Social media platform TikTok has released its 2025 Nigerian Songs of the Summer list — and for the first time in years, Wizkid and Burna Boy are nowhere to be found.
The list, which reflects the platform’s most popular and trend-defining songs of the season, reveals a clear shift toward emerging artists, genre fusion, and the viral power of short-form content.
Topping the chart is “Wasiu Ayinde” by BhadBoi OML, a Fuji-inspired anthem that has dominated feeds across TikTok. The song, blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern Afrobeats flair, became the soundtrack to thousands of challenges and dance videos.
According to TikTok’s regional music representative, the track’s success shows how Nigeria’s sonic identity is evolving — “a reflection of cultural roots meeting Gen Z creativity.”
Following closely are:
No. 2: Ngishutheni — Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh (an Amapiano-driven groove with South African flair).
No. 3: Gaddem — Rybeena & Shoday, whose catchy hook has earned cult status among young Nigerians.
No. 4: With You — Davido ft. Omah Lay, the only appearance from an Afrobeats heavyweight.
No. 5: 99 — Olamide ft. Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn & Daecolm, an energetic collaboration blending street-hop and soft melody.
The absence of perennial giants Wizkid and Burna Boy from the lineup underscores a changing creative landscape where virality outweighs celebrity. TikTok’s metrics now favour relatability, creativity, and shareability over established fame.
Music analysts note three key takeaways, which are:
Superstar Disruption: The era of automatic chart dominance for A-list artists is waning as digital platforms empower new talents.
Genre Revolution: Listeners are gravitating toward hybrid genres — Fuji-pop, Amapiano-Afrobeats, and street-hop crossovers.
Platform Power: TikTok’s influence as a cultural tastemaker is now rivaling traditional radio and streaming platforms.
For emerging artists, this shift opens new doors — proving that a viral sound can catapult a song beyond national borders. For fans, it means a more diverse sonic palette. For the industry, it’s a wake-up call: storytelling, innovation, and authenticity are the new metrics for success.
TikTok’s 2025 Songs of the Summer may have sidelined some of Afrobeats’ biggest names, but it also marks a defining moment — one where Nigeria’s next generation of hitmakers is stepping boldly into the global spotlight.
