South African singer Tyla has been recognized as the top Billboard U.S. Afrobeats artist of the year, surpassing prominent Nigerian Afrobeats artists Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. This distinction is based on Billboard’s recently released year-end charts, specifically the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Artists 2025 list.
According to the rankings, Tyla secures the number one spot, followed closely by Wizkid, Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy, who occupy the second, third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively. The top ten list is further diversified by the inclusion of American-Ghanaian singer Moliy, as well as Nigerian artists Asake, Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, and BNXN.
The next tier of the chart features a range of artists, including Fola, Tems, Olamide, Fido, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Chella, Kizz Daniel, Zinoleesky, and T.I Blaze, who are ranked from 11 to 20. Additionally, British-Nigerian stars Odeal, Young John, Odumodublvck, Kunmie, and Ayo Maff are also represented on the list, rounding out the chart.
Billboard’s year-end charts provide a comprehensive overview of the music industry’s performance over the past year, with the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Artists list highlighting the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global music scene. The inclusion of artists from various countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Kingdom, underscores the genre’s increasing diversity and international appeal.
The recognition of Tyla as the top U.S. Afrobeats artist of the year marks a significant milestone for the South African music industry, demonstrating its capacity to produce talent that resonates with a global audience. As the Afrobeats genre continues to evolve and expand its reach, it is likely that the list of prominent artists will become even more diverse, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and creative talent of the African continent and its diaspora.
