Afrobeats didn't just survive 2025, it outright conquered it, turning singles into global anthems and turning streaming numbers into small fortunes. From Wizkid's introspective vibes to Davido's chart-topping titles, BusinessDays' top most influential music albums for 2025 period projects were released both last year and this year, with a new era of globally established artists and talents releasing albums that were flexible and ridiculously reusable, leading Afrobeats into its next era.
We analyzed data from Spotify's top streams, turntable chart data, and critical acclaim across social media platforms. Here are our top 10, ranked by impact, hits and that undeniable spark. No sparklers, just fire.
- Lungu Boy – Asake
Asake's Yoruba-infused Street Sermon, released in 2024, lit up Spotify's Afrobeats export in 2025 as well. The album's lead single, 'MMS', featuring Wizkid, topped the charts on the first day of its release on multiple streaming platforms. The album, which was released under the imprint of his former label YBNL Nation & Empire, was number 1 on the Turntable Nigeria Top 100 for parts of January and February, and was in the top 10 for over 30 weeks in 2025. Critics liked the raw energy; It's turning Asake anticipation into songs that generate repeat demand.
2. Morayo – Wizkid
Wizkid's sixth studio album, released in 2024, a tribute to his late mother, charted in the top 10 of Turntable's Top 100 Albums for over 28 weeks. The album was the most streamed Nigerian album of 2025 on Apple Music and Spotify. Wizkid became the most streamed Nigerian artist of 2025 without releasing a single album or single that year.
Hit singles like 'Kese (Dance)' went viral for its Gbedu groove, making the Top 10 US Afrobeats. The song was the most played song on Nigerian radio in 2025 with over 1.87 billion impressions.
3. Work of Art – Asake
Asake's sophomore canvas has not only established itself as a classic, but is still competing for the top spot in 2025. The 2023 album charted in the top 10 of the Turntable Top 100 Albums, remaining there for over 27 weeks. It combined Fuji flair with global flare, charting 'Lonely at the Top' in Nigeria's top 10 in 2025. The single made history as the longest charting turntable single. Critics called it a street-pop evolution; Asake painted his ascent in vivid, life-filled strokes that still demand gallery space on playlists.
4. Shakur – TI Blaze
TI Blaze's eight-track introspection, Blended Street, released in November, gained a following among street pop fans in 2025 as it remained in the top ten list of the Turntable Top 100 Albums for 24 weeks. The deluxe edition, released in 2025, extended its reach, with 'Holy Fada' (featuring Bhadboi OML) and 'Beemer' dominating Shazam in Lagos for weeks. '1000 Thoughts' introspected into the top 10 UK Afrobeats, with over 20 million combined streams. Dapper Music Fresh Prince's underrated firepower – logical, lyrical and a reminder that sometimes the quietest drops echo the loudest in the streets.
5. Captain – BNXN
BNXN (FKA Buju) captained 3 million Spotify streams in the first day, debuted at number 3 on the most streamed Nigerian projects and earned a spot on Apple Music's Afrobeats Hits. Released in July 2025, this smooth, melody-drenched ride put the heart into gentle Afrobeats confessions, topping the turntable with more than 21 weeks in the top 10 of Turntable's Top 100 Albums. 'Very Soon' and 'Le Mi' both had over 57 million streams on Spotify. The weakness of the title track led critics to call it his most mature pivot from feature king to solo force.
6. Olamide – Olamide
Street-pop magician, Olamide dropped the 17-track Victory Lap, which peaked at number 1 on Apple Music Nigeria at the time of its release. The album has generated over 13.4 million streams combining Fuji, Amapiano and Dancehall. Singles like '99', 'Kai' featuring Wizkid, 'Billionaire Club' and 'Free' were the biggest hits from the album. Critics praised its harmonious brilliance; This is Olamide proving that he is still the blueprint for longevity.
7. No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy
The African giant returned with this genre-defying beast, collecting 70 million pre-release streams from four singles alone and breaking into the top 10 on the Turntable Top 100 Albums. The album earned praise for its flexible storytelling amid Burna Boy's unfavorable dance with critics. 'Bundle by Bundle' made waves during the pre-album release, while 'Update' charted in the top 5 on UK Afrobeats. 'Love' was the most streamed single from the album with over 40 million streams on Spotify.
8. 5ive – Davido
Davido's fifth studio drop was a streaming juggernaut, racking up 320 million Spotify plays and debuting nine tracks in the global top 30 Nigerian songs. It broke Nigeria's daily Spotify record of 9.3 million streams on the first day, and peaked at number 1 on the Turntable Top 100 Albums. Standouts such as 'With You', 'Awuke', 'Funds' and 'Offa Me' featuring Omah Lay entered New Zealand's Official Top 40 with over 90 million Spotify streams – the first African album to receive two entries simultaneously
9. The Machine Is Coming – Odumodublvck
Odumodublvck's drill-Afrobeats hybrid debuted at number 2 on Turntable, trending at the top on Apple Music NG within 48 hours and reaching 75 million Nigerian streams by the end of Q1. 'Pity This Boy' (featuring Victoni) peaked at number 1 on Apple and Spotify Nigeria and became the fifth most streamed Nigerian song of the year with over 31 million. 'JuJu' ft Smar Lee & Shalipopi was one of the most streamed songs from the album with 59 million Spotify streams. The Big Gun movement turned it into the underground rebellion of 2025.
10. Children of Africa (EP) – Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez's soulful street stories infused this EP with continental heat, reaching the Top 10 on UK Afrobeats and number 9 on the Official Charts with 2.24 million first day streams. “Mario Kart” remained in the news as a buzzworthy cut, while 'Shaolin' became popular among street pop fans as both received over 30 million Spotify streams in 2025. It echoed on Apple Music's Africa Now, and earned praise for the raw delivery. Brief but hurtful – Sei's consistency made this a mid-year essential.
Honorable mentions include Uncle K: Lemon Chase by Kizz Daniel, Industry Machine by Odumodublik, and Catharsis by Fola.
