Here’s a look at the top 10 moments that shaped the Nigerian music industry in the second quarter of 2025, from historic concerts to major album releases and landmark award wins.
The Nigerian music scene has kept its incredible momentum into 2025, with Afrobeats and its stars achieving new global milestones while setting fresh records at home. Between April and June, the industry saw everything from chart-topping album drops to historic concerts, international award wins, and landmark victories in artistic ownership.
Here’s a detailed look at the top ten moments that made Q2 2025 one of the most eventful quarters in Nigerian music history.
1. Davido’s 5ive album release (April 18, 2025)
The second quarter opened with Davido delivering one of the year’s most anticipated albums in the Nigerian music industry. 5ive, his fifth studio project, dropped on April 18 through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. It wasn’t just another release, the album was a carefully curated blend of Afropop and global influences, recorded across Lagos, London, and Los Angeles.
Featuring collaborations with Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, Becky G, Omah Lay, Odumodublvck, and Chike, 5ive quickly topped the Nigerian Albums (TurnTable) chart, landed at No. 7 on the UK Albums chart, and climbed to No. 2 on the US Billboard World Albums chart. The album’s inclusion of samples from Brenda Fassie and Highlife legend Bright Chimezie further reflected a growing trend of fusing nostalgic African sounds into contemporary hits, bridging old and new generations.
2. The 17th Headies Awards (April 27, 2025)
Congratulations to @heisrema on winning the awards for Afrobeats Album of the Year & Album of the Year at the 2025 Headies Awards. 🦇 pic.twitter.com/9AQuzcQOjn
— MAVIN (@MavinRecords) April 28, 2025
A week later, The Headies returned to Lagos for its 17th edition, hosted by Nollywood actress, Nancy Isime at the Landmark Events Centre. The show offered a snapshot of Nigeria’s dynamic music scene, rewarding both established names and new voices.
Rema’s HEIS clinched Album of the Year, Asake’s Lonely at the Top earned Song of the Year, and Tems’ Burning was awarded Best Recording. Chike’s Egwu, featuring the late Mohbad, won both the Viewers’ Choice and Best Music Video categories, while Mercy Chinwo claimed Best Inspirational Single for You Do This One. The awards reflected the scene’s growing diversity, with Afrobeats, gospel, R&B, and street-hop artists all getting their due recognition.
3. Rema’s Madison Square Garden concert (May 2, 2025)
Rema performing “BOUT U” at his concert in Madison Square Garden, New York! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2HPkf8TdNt
— REMA NEWS (@heisremanewss) May 3, 2025
On May 2, Rema made history in the Nigerian music industry by headlining a sold-out concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden as part of his Heis World Tour. Originally scheduled for May 3, the show was moved forward to avoid a Knicks playoff game but still drew an enormous crowd.
This performance marked a pivotal point for Afrobeats, showing how Nigerian artists now command some of the world’s biggest stages independently. It also raised the bar for African performers aiming for global live music circuits, proving Afrobeats is no longer a niche export but a full-blown international movement.
4. Nasboi’s 36-state road tour quest (June 4, 2025)
Meanwhile, on June 4, comedian-turned-musician Nasboi embarked on one of the boldest career moves of the year: a 36-state road trip across Nigeria aimed at getting Davido’s attention for a collaboration.
Midway into his quest, Nasboi survived a car accident when his vehicle collided with a trailer. Unfazed, he went live on social media, confirming his safety and vowing to continue. Having knelt in seven states as a symbolic gesture, his tour showed the lengths artists are willing to go for their big break, while underlining social media’s power in amplifying such personal industry moments.
5. Kizz Daniel reclaims New Era masters (June 10, 2025)
From long nights in the studio to several mediations 👨🏿⚖️ FINALLY , I NOW OWN EVERY SONG ON THE “New Era album” 2016 + YEBA & SOFA (singles) —
I GOT MY MASTERS BACK🙏🏾
This means more than words can explain. Thank you for riding with me. #NewEra #MyCatalog #Grateful…
— VADO D’GREAT 🥷 (@KizzDaniel) June 9, 2025
On June 10, Kizz Daniel secured one of the most significant victories of his career by regaining ownership of his 2016 debut album New Era, along with his early hit singles Yeba and Sofa.
The move came after years of legal battles with his former label, G-Worldwide, and symbolized a hard-fought win for artistic independence in the Nigerian industry. Kizz Daniel expressed his excitement on X, calling it a moment that meant more than words could describe. Beyond personal achievement, it set a crucial example for other artists navigating ownership issues and seeking to protect their creative legacies.
6. Ayra Starr’s BET win (June 11, 2025)
Just a day later, Ayra Starr added a major international trophy to her shelf by winning Best International Act at the 25th BET Awards in Los Angeles. She edged out Rema and South African star Tyla to claim the honor.
This made her one of the few Nigerian female artists to achieve the feat, joining Tems and Burna Boy among past winners. The win also cemented 2025 as a breakthrough year for Ayra Starr, following her earlier win at The Headies for Best R&B Single with Last Heartbreak Song, featuring Giveon Evans.
7. Bright Chimezie’s Sony Publishing deal (Mid-June 2025)
🚨Sony Music Publishing has announced a significant deal with Nigerian highlife legend Bright Chimezie. pic.twitter.com/rT8oLBETAw
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) June 12, 2025
In a heartwarming bridge between generations, veteran Highlife singer Bright Chimezie signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa in mid-June. The deal followed Davido’s public acknowledgment that Chimezie’s 1983 classic Because of English inspired his song With You, featuring Omah Lay, on 5ive.
The renewed attention saw Because of English go viral on Spotify decades after its release. This event illustrated how contemporary artists are increasingly sampling nostalgic African classics, giving older works fresh commercial life while preserving cultural heritage.
8. Fela Kuti’s Grammy Hall of Fame induction (June 18, 2025)
Our father’s legacy lives on 🙏🏾💫 We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world 🌎#Grammy pic.twitter.com/5mq9rNhq0V
— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) June 11, 2025
On June 18, the Recording Academy inducted Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s 1976 album Zombie into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a first for any Nigerian artist. Fela’s son, Femi Kuti, accepted the award on behalf of the family.
The recognition wasn’t just about music; it was a validation of Afrobeat’s historic role in political activism, cultural commentary, and global influence. Almost 50 years after its release, Zombie continues to inspire artists worldwide, from Burna Boy to Beyoncé.
9. Olamide’s self-titled album (June 19, 2025)
The official track list is out now, Big thanks to everyone involved in this project. #Olamide ; out 19th of June.
What’s your most anticipated track? 👀 pic.twitter.com/7sNfMoHV08
— YBNL NATION ENT. (@ybnl2012) June 16, 2025
Olamide reaffirmed his veteran status on June 19 with the release of his self-titled album Olamidé. The 17-track project dominated both Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria, claiming all ten top spots on both platforms at once, an unprecedented feat in 2025.
The album featured a star-studded lineup including Wizkid, Dr. Dre, Seyi Vibez, and Asake, blending street-hop, introspection, and international sounds. More than a comeback, the project proved Olamide’s ability to evolve with the times and maintain cultural relevance.
10. Wizkid headlines Hollywood Bowl (June 22, 2025)
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 NEWS:Wizkid will be live at the Hollywood Bowl 2025 🇺🇸 📍
Confirmed by Wizkid: VIA IG🇳🇬🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/F574uqyL01
— VILLIAN 👮♂️ 🚓 (@ColdVillan) June 12, 2025
Rounding out the quarter, Wizkid headlined the prestigious KCRW Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 22. Performing alongside the Color of Noize Orchestra, Wizkid delivered an impressive set that fused Afrobeats with orchestral arrangements.
The show reinforced Afrobeats’ crossover potential and its growing demand on international live circuits, placing Wizkid alongside the likes of Burna Boy, Rema, and Davido in carrying the genre to new global audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, between April and June 2025, Nigerian music delivered one of its most eventful quarters in years. From Davido’s globally charting album to Rema’s historic MSG concert, Kizz Daniel’s landmark rights victory, and Fela Kuti’s posthumous Grammy honor, these moments in Nigerian music showcased an industry expanding its global presence while respecting its roots.
With artists blending past and present, reclaiming ownership, and commanding world stages, Q2 2025 confirmed what we’ve always known: Afrobeats is not a trend, it’s a movement with staying power.
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