The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

Musicians usually take some time to get into the year, but there’s been a noticeable change this time around. Since the start of 2025, our favorite artists have dug into their creative bag to produce earworms that have kept the scene ablaze. This prolific turn extended into February, revealingAfrobeats music in all its diversity and experimentation.

Attuned to the Afrobeats sound, we move from its base in West Africa — primarily featuring Nigerian and Ghanaian acts — to other parts of East and Southern Africa, covering a vast space across the scene in this list.

These songs embody the thrilling creativity and ambitiousness at the core of Afrobeats. They stood out among the many releases in February. See our selections below.

Lojay – “Somebody Like You”

The strength ofLojay’s pen has never been in doubt. A witty, evocative writing style is the binding technique across his multi-genre records, and more so on “Somebody Like You,” the Nigerian artist’s first release of the year. A reminiscent affair of “Summertime in Abuja,” the song blends an incisive perspective with the folksy touch of its warm production. It’s the perfect anticipation for his debut album, expected later this year.

ODUMODUBLVCK – “Pity This Boy” feat. Victony

Before its official release, the snippet-driven culture of African pop ensured “Pity This Boy” was a hit. Sustaining its buzz after it dropped was the challenge, but the single has an undeniable earworm quality. No doubt, it’s the mastery on showcase, with the distinct melodies ofODUMODUBLVCK andVictony easing into the cherry production. Telling a story of monetary exploitation from friends and family, the record lands with fun and revelry because the narrators are superstars and can meet those needs.

Ayra Starr – “All The Love”

WhatAyra Starr is doing with the Afro R&B form is remarkable. She captures the vibrant energy of the Afro sound through her language and performance. At the same time, Starr showcases her delicate vocals and unique perspective, achieving a refined style that sets her apart. “All The Love” shines with these qualities as she sings about the need for one to love oneself, a warm hug wrapped in the arms of her listeners. This song further reiterates Starr’s sensitivity, which has shone through her catalog.

Rema – “Baby (Is it a Crime)”

A sample of Sade seems to be a surefire way to a hit, but Rema’s skills shine even in the presence of 1980s greatness. Offering the suave, smooth, boyish seduction he’s perfected with time,Rema makes a convincing case for wanting to be a girl’s lover, with exciting turns of phrases and an ever-exciting flow. Picking his vocal pockets with ease and steeze, it’s undoubtedly one of the performances of the year so far.

Ajebo Hustlers – “Velvet”

A standout from their recent Onorato tape, a record like “Velvet” embodies what makesAjebo Hustlers unique. Its production taps chill drums and piano notes, creating a languid feeling that eases the listener into a dream state. The lyrics are charged with intensity and intent, as Piego’s verse begins with “I know the color of your heart now / Velvet red it is.” The pensive sense in the storytelling never drops, even though Knowledge’s bars tint the narrative, bringing humor and lust into the colorful palette. Readour new profileof Ajebo Hustlers.

Black Sherif & Fireboy DML – “So It Goes”

Even at his most vulnerable, there’s an iron perspective thatBlack Sherifalways embraces. For the Ghanaian maverick, pain is not the last option but a conduit to reach deeper aspects of oneself. All that is made clear on “So It Goes,” his second single of the year. With his sophomore album around the corner, he’s stoked the wheels of anticipation by creating this soulful record with the similarly inspiredFireboy DML.

Shallipopi – “Laho”

WhenShallipopi began permeating mainstream circles early last year, his hypnotic rapping style proved his grasp on the zeitgeist. Since then, the Benin-bred artist has released music quickly, further solidifying his standing amongst his generation. On “Laho,” he returns to the scene after a label tussle, again showing his hit potential. With its irresistible hook, which oscillates between mystery and fun, it’s shaping to be one of the most remarkable club-ready songs of the year.

Savara – “Sianda”

Ex-Sauti Sol member Savara taps the quintessential Kenyan sound for one of his most impressionable records yet. The vivid drums and soulful guitars are prominent throughout. Still, Savara adds even more depth to the sound by incorporating a violin-like instrument, enhancing the overall richness of the track. Ultimately, it’s a song about love that does well to embody the electricity of the feeling, a symbiotic pairing that rewards multiple listens.

Tyla – “PUSH 2 START (Remix)” feat. Sean Paul

Many conversations have taken place about whoTyla represents and what her genre is, but she is undoubtedly, in sound, a student of what Afrobeats embodies. Her pop-leaning style and her closeness to the Caribbean reveal a deep level of intentionality, and with the remix to her acclaimed “PUSH 2 START,” she further relates to those plains of inspiration. The iconic choice of Sean Paul only propels the vivacious energy at the core of its appeal, making it an obvious nod for one of the best songs of the month.

DJ Zinhle & Skillz – “Sorry” feat. MK Productions & Section Five

“Transcendent” best describes the feeling one gets from “Sorry,” the record fromDJ Zinhle and Skillz. With impeccable house production, it feels like a trance with its shimmering sonic poise. The title suggests a romantic affair going down the drain, with the character pleading his case — one hears all of this in the subtle angst that undercharges the record. Still, it’s even more remarkable that the artists transcend above the hurt, giving a streak of sunlight in their performances.