Born Emmanuel Azubike Udeogu, in Delta State, the artist and producer was raised in Ajegunle, the popular Lagos slum that has produced some of Nigeria’s most famous entertainers and footballers.
As a child, Maloney started a group called Soul Sensation with his Daniel popularly called Dinero with rapper Gabriel aka Big Dela joining them later on.
Their debut project “High Tension” was released in 2007, albeit with little commercial success, mainly due to their limited funding.
The group disbanded shortly after with each of them pursuing their solo career.
Maloney is now signed to Lagos label Culture Stock, under which his debut project was released.
On the Afrobeats and Afro fusion-inspired track, the California-based singer celebrates the beauty of heaven, sharing his hope for a reunion with God and Jesus.
“No matter how much God blesses us on earth, we will not leave this world with any wealth acquired,” he explains. “One day God will come and take us home. This world is not our home.“
About Maduka Donas
Born in Nigeria, Maduka’s musical journey began in his early years, with a profound passion for Gospel music driving his life. A transformative moment in Brazil deepened his faith, sparking a connection with Jesus Christ that led to the emergence of unique melodies within him.
He aims to use his music and words to inspire others to move from mediocrity to excellence, helping them discover their God-given talents. With unwavering commitment, he weaves his creativity into the Afrobeat /Afrofussion Gospel Music tapestry, embracing a path blessed with musical devotion.
The track, “Kindness” which is his first single of the year, combines his signature groovy African rhythms memorable vocals.
A lot has changed in the Afrobeats scene since 2004 when “You May Kiss the Bride” ruled the airwaves and Bollie, who is set to release an album later this year is determined to prove that he’s been improving his craft.
“I have learned a lot musically and lyrically over the years and I believe it’s time to exhibit my growth to the world through my music and fresh sound which is a blend of my afro root vibes with dancehall and reggae music influence.”
According to the singer who emerged onto the music scene with his unique blend of Afrobeats and alternative sounds, “Kpe Kpe” is a track which “inspires resilience against negativity while embracing untapped good vibes.”
With a distinctive musical style is marked by infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and lyrics that strike a chord with listeners, Jayslite is passionate about promoting his deep connection to his rich cultural heritage of his Nigerian roots, infusing this into his music to create a sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
Released just in time for both Valentine’s Day and Women’s Month, the track combines sweet melodies, hypnotic percussions and Twicy’s soulful vocals to create an electrifying energy that is perfect for the dance floor.
A multiple award-winning artist, Twicy is popular for making music that transcends borders and contributing to the world domination of the Afrobeats genre.
Born Clinton Fancis Nwankwo in Rivers State, Nigeria, Frezzo’s lyrics focus on themes of love, passion, and raw emotion.
On “No Matter” the artist weaves tales of life, love, and resilience through his signature infectious beats and soul-stirring melodies.
The track is the first single of the year for the versatile singer, songwriter, producer and record label boss who has been working in the music industry for over two decades.
The Afrobeats Power Rankings for February 2025 by NotJustOk are here, and they’re telling an exciting story about a genre that’s always on the move. Based on a mix of streaming numbers, chart success, social media hype, and real influence in the music world, this list shows off the staying power of big names and the thrilling rise of new stars.
Let’s break down the Top 10, cheer on the artists who made the biggest jumps from January, and give a shoutout to newcomers like Kunmie, whose debut song Arike and EP Before We Became Strangers have landed him a spot in the spotlight.
What’s the Afrobeats Power Rankings All About?
The Afrobeats Power Ranking by NotJustOk is like a monthly report card for Afrobeats artists. It looks at streaming numbers, chart performance, social media influence, and overall industry impact to figure out who’s running the game. It’s not just about who’s got the most plays—it’s about who’s making waves and shaping the sound.
See the full scoop on how the Afrobeats Power Ranking is compiled.
Top 10: Who’s Leading the Pack?
1. Tyla (982 points) – She wasn’t even on the list last month, but Tyla’s Push 2 Start remix with Sean Paul has taken her straight to #1. It’s a worldwide banger!
2. Rema (541.09 points) – Dropping from #3 to #2, Rema’s still a big deal and not going anywhere.
3. Seyi Vibez (505.19 points) – Zooming up from #13 to #3, thanks to his hot Children of Africa EP.
4. Asake (288.71 points) – Up one spot from #5, Asake’s good vibes keep him climbing.
5. Victony (287.38 points) – Jumping from #16 to #5 with his dope track Pity This Boy featuring ODUMODUBLVCK.
6. Burna Boy (263.92 points) – Down from #2 to #6, but still a king in the game.
7. ODUMODUBLVCK (199.25 points) – New to the list at #7, riding the wave of Pity This Boy.
8. Ayra Starr (198.94 points) – Slipping from #6 to #8, but still shining bright.
9. Wizkid (161.68 points) – The old #1 now at #9—his star power’s still strong.
10. Ruger (132.30 points) – Up from #14, Ruger’s hustle is paying off.
The Biggest Climbers: Songs That Changed the Game
February 2025 was wild, with some artists leaping up the list thanks to killer tracks. Here’s who made the biggest moves:
● Tyla (Unranked to #1) – Tyla’s Push 2 Start remix with Sean Paul is everywhere—streaming like crazy and blowing up TikTok with dance videos. She’s the new global face of Afrobeats.
● Seyi Vibez (#13 to #3) – Up 10 spots, Seyi Vibez dropped the Children of Africa EP, and its street-pop vibes—especially the title track—are ruling Nigeria right now.
● Victony (#16 to #5) – A huge 11-spot jump! His song Pity This Boy with ODUMODUBLVCK is real and raw, getting tons of love on X.
● Adekunle Gold (#34 to #19) – Climbing 15 spots, Obimo—a sweet, highlife-flavored love song—has brought him back into the spotlight.
● Bella Shmurda (#29 to #22) – Up 7 spots with Verily, a chill, thoughtful tune that’s winning fans over.
● Joeboy (#36 to #25) – A solid 11-spot rise, thanks to his steady stream of hits.
New Kid on the Block: Kunmie’s Big Entrance
February wasn’t just about the usual suspects—new talent crashed the party too. Leading the pack is Kunmie, who landed at #16 with 71.00 points. His breakout hit Arike, released February 15, 2025, is a soulful love song that’s taken over TikTok with 186,000+ videos and scored 7 million Spotify streams in less than a month. It peaked at #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart and hit #1 on Nigeria’s Viral 50—talk about a debut! Then, in early March, he dropped Before We Became Strangers, a four-song EP with tracks like the deep I Admit, the upbeat Majekaja, and the romantic Arike and One More Chance.
This combo of a viral single and a solid EP shot Kunmie into the rankings, making him a name to watch.
Other fresh faces like ODUMODUBLVCK (#7) with Pity This Boy and Moliy (#15) are also shaking things up, but Kunmie’s fast rise from nowhere to #16 shows how a big song and a strong project can make you a star in Afrobeats today.
What’s the Vibe?
This month’s rankings feel like a tug-of-war between the young crew—Seyi Vibez, Victony, Kunmie—and the OGs like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido (#13). Tyla’s #1 takeover proves Afrobeats is going worldwide, and newbies like Kunmie and ODUMODUBLVCK show there’s tons of fresh energy in the mix. Some January faves like BhadBoi OML and DJ 4kerty didn’t make the cut this time, which just proves how tough this game is.
Songs like Push 2 Start (Remix), Children of Africa EP, Pity This Boy, Obimo, Verily, and Arike show off Afrobeats’ flavors—big collabs, street jams, and smooth love tunes—pushing artists up and keeping the genre exciting.
Following the vibrant energy of her last single In My Cup, lauded for its infectious rhythm and celebration of life’s pleasures, UK-based Afrobeats singer, Dara Blaxx returns with a fresh sound in her latest track, “The Mission”
Produced by Diego Castro, “The Mission” perfectly captures the mysterious and magnetic pull of connection, sparking something much bigger than just attraction.
Dara’s signature vocals, flirty lyrics & fluid flow explore themes of attraction, intimacy & serendipitous moments that feel as though they were written in the stars.
With every note, she brings a deep sense of intimacy and emotion, gliding effortlessly between rich harmonies and whispers. This track lingers long after the first listen, making it a must-hear for lovers of R&B and Neo-Soul.
