Many aspects of 2025 have been chaotic, particularly for Nigerians residing in Nigeria. But the music is the one thing that isn’t changing. Nigerian musicians are releasing music that touches on all emotions, from intense reflection and personal growth to turn-up energy, so it’s safe to say that the country’s music fans have been well-fed halfway through the year.
As we prepare for a busy six months ahead, African Folder spotlights the greatest Nigerian albums 2025 has to offer, from genre-bending masterpiece Paradise Now by Obonjayar to heavyweight releases like Davido’s 5ive and Olamide’s recently released eponymous album.
Davido – 5ive
On his latest album, 5ive, Davido doubles down on the tested and approved formula that propelled him to the top of the Afrobeats food chain: speaker-rattling, party-starting, radio-friendly hit records designed to reverberate across cars and nightclubs. Fourteen years since his underrated debut album, OBO: The Genesis, was released, Davido’s voice still resonates with the passion of someone obsessed with making a point. Records like Anything and Be There Still throb with chest-out resilience, while Titanium with Chris Brown continues the duo’s terrific run of features, and Offa Me and Tek drip with sensuality as Victoria Monet and Becky G prove themselves to be competent dance partners. While Davido sacrifices deep cuts in favour of bangers, he delivers hit after hit with no apologies for familiarity.
Odumodublvck – The Machine Is Coming
While this mixtape was intended to be a warm-up, Odumodublvck delivers a full-fledged onslaught. The Machine Is Coming arrives with the purpose and intent of an album. Over 16 tracks, he continues to push hip-hop to the forefront of Nigeria’s music culture. Odumodu is unmistakably loud, brash, and unrelenting. He rides drill, Amapiano, and Afropop like a carefree warrior, all while keeping his sound pure rap. This music is intended to provoke, entertain, and dominate. It’s a self-immolating mixtape from an artist who is certain of his fate. The machine is not simply arriving. It’s already here!
Joeboy – Viva La Vida
Joeboy’s Viva La Vida embodies a gentle rebellion as the pop star chooses melody and introspection over trends. Joeboy moves through stories of sadness, yearning, and sweet celebration, with Tempoe serving as the album’s sonic guide. Innocent is a confession; Street Are Lonely and Magdalene combine highlife and heartbreak, while Adenuga and Abena move into chest-out ecstasy without losing their cool. There are no well-known crutches here. There are no frenzied party starters. Just a pop star looking inward, pushing sonic borders with Indian strings, jazz flourishes, and folk percussion—all while sounding like himself.
Falz – The Feast
Falz does more than just serve bars on this album; he prepares the entire table. The Feast is a 12-track buffet where the rapper continues to demonstrate his elastic talent by rapping with ease and skill throughout the album. Old Soja channels Fela’s rage, while Wayo lashes out against corrupt elites with righteous fury. Falz also grooves on tracks like Dance With You and No Less. Jazz and Indian influences find a place at his table. This is not a protest or party CD; it is both and more. Falz, who is fluent in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, combines language, style, and message to create something that any listener would like. Falz is still eager and capable of providing quality across multiple sonic landscapes.
Obongjayar – Paradise Now
Obongjayar’s voice on Paradise Now conveys anguish, paranoia, and defiance. The album’s strongest moments are the apocalyptic blues of Sweet Danger, the disco-punk Not in Surrender, and the disgusting Talk Olympics, which are loaded with urgency and fire. Even when he’s tender on albums like Moon Eyes and Prayer, a shadow looms. Obongjayar dances on the brink of the fire, daring the entire thing to burn.
Ruger – BlownBoy Ru
Ruger enters a new chapter with BlownBoy Ru, coming off a label exit and a string of singles, keen to prove he can do it alone, which he does. Ruger effortlessly swings between dancehall, R&B, Afrobeats, drill, and galala, showcasing his versatility with each song. The R&B moments are highlighted by records like Toro, Wish You Well, and 99, which display Ruger’s best work. Ruger’s hitmaking instincts are evident on this record.
Qing Madi – I Am The Blueprint
Qing Madi’s brilliance is apparent. Her voice, writing, and confidence are evident on every track on I Am The Blueprint. The 18-year-old sounds like she knows exactly what she wants to be, leaning towards mid-tempo R&B and creating romantic stories from her vivid imagination. Her songs are lovely, and her voice soars, even though the production is far from perfect. A lack of vitality and a boring tempo undermine the album’s effect, although her best efforts, such as Ali Bomaye, Akanchanwa, and Garden, shine on their own. Still, we’re seeing a generational talent.
Magixx – I Dream In Color
Magixx’s debut album, I Dream In Colour, is filled with evocative melodies, heartfelt lyricism, and aural coherence, showcasing his artistry and personality. His talent is obvious, and the thematic thread of self-belief and vulnerability is admirable. The 13-track album shines, with peaks such as With You, Okay, and Vision gleaming with soul. A good album without a doubt.
Olamide – Olamidé
Olamide’s eleventh studio album thrives on the strength of its ambience, which is designed to imitate the vibe of a sophisticated bar or jazz lounge. Olamidé is calm, laid-back, and meticulously managed. The project succeeds when the soundscape complements his vision, as in the bluesy Free with Muyeez and Seyi Vibez or the luxurious Kai with Wizkid. Nonetheless, the album lags at times, lacking a dramatic midpoint or breakout anthem. Despite not being his most spectacular album, Olamidé is the offering of a seasoned artist whose music is optimised for comfort.
Mayorkun – Still The Mayor
Mayorkun’s third album is a bold statement of his position. Still The Mayor relies on his abilities to create punchy hooks, clever wordplay, and smart pop sensibilities to deliver a project brimming with stylish collaborations and infectious songs. Standout moments are Innocent, 3:45, Blessings on Blessings, and Would You?, which remind us why he is still the mayor. While many expected Mayorkun to reinvent the wheel, his timing, charm, and sense of melody demonstrate that he does not need to. This is a seasoned hitmaker telling the audience that he never left.
