Apple Music’s newly published list of the Top 10 Albums of 2025 in Sub-Saharan Africa further underscores what listeners across the continent already know: Afrobeats and Amapiano continue to shape the region’s soundscape with remarkable force. This year’s rankings reflect a blend of heavyweights, innovators, and genre-defining producers who have sustained massive streaming momentum across local and global audiences.
At the top of the list is Wizkid, whose album Morayo secured the number-one spot after a year of consistently high streams and widespread acclaim. The project has been praised for its sonic maturity and its fusion of contemporary Afrobeats with more reflective, melodic themes.
Close behind is Davido’s 5ive, a commercially strong and internationally embraced album that reaffirmed his status as one of Afrobeats’ most bankable stars. The long-standing creative rivalry between Wizkid and Davido added even more public interest to this year’s rankings.
South Africa’s Kelvin Momo, one of Amapiano’s most influential architects, made a powerful showing as well—earning not one but two spots on the list, at No. 3 and No. 7, with his albums Ntsako and Thato Ya Modimo. His presence highlights Amapiano’s expanding reach and its importance in shaping Africa’s contemporary sound.
Apple Music’s Top 10 Albums in Sub-Saharan Africa (2025)
- Wizkid – Morayo
- Davido – 5ive
- Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
- BNXN – CAPTAIN
- Burna Boy – No Sign Of Weakness
- Olamide – Olamidé
- Kelvin Momo – Thato Ya Modimo
- Kabza De Small – Bab’motha
- Seyi Vibez – Children of Africa
- DJ Maphorisa & Xduppy – Ngomoya
A Snapshot of Continental Trends
The 2025 list reveals an overwhelming Nigerian presence, with six albums securing top-ten placements. This dominance reiterates Nigeria’s influence in shaping the Afrobeats movement and its expanding global footprint.
On the other hand, South Africa’s Amapiano heavy-hitters—Kelvin Momo, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Xduppy—continue to push the genre deeper into mainstream consciousness, demonstrating Amapiano’s evolution from a regional sound to a continental cultural force.
Music analysts say this year’s rankings reflect the strength, innovation, and escalating cultural value of African music. As Afrobeats and Amapiano maintain their status as two of the world’s fastest-growing genres, the overarching message is clear: Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the most dynamic and influential music ecosystems on the global stage.