Let me just say it upfront: if you’re not paying attention to the women in Afrobeats right now, you’re basically like that person who refused to watch Game of Thrones back in 2014 and then pretended they didn’t care when everyone else was losing their minds over dragons. Denial is a choice, but it’s not a good one.
The ladies are not just participating in Afrobeats in 2025; they are dragging the genre into the future, throwing glitter on it, giving it a fresh wig, and teaching it how to dance on TikTok while still honouring its roots. They’re balancing vulnerability with flexing, softness with grit, fun with seriousness, and somehow making us all feel like we're the main characters in their stories. The playlist so far is proof: these women aren’t asking for recognition; they’re snatching it with manicured hands and neon nails.
So, let’s talk about the tracks fueling our year, the ones you’ll definitely hear at weddings, in Ubers, at the gym, and in that awkward situation where someone’s phone accidentally connects to the Bluetooth speaker at the family gathering.
Let's take a fresh look at this list of anthems. It's not just a playlist; it's a personality test. Each song is a mood, a moment, a whole vibe waiting to be unleashed.
1. Bloody Civilian - "Ladida"
If you're looking for a song that perfectly captures that feeling of confident, uninhibited desire, you need to add Bloody Civilian's "Ladida" to your playlist. It’s the kind of track that hits you with a smooth, hypnotic beat, then grabs you with its bold, direct lyrics. The song is a masterclass in owning your wants, from the unapologetic demand for "energy" to the playful, raw burst of emotion in the bridge. "Ladida" isn't just a song; it's an entire vibe, perfect for those moments when you're feeling your best and ready to embrace a connection that’s as intense as it is irresistible. This is your go-to anthem for feeling powerful, desired, and completely in control. She's the kind of artist who doesn't just make music; she sets a whole new standard for cool.
2. Simi – "Day by Day"
Simi is the friend who gives you the best life advice, the kind that feels like a warm hug and a gentle push at the same time. "Day by Day" is her verbal meditation, a reminder that it's okay not to have it all figured out. You're sitting in traffic, questioning all your life choices, and then this song comes on. Suddenly, the gridlock isn't so bad, and your car isn't a metal box of despair but a moving sanctuary. Her voice is pure honey, but the message is solid gold: one step at a time, you'll get there. It's the musical equivalent of a therapist who lets you pay them in good vibes.
Every time Teni drops a song, I feel like my entire mood shifts three notches higher. If pure, unadulterated joy could be bottled, it would sound like Teni's "Money." This track is an instant mood booster, a sonic sugar rush that makes you hopeful. The hook is so unbelievably catchy that you'll be humming it in the shower, at work, and probably in your sleep. And the message? Simple and universal: who doesn’t want more money? Anyone who says "me" is either lying or secretly a trust-fund baby.
4. Ayra Starr – "Hot Body, All the Love (Album)"
Ayra Starr has officially entered her global superstar era, and we are all just living in it. "Hot Body" is the ultimate pump-up anthem, a swagger injection for your daily routine. You can't listen to this song without feeling a sudden, inexplicable urge to strike a pose. It's the perfect soundtrack for walking into a room and owning it, even if that room is just your kitchen. Her album, All the Love, is a masterpiece in versatility. She shifts from sultry R&B to fiery Afropop with an ease that’s frankly unfair. Listening to Ayra Starr in 2025 is like getting an exclusive sneak peek into the future of cool.
5. Yemi Alade – "My Padi"
Yemi Alade is the life of the party, a walking ray of sunshine who can turn any gathering into a festival. "My Padi" is her joyous tribute to friendship, the kind of song that makes you want to call up your bestie and tell them you appreciate them. It's an ode to the late-night kitchen dances, the shared plates of suya, and the bonds that make life worth living. Her voice radiates warmth and confidence, a reminder that true friends are a force of nature. This isn’t just a song; it's a promise: as long as we have our people, we’ll be alright.
6. Qing Madi – "I Am the Blueprint" (Album)
Qing Madi did not come to play with this title. I am the Blueprint is equal parts bold declaration and well-deserved flex. The album feels futuristic yet grounded, like she’s pulling from Afrobeats’ deep roots but blasting them into outer space. The beats are daring, the vocals confident, and the vibe? Revolutionary. She’s not just calling herself the blueprint; she’s showing us the receipts.
When Niniola says she’ll ginger you, she means it. This track is energy condensed into two minutes and fifteen seconds of pure Afro-house adrenaline. It’s the type of song that convinces you to go out even when you promised yourself a quiet night in. By the first chorus, you’re suddenly in heels you swore you’d retired, texting “where are we linking?” to people you don’t even like like that. That’s the Niniola effect.
Morravey brings a softness that cuts deeper than any loud anthem could. Ifineme is gentle but unshakable, like that quiet friend who never speaks until they drop one line so profound it stays with you for weeks. It’s vulnerable, melodic, and proof that subtlety can be just as powerful as boldness. If Afrobeats were a party, this would be the moment when the lights dim, and everyone suddenly feels a little more in their feelings.
First of all, the title alone is everything. Omo to Sexy is fun, flirty, and dripping with confidence. BLNDE might be new to some ears, but this track feels like a calling card. The kind of song that makes you check your reflection in every shiny surface while dancing. It’s not just music, it’s a mood enhancer. Honestly, if self-esteem had a soundtrack, this would be track one.
10. Darkoo – "Focus on Me (Sexy Girl Summer Vol. 1)"
Darkoo has perfected the art of turning confidence into sound. Focus on Me is magnetic, the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re walking in slow motion with wind machines following you around. Off her Sexy Girl Summer Vol. 1 project, it’s an anthem for every woman who’s ever thought, “Yes, it is all about me today.” And honestly? Sometimes it should be.
Moliy’s Shake It to the Max is proof that some songs are made purely for joy, and that’s okay. It’s playful, it’s cheeky, and it’s impossible to listen to without moving something on your shoulders, your head, or your entire soul. It’s basically bottled-up serotonin disguised as Afrobeats. If you need a pick-me-up, don’t bother with coffee; just hit play on this.
What this playlist proves is simple: Afrobeats in 2025 is not just thriving, it’s thriving because of women. They’re not just dropping singles; they’re shaping the genre, expanding its global reach, and adding dimensions that keep it fresh, unpredictable, and wildly exciting.
The beauty of it all is the range from introspective ballads to party anthems, cosmic experiments to grounded storytelling. Each of these women is carving out her own lane, and yet together, they’re creating a mosaic of sound that feels like the future.
So yes, add these songs to your rotation. Blast them in your car, your AirPods, your shower, and your next awkward family gathering. And when someone inevitably asks why you suddenly look more confident, more vibrant, more alive, just smile and say, “It’s the playlist.”
Because honestly? It is.
By
Fiyinfoluwa Ogunremi
Editor in chief
Reynolds mark
Project lead
Oliwia klimzcak