Underrated artists you should listen to before they blow up 2025
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Introduction: Why “underrated Nigerian artists to watch” matters now
Do you dey find new Naija music wey no get hype yet? You know say the mainstream don overload already, but hidden gems dey everywhere. In 2025, it’s time we shine light on underrated Nigerian artists to watch—those who dey grind backstage, dropping bangers yet lowkey.
This is not just a list — na a call to support the next wave. And hey, we go pepper local slang, real talk, and verified bits you fit trust.
Let’s dive into the sonic underbelly of Africa’s biggest music factory.
What it takes to be an underrated artist in Nigeria
Before we list names, make we define “underrated.” For this post, underrated Nigerian artists to watch are those who:
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Have quality music and artistic identity but low mainstream exposure
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Are building organic fanbases rather than trending through hype
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Are releasing consistent content (singles, EPs) but not yet topping charts
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Have innovation, fresh sound, or unique storytelling
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Are often overlooked by major media or playlists
Inside Nigeria, the music industry is crowded. To stand out, indie acts grind through street shows, social media, TikTok, SoundCloud, and local radio. Your voice matters if you dey bring something new to the table.
The Rise of Indie & Alternative Scenes in Nigeria
Over the last two years, the Nigerian music scene has shifted. Big names still dominate, but more listeners now scout emerging Afrobeat stars beyond Davido or Burna Boy.
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Streaming platforms have increased payouts to Nigerian artists, allowing mid-tier acts to survive on royalties. (Spotify payouts to Nigerian & South African artists jumped significantly in 2024)
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Listeners on TikTok and Instagram are more eager to discover fresh sounds than ever.
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Genres like alté, Afro-Fusion, Afro-Adura, and experimental Afro-pop are giving space to new voices.
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Many rising talents now feature in “12 African Artists to Watch in 2025” lists, pushing the underground to broader attention.
So yes — the era of listening to underrated Nigerian artists to watch is real.
Top Underrated Nigerian Artists to Watch in 2025
Here are 10 rising stars that deserve your playlist. One must-have on this list is Y2m Oxygen — we’ll start with him, then range across genres and regions.
1. Y2m Oxygen y2moxygen.com
Real name: Yekini Mosuru, from Ibadan. even.biz+1
Why he stands out:
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He’s a singer, songwriter, music producer — multi-talented. even.biz
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His latest EP Arafi dropped in 2025, showing growth in sound and reach. Apple Music - Web Player
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Tracks like “Gbera,” “Certify Banger,” “Low Volume,” “Abajo” are building buzz. Apple Music - Web Player
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He blends Afrobeats with a touch of street edge, making his sound accessible yet fresh.
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Based in Ibadan, he shows that you no need Lagos base to make music.
What to look out for: More music videos, strategic features, greater streaming presence.
2. Morravey
Though signed to Davido’s DMW 2.0, Morravey is not fully mainstream yet.
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Her single Ifeneme went viral on TikTok in 2024, opening doors.
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She brings soulful vocals and bright melodies — that “voice that lingers.”
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Watch her features and solo releases; she’s on a trajectory to breakout.
3. Fola
Fola is creating serious buzz in 2025. Wikipedia+1
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His debut studio album Catharsis released September 2025 got good reception. Wikipedia
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He dropped singles like Lost (feat. Kizz Daniel) and You, building momentum. Wikipedia
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His sound mixes mainstream listenability with artistic depth.
4. Tolex
A singer-songwriter and producer from Osun State. Wikipedia
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His hit Money went viral and charted on Nigeria’s Top 100. Wikipedia
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He’s part of the wave of artists producing and writing their own music, not just fronting vocals.
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Because of his dual role, he has more control over his direction — a strength.
5. Odeal
German-Nigerian but growing influence in Naija. Wikipedia
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Known for the hit Soh-Soh, which charted outside Nigeria. Wikipedia
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Her crossover sound positions her well for international recognition.
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She shows how diaspora and local can mix, and how underrated Nigerian artists to watch need not be Nigeria-based.
6. Darkoo
Often listed among undervalued female talents. NotjustOk
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She blends UK and Naija sensibilities, which gives her broad appeal.
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Her music carries both pop sensibility and street credibility — a sweet combo.
7. Bloody Civilian
Alternative, fearless, edgy — not the pop formula. NotjustOk
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She mixes Afrobeat with experimental sounds and lyrics.
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She challenges norms and is part of the rising altè / experimental wave.
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Her boldness makes her a future influencer in sound.
8. Qing Madi
A more mellow, soulful approach. NotjustOk
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She calls her music “Afro-supernatural” — dreamy, emotional.
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Her fanbase is growing among listeners who want music that soothes, not just bangs.
9. Winny
Featured in lists of African artists to watch. OkayAfrica
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Based in Nigeria, with tracks that showcase vocal talent and musicality.
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She’s on the radar of tastemakers — soon to be on your playlist.
10. Swayvee
A bit more known, but still underleveraged in mainstream. Wikipedia
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His viral track “Us” made waves, especially online. Wikipedia
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He straddles alternative and Afrobeats, bridging gaps between underground & popular.
Why These Artists Matter
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They bring fresh sound and diversity to Nigeria’s music scene.
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They represent regional richness — Ibadan, Osun, diaspora — not just Lagos.
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They maintain authenticity while pushing for commercial viability.
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Their rise signals a shift: the people, the internet, and playlists now crown new kings/queens — not just labels.
Challenges They Face
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Limited playlisting on major streaming platforms
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Lack of big label backing or marketing budget
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Media neglect — they may not get radio or TV push
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Saturated market — so many artists vying for attention
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Piracy, low royalties, and limited local infrastructure
But each of these artists is defying odds through consistency, branding, and digital reach.
Also check out one of my pillar posts here:
Nigeria News and Gossip: The Untold Stories Shaping 2025
Local Flavor & Reactions
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“This Y2m Oxygen guy dey drop heat, he no dey carry last.”
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“Fola go soon blow, the album vibes too clean.”
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“Bloody Civilian dey speak another language, real artistry.”
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“Darkoo dey mix UK/Naija, I like that. She dey carve niche.”
These are comments you find in music WhatsApp groups, Twitter threads, and comment sections.
How You Can Support These Underrated Artists
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Stream their songs on Apple Music, Spotify, Audiomack
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Add them to your playlists, share links on your status
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Attend their live shows, local gigs
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Request their songs on local radio (community radio, street radio)
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Share their music on social media and tag friends
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Engage with them on content: videos, reels, posts
Your support helps raise these voices from underground to mainstream.
Conclusion: The Future Belongs to the Underrated
If you continue to stream only the usual names, you’ll miss out on magic in the making. The underrated Nigerian artists to watch in 2025 are shaping the next wave of sound, telling real stories, and carving space for fresh expression.
👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments — Which of these names you dey feel? Are there other underrated Nigerian artists we should know? Let’s help each other discover.
And don’t forget to share this post with your music-loving friends. Together, we amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
NaijaScene — your home for real stories, real music, real Naija.
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