The Nigerian music industry in 2025 was a powerhouse of creativity and cultural impact, delivering a series of anthems that captured the nation's spirit. From chart-topping collaborations to viral street anthems, the year's music told stories of ambition, resilience, and pure entertainment. Pulse Nigeria's Music Desk has meticulously compiled the definitive list of the ten songs that stood above the rest, based on strict criteria including song quality, commercial success, and cultural impact within the eligibility window of December 1, 2024, to December 1, 2025.
The Criteria for a Hit Song
Selecting the year's top tracks required a balanced approach. The Pulse Music Desk evaluated each song on its intrinsic artistic merit, considering composition, production quality, and thematic coherence. Beyond the music itself, the team weighed the commercial performance and the song's resonance with its core audience and the wider market. A key indicator was the track's shelf life—its ability to remain relevant and in rotation long after its initial release.
The Top 10 Songs That Ruled 2025
1. With You – Davido featuring Omah Lay
An unexpected collaboration between two giants, 'With You' became the undeniable song of the year. Released in June 2025 and produced by Tempoe, it masterfully blended Davido's high-energy style with Omah Lay's melancholic depth. The track was a massive commercial success and earned a prestigious nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 68th Grammy Awards in February 2026.
2. Joy Is Coming - Fido
Fido's breakout year was defined by this anthem of hope. Produced by Boi Choke and released in January 2025, 'Joy Is Coming' captured the nation's mood, serving as both a prayer and a party starter. Its profound impact was confirmed when it finished as Nigeria's number one song of 2025 on the TurnTable Charts.
3. Laho – Shallipopi
Shallipopi silenced critics with 'Laho', a gritty, street-certified hit produced by Progrex (Fayaman). Released in March, its menacing log-drum rhythms and braggadocious theme cemented his status. The song's video ended the year as one of the top three most-streamed Nigerian music videos on YouTube.
4. Hey Jago – Poco Lee featuring Shoday & Rahman Jago
Produced by Producer X and released in March, 'Hey Jago' was a cultural reset. This chaotic, energetic track turned clubs into scenes of controlled madness, with Rahman Jago's ad-libs becoming national catchphrases.
5. My Darling – Chella
Chella's 'My Darling', produced by Gstickz and released in April, evolved from a TikTok snippet to a wedding staple. Its modern Highlife sound earned it a unique distinction as the only Nigerian song on TikTok's global year-end chart for 2025.
6. Arike – Kunmie
In a year of high tempo, Kunmie's haunting ballad 'Arike', produced by The Kazez and released in February, stood out. Its emotional depth and vocal texture made it a late-night favorite and one of the most-streamed Nigerian songs of the year.
7. Escaladizzy – Mavo featuring Wave$tar
Mavo's breakout hit, produced by 2Frosh & Producer X, fused street lingo with Amapiano. 'Escaladizzy' was so impactful it later received a heavyweight remix featuring Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, and Zlatan.
8. No Turning Back – Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor
This Afro-gospel crossover, produced by Rotimikeys and released in May, became a phenomenon. 'No Turning Back' was the most Googled song of 2025 in Nigeria and the most-watched Nigerian music video on YouTube for the year.
9. Fun – Rema
Rema continued to defy convention with 'Fun', a hypnotic and structurally unconventional track produced by London and AoD. Released in June, it demanded and received total surrender from listeners and club-goers alike.
10. Ewo – Famous Pluto featuring Shallipopi & ZerryDL
Produced by Torye and King Ice and released in August, 'Ewo' took the distinctive 'Benin Boys' sound global. Rooted in Edo culture with its marching-band percussion, it became the definitive street anthem of the year's second half.
Honorary Mentions
Several other tracks left an indelible mark on 2025. Adekunle Gold's Fuji fusion 'Many People' ruled wedding parties. Odumodublvck had the year's biggest rap song with 'If You Like Gym'. FOLA and Bella Shmurda's 'Who Does That' became the number one most-streamed song on Audiomack. CKay and Mavo's 'Body' gave us a viral catchphrase, and Ayra Starr's 'Hot Body' became a bold anthem of self-embodiment.
Together, these songs paint a vibrant picture of a dynamic music industry, reflecting the diverse sounds and stories of Nigeria in 2025.
