From Lagos to London, Benin to Brooklyn, Afrobeats is no longer a wave—it’s the ocean.
The first half of 2025 has made it clear: the genre isn’t rising, it’s ruling. Spearheading this sonic takeover are Rema, Davido, and Shallipopi, whose chart-smashing hits aren’t just topping playlists—they’re shaping global culture.
Top 3 Global Anthems That Defined H1 2025
1. “With You” – Davido feat. Omah Lay
A standout off Davido’s acclaimed 5ive album, this soulful duet blends Highlife nostalgia with modern Afrobeats charm. Dropping on April 18, “With You” exploded across digital platforms—hitting No. 1 on Spotify Nigeria and TurnTable Top 100, while TikTok lit up with over 66 million clips. Emotional yet catchy, it quickly earned its badge as 2025’s “breakup anthem of the year.”
2. “Laho” – Shallipopi
Born on the streets of Benin City, “Laho” is raw, bouncy, and unmistakably local—but its global appeal is undeniable. After an early label dispute temporarily pulled it offline, the March 13 release came roaring back with a remix featuring Burna Boy and an unstoppable TikTok presence. The track stormed the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats chart, proving once again that Plutomania is no fluke.
3. “Baby (Is It a Crime)” – Rema
Rema’s February 7 single is a masterclass in reinvention. Sampling Sade’s iconic Is It a Crime, he injects jazzy introspection into his Afrobeats DNA. Critics hailed the song as bold and genre-blending, and fans responded with 18 million Spotify streams and near-universal acclaim. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement.
Other Movers and Shakers on the 2025 Mid-Year Charts
According to Pulse Nigeria and other industry trackers, several other tracks are making seismic noise:
4 “My Darling” – Chella
With Diamond Platnumz and Not3s on the remix, this song is a multilingual, cross-border club anthem.
5 “Pity This Boy” – Odumodublvck feat. Victony
A storytelling powerhouse that captures vulnerability and strength, wrapped in melodic urgency.
6 “Na Scra” – Famous Pluto
Another Benin City firestarter. Local slang, street vibes, global bounce.
7 “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez
Gritty, spiritual, and rowdy—Seyi continues his reign as a voice of the people with a sound for the parties.
Other fast-rising records include gospel-inspired hits like Lawrence Oyor’s “Favour” and Gaise Baba’s “No Turning Back II,” as well as Kizz Daniel’s meditative “Al Jannah.”.
Why These Songs Hit Different
Rema’s “Baby” blends Afro-soul, jazz, and legacy samples to create something haunting and new.
Davido & Omah Lay tapped into emotional storytelling and mass appeal in a single stroke.
Shallipopi’s “Laho” proves that hyperlocal stories can move global listeners—especially when spiced with charisma and controversy.
And beyond the big three, this era’s hits aren’t afraid to mix spirituality, humor, street wisdom, and romance—stretching the boundaries of Afrobeats into new emotional and sonic territories.
Mid-Year Power Rankings: Who’s Topping & Why
| Rank | Song | Artist(s) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | With You | Davido feat. Omah Lay | Intimate lyrics, viral explosion |
| 2 | Laho | Shallipopi | Street anthem turned global hit |
| 3 | Baby (Is It a Crime) | Rema | Jazzy evolution, critical darling |
| 4 | My Darling | Chella | Pan-African sound, cross-genre |
| 5 | Pity This Boy | Odumodublvck x Victony | Emotional, melodic, real |
