Upcoming used to mean bad music you listen to only to support the artiste. However, that narrative has changed in recent times.
There are some artists that has helped that narrative change, because of the amazing music they have put out.
The public have accepted and made challenges of these sounds on social media.
- Shoday (Real Name: Shodade Segun Solomon)
Shoday has become one of the most magnetic new voices in Afrobeats.
Born in Ogun State and raised in Lagos, Shoday is a graduate of Building Technology from YABATECH, and began as a content creator before fully switching lanes to music.
Signed to Yung Music Empire, he’s the genius behind tracks like Caution, Maradona, and Girls Hostel.
His debut EP Brkfst includes the popular singles You and Billion Boy, positioning him as more than just a viral act. Shoday’s sound blends soulful music with soft-street pop and his presence online and in clubs is anything but “upcoming”.
- Rybeena (Real Name: Adewale Atanda)
Rybeena, born in Lagos on September 11, 1999, is rapidly becoming a staple of modern Nigerian street-pop.
He studied Computer Science at the Polytechnic Ibadan but it was music that truly unlocked his genius.
He burst into the spotlight with the catchy hit IDME, followed by Ayomide featuring Diamond Jimma. In 2024, his career took a huge leap with the Olamide-assisted Wise 2.0 and the introspective Agba Singing.
Rybeena’s smooth delivery and relatable lyrics have made him a fan favorite among Gen Z listeners, with his music often used as TikTok and Instagram reels sounds and challenges
- Ayo Maff (Real Name: Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele)
At just 20 years old, Ayo Maff is already shaping himself into the voice of the streets. Born in Bariga, Lagos, he released his debut track Jama Jama in 2023.
But it was the Fireboy DML-assisted Dealer that truly catapulted him into nationwide attention. He followed up with Are You There, and in 2024, dropped his debut EP Maffian.
In 2025, he released Prince of the Street, a title that reflects not just his confidence but his growing influence.
Ayo Maff is a star-in-the-making who already commands big stages.
- Qing Madi (Real Name: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma)
Qing Madi is the queen of viral finesse. Born in Benin City, Edo State, she came into the limelight with See Finish, a moody Afrobeats-R&B fusion that blew up on TikTok in 2022.
She solidified her status in 2023 with Ole featuring Bnxn, which charted on Apple Music Nigeria and Uganda.
Her ability to blend alternative pop, soul, and Afrobeats into one cohesive sound makes her a genre-bender to watch.
With a growing fan base and powerful visuals, Qing Madi is redefining what female artistry looks like in a male-dominated industry.
- Zerry DL (Real Name Not Publicly Known)
Zerry DL is known as Shallipopi’s brother, but he’s quickly carving out his own legacy.
Signed to the buzzing Plutomania label, he’s gained notoriety for delivering hits like Puff & Pass and Kiss n Tell.
His streetwise charisma and melodic hooks have helped him amass over 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Zerry DL’s sonic identity is rooted in highlife fusion and vibrant Afrobeats bounce, making him a party starter in every playlist.
His music transcends trends and feels lived-in, which is why fans argue he already sounds like a veteran.
- Morravey (Real Name Not Publicly Known)
Morravey’s haunting vocals and emotional delivery make her a standout in Davido’s DMW camp.
She went viral with the song ‘Ifineme’, and followed up with MAGICIAN featuring Davido.
Her music often charts on Shazam and Apple Music, thanks to strong fan engagement on TikTok.
Morravey is one of those rare artists whose voice alone tells a story.
She’s a fast-rising star who sounds like she’s been around for much longer.
- Fola (Real Name Not Publicly Known)
Signed to Bella Shmurda’s Dangbana Republik, Fola is a powerful new voice who broke out with the introspective track Alone, later remixed with Buju Bnxn.
Together, both versions have racked up over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.
Fola’s music bridges street-pop and soul, painting gritty yet hopeful pictures of love and hustle.
His tone is laid-back but commanding, and his music deeply resonates with both mainland and international fans.
Conclusion
While there are lots of artists that belong on this list, Shoday, Rybeena,Fola and others are topping the charts. Not just on music apps, they thrive on their fans’ love.
