As an authority for Who’s Next, iMullar has been a staple in documenting and telling the stories of young up-and-coming artists who have laid down the basic foundation and groundwork for the elevation of their careers. “Ones to Watch” is a segment that seeks to highlight certain artists who have had a fantastic run the year before and based on their current momentum, are ready to shine into superstardom and move the genres to the next level. From masterful lyrics to storytelling to relatable conversations to vocal abilities, some of these artists have proved their mettle in their respective regions. They have exuded immense talent and drive as well as earning the respect and attention of the music audience and critics alike, to also tap into and believe in their sound and passion.
From Afrobeats, Hiplife, Alternative, Neo-Soul, Amapiano, HipHop to AfroPop, these artists are ready to have the baton passed down to them, and move the industry to the farthest trajectory that they can reach. They are poised, they are ready, they are hungry and they are not letting anyone slow down their momentum or take away what’s rightfully theirs; and that is, being at the top of the global stage, pushing their careers and the African sound to the highest of heights.
iMullar’s list highlights some of the artists who have shown promise and have the potential to break out and grow exponentially into greatness and superstardom. We are excited to see the next chapter of these artists this year, considering their efforts to lay down the foundation for their potential success in the future. We present to you, iMullar’s Ones To Watch 2025.
AyoMaff (Nigeria)
Despite being a teenager, Ayo Maff has positioned himself as one of the new leading voices of street pop music in Nigeria. His embodiment of the stories of his life and experiences on the streets of Nigeria, at first presents him as an older fellow. But that is an exhibition of talent. Coupled with an interesting fashion style and imagery, Ayo has captured the hearts of not only Nigerian listeners but that of others on the continent. – Nana Kojo Mula
Ziggy4x (South Africa)
A South African Drill artist and rapper from the cape town. As an emerging music artist from Manenberg, South Africa, Ziggy4x is known for his authentic rap style and imaginative approach to music. His name, inspired by a movie, captures his dynamic essence. Ziggy4x began his music journey in October 2023 and quickly gained attention with his debut single. “Honne.” His viral introduction to the industry “Honne” has catapulted Ziggy4x into the making of his debut ep “Gangsta Baby” faster than anyone predicted. With features from Maglera Doe boy, Blxckie and Backroad Gee, he is poised as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the burgeoning hip-hop scene in South Africa, making him one of the artists to watch in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon
RCee (Ghana)
While he may be late to the party, RCee has managed to capture the attention with his visuals and interesting personality. Finding a balance between old Ghanaian Highlife and today’s Afrobeats/Afropop sound is something Rcee has done very well. His song “Knees and Bend” is a classic example of such fusion. His Ep “How Did We Get Here” offers consumers an insight into the type of artist RCee is. The excitement he has generated has put him on the radar as one to watch out for in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula




Soulja (Sudan)
Fusing Sudanese sounds with elements of pop and rap, Soulja has shined a light on Sudan and the rich music coming out of the country. His album, “DEJA VU,” took many by surprise and eventually ended up driving his stocks up. If his 2024 is anything to go by, Soulja’s 2025 is looking even brighter. – Nana Kojo Mula
AlorG x BHADMAYORS (Ghana)
Joining forces and their talents, this unofficial duo/group of AlorG and BHADMAYORS dropped one of the most viral songs “Free My Mind” from Ghana. The success of the song will be a catalyst in the ascension of their careers which will see AlorG and BHADMAYORS all ink exciting deals with Platoon and Encore recordings respectively. The aftermath of Free My Mind where AlorG has gone on to release his project “Down I’m A Rebel” and BHADMAYORS their single “Move” puts them in the spotlight as some of the most exciting talents to look out for in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula
Amaeya (Nigeria)
Finding herself in the position of one of the most promising singers on the Afro-R&B scene in Africa is humbling but also an exciting position to be in for Amaeya. Her melodies, lyrics and messages on the themes of love and self-discovery make her a standout talent. Dropping a 3 song pack “Sweet Escape” and debut EP “Like A Flower” cemented her status as one of the most exciting talents to watch out for in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula
TG BLK (Kenya)
Employing a DIY tactic Kenya rapper TG Blk has carved a path herself in Kenya’s vibrant music industry as one of its promising talents to look out for. Her approach to making music in an alternative style makes her distinct from her peers. Her music is a reflection of her life and experiences as a young woman challenging a stereotypical system. The success of EP “Its Not That Deep” extends her popularity and positions her one to watch for 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula




Diolini (Namibia)
Unapologetic, trailblazing and daring are some of the qualities that Diolini possesses that make her an exciting talent to listen to. Fusing her Namibian/African roots with global influences like Jazz and Soul Diolini is on the path to amplifying Namibian culture through her music and career. Releasing her EP, “Dreamer’s Paradise”, it is Diolini’s goal to win the hearts of many and introduce Namibia in a different light to people beyond what they may know about the country and its people. – Nana Kojo Mula
Kiki Celine (Ghana)
A member of 99 PHACES, Kiki Celine has gained so much attention and excitement around her and her music over the last year. Her single “Memory Lane ” showcased her talent as one of the few voices pushing the boundaries of Afro-R&B from West Africa. Offering a refreshing look to the female music scene Kiki’s rise in the industry has seen her grow over the first two years in the music industry making her one of the brightest talents to look out for in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula
Manana (South Africa)
Born and raised in Mbabane in Eswatini, Manana immersed himself in all things music-related from a young age and as a result began to write, produce and perform his original compositions, as well as establishing himself as a prolific lyricist for Usher, Pheelz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Tyla, Amanda Black, Ami Faku, Shekhinah, and Burna Boy, where he is credited as a songwriter on the Nigerian superstar’s Grammy-winning album, Twice As Tall. Manana’s debut solo EP, “In The Beginning Was The End” (2020), was a nostalgic ode to R&B told in reverse, capturing the light and shade of growing and fading relationships which used his own marriage as his compass. His single “Sunday Morning” featuring Rowlene, was also included on Apple Music’s Top 100 tracks of 2020 at the end of the year. His follow-up releases, “But Could The Moments In Between” (2022) and “Comma” (2022), showcase Manana’s versatility as he seamlessly navigates through electronic dance music, Soulful R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano Fusion, and Introspective Acoustic Ballads. The following year, Manana achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious South African Music Award for Best R&B Album in 2023, reinforcing his prowess as a triple threat.His debut album, “Our Broken Hearts Mend” (2024), completes his trilogy of releases over the last five years. The journey began with the slow-burner EP “In The Beginning Was The End” (2020), followed by the emotionally textured EP “But Could The Moments In Between” (2022). This groundwork that he’s laid out has him poised to become a household name and one of the artists to watch in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon
Yamiko (South Africa)
Yamiko is a multifaceted singer/songwriter from Cape Town, South Africa. She initially started her creative journey as a dancer and would then dive into the music scene in 2020. Yamiko, since her music debut in 2020, has carved out a niche in the ever-evolving and saturated realm of alternative R&B in South Africa. She did so by beguiling her audience with her powerful lyrics, amplified by her captivating music videos. Since then, she has been working, improving, and making steady waves with her unique sound. Her unique sound and approach to music makes her one of the artists to watch in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon




Usimamane (South Africa)
A Rapper and a Storyteller who describes himself as a reserved artist who focuses on his craft, and cares about everybody, his family and friends generally. Mainly where Usimamane comes from, the slums of Umlazi which is a small township in Durban. Usimamane had always wanted to be a rapper since he was in grade 2 and was influenced by his musical family. He listened to the likes of 50 Cent while he was young and was inspired by him. Usimamane gained fame with his hit single, “Cheque” and has since stayed in the limelight with consistent releases. He dropped his second studio album, “20th: Days Before Maud” and the deluxe version in 2024. With his versatility and genre bending skills, Usimamane has proven himself to be an artist to watch in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon
Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
The 21-year-old South African Afropop and Amapiano sensation has captivated the music scene with her soulful melodies and vibrant infectious rhythms since her break out in 2023 with her hit single “Pholile”. At a very young age, Zee has carved her niche and blazed a trail filled with consistency and hardwork. Since her debut, she’s worked towards finding her voice and identity and has left her mark across the charts with amazing features on “Funk 55”, “Shayimoto”, and “Nguwe”. In 2024, Zee Nxumalo solidified her status as a strong music force in the industry. With such an amazing year on the back burner and a momentum unlike any other, Zee is poised for superstardom in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon
Njerae (Kenya)
The Kenyan born singer, songwriter and producer defines her music as Afro-Indie with a touch of RnB and Soul. Since her debut in 2018 with “Pressure”, she has made herself a student of the game and equipped herself with the skills to stand out in this ever saturated industry. Njerae has a distinct sound and a unique approach to music. Her entrancing vocals and melodies set her apart from her generation. Her 2022 album, “Unintentional” gained her a lot of fans. Njerae loves to evolve her artistry as she is ever experimenting her sound in different genres. Her 2023 singles, “OTD” and “Valhalla” was her dipping her toes in modern RnB and contemporary Afro-pop sounds. In 2024, Njerae released her EP, ‘Out with the old’ and followed it up with multiple singles, “Aki Sioni” and “Nyumbani”, which earned her a listening audience outside the borders of Kenya . With her headlining her own show in 2024, and teasing an incoming project slated for release this year, Njerae is definitely an artist to watch in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon
LeoStayTrill (Zimbabwe, London)
The Zimbabwe-born South London based artist has captivated the masses with his smooth flow, wordplay and charm. The 18-year-old went viral in 2023 with his hit single, “Honeybun”. In 2024, he stayed consistent by releasing back to back hits in “Pink Lemonade” and “2s and 3s” featuring Mr Reload It and Clean Bandit respectively. This year, he looks to maintain his momentum as he has already dropped a new single, “Selena”. With a solid work ethic like no other, LeoStayTrill is one artist to definitely look out for in 2025. – Frederick Adjavon




Yamê (Cameroon)
The French-Cameroonian artist offers a refreshing rap style with his audacious flow and beat choices. As his stocks rose, the appearance of COLORS gave him extended attention, which has put him on the radar as one of Africa’s exciting talents to watch out for in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula
Kojo Blak (Ghana)
The Ghanaian Afrofusion artist is arguably one of the hottest music talents from Ghana. At his core, his sound is a blend of Ghanaian highlife garnished with pop. His debut project, 757, is an exhibition of his rich connection with his Ghanaian roots. It was not surprising when his song Excellence started gaining virality in January 2025, making him one to watch for the year. – Nana Kojo Mula
Llona (Nigeria)
Characterized by his penmanship and embodiment of his songs, Llona has won over the hearts of listeners not only for his music but also for sharing a part of himself with everyone. His album “Homeless” is highly celebrated and regarded as one the best projects to be released in 2024. With the success and attention he has garnered last year, there are high expectations for Llona in 2025. – Nana Kojo Mula
Tariq (Nigeria)
Having built steam for himself with his releases, Jigga and Bus Stop, Tariq positioned himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest talents. His project Okada Airlines provided more extra validation for why he is to be considered one to watch in Africa’s music space. – Nana Kojo Mula




SovT Music (Ghana)
Balancing Hiplife with contemporary sounds, Sovt’s music has left a lasting impression on anyone who has come in contact with it. His viral single “Maame,” coupled with “Adom Wura,” is evidence of what he has to offer going forward. – Nana Kojo Mula
Written By Nana Kojo Mula & Frederick Adjavon.
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