money," she's progressed from strength to strength. On the remix of "Shake It To The Max," she takes the bop to Jamaican collaborators. The trio amplifies the record in their unique ways. From the sultry Skillibeng verse to Shenseea's rap-aligned flow down to Addy's curation, it's one of the year's most remarkable big-budget releases. But quite beautifully, each part and person is in sync, making it effortlessly good.

Dxtiny – "Babcock" [Nigeria]

When Dxtiny's "Uncle Pele" began making waves last year, it was clear that Nigerian pop had another star in the making. On "Babcock," the immensely talented artist makes his claim to that expectation, creating an emotional masterpiece that subtly recalls love's challenges. "You dey for Babcock, I dey for Uyo," he sings wistfully over the drums-supplied production, revealing the hurt perspective of being so far away from one's love interest. Tender and effortlessly moving, it's a fine addition to the artist's catalog.

Njerae – “Decide” [Kenya]

Njerae has been one of the most consistent acts in the Kenyan music scene. With R&B as her base sound, she's often inflected its smooth quality with the vibrance of Afro music, as she does here. "Decide" calls a love interest to action, with the artist putting down her affirmations, a reminder that time doesn't wait for anyone.