Spotify names Burna Boy Top Afrobeats artist of the Year

According to Daily Post, Global music streaming platform Spotify has unveiled its 2025 ranking of the Top Afrobeats Artists, and the list is completely dominated by Nigerian stars, reaffirming the country’s place at the heart of the global Afrobeats movement.

Burna Boy, who has become one of Africa’s biggest musical exports, claimed the number one spot, continuing his run as one of the genre’s most influential figures. Known for his Grammy-winning sound and international collaborations, Burna Boy has maintained a consistent presence on global charts, making him the leading face of Afrobeats.

Rema followed closely at number two, with Spotify citing his ability to bridge traditional Afrobeats with global pop appeal. His viral hit “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez continues to resonate worldwide, consolidating his position as one of the fastest-rising superstars of his generation.

At number three is Wizkid, often hailed as a pioneer of Afrobeats’ global breakthrough. The Starboy Entertainment boss has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and recently concluded another successful world tour, cementing his influence in shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats.

Asake, with his street-inspired anthems and unique fusion of Fuji and Amapiano, claimed number four, while Mavin Records’ breakout star and now Roc Nation signee, Ayra Starr, rounded out the top five. Ayra’s inclusion highlights the growing impact of female voices in a male-dominated genre and her successful crossover into international markets.

However, the biggest surprise was the omission of Davido, widely regarded as part of Afrobeats’ “Big 3” alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy. Davido, who has enjoyed massive global success with hits like “Unavailable” and “Fall,” was notably absent from the top five, sparking conversations among fans about the criteria used in Spotify’s ranking.

Beyond individual artists, Spotify also released data on the countries consuming Afrobeats the most in 2025. Unsurprisingly, Nigeria and the United Kingdom topped the charts, followed by the United States, Canada, and France. The figures underline Afrobeats’ growing international footprint, with millions of streams recorded daily outside Africa.