If you told someone in 2015 how we’d define a “blockbuster” hit in 2025, they might laugh. Back then, radio spins and CD sales ruled. Today, a blockbuster is something much more fluid: streaming dominance, playlist placement, TikTok buzz, and chart longevity.

The five songs we’re about to dive into are the 5 Nigerian hits that truly defined 2025, they didn’t just perform, they moved culture, they trended, and they became the soundtrack of a moment.

1. Rema — “Baby (Is It a Crime)”

Rema has always known how to walk the tightrope between commercial Afrobeats and more artistic, soulful sounds and “Baby (Is It a Crime)” is him doing just that, confidently. With 58.3 million Spotify streams according to Skabash, the song is not just a hit; it’s a statement.

Rema’s “Baby (Is It a Crime?)” immediately captivates listeners with its nostalgic, dreamy quality, built in part on a clever nod to Sade’s classic “Is It a Crime?”. The production is sleek yet understated, allowing Rema’s voice to float effortlessly over mellow keys and a warm bassline, while still maintaining just enough rhythmic bounce to remind you that this is unmistakably Afrobeats. At its heart, the song is a love letter, but one delivered with a tenderness that feels intimate, almost as if Rema is confessing directly to the listener.

What makes “Baby (Is It a Crime?)” so compelling is that it reminds listeners a blockbuster doesn’t always need to be an explosive banger. Sometimes, a slow-burning, reflective track that invites repeated listens is just as impactful and in 2025, that kind of depth is rare, making Rema’s achievement all the more powerful.

2. Shallipopi — “Laho”

If Rema’s song is a lullaby, then Shallipopi’s “Laho” is a street anthem. It’s raw, swaggering, and deeply embedded in both place (Benin City) and identity. By Skabash’s count, “Laho” has ~48.6 million Spotify streams, making it a powerhouse.

The word laho(in Bini) translates loosely to a cry for help, or “help me”, giving the track both vulnerability and bravado. Shallipopi weaves in local slang, his Benin roots, and street imagery, making the song feel grounded yet celebratory. It’s got a bouncy beat that’s easy to ride with, and a hook that’s catchy enough to become a club or car stereo favorite.

According to Pulse Nigeria, “Laho” was among the biggest songs in the first half of 2025. On social media, the song sparked dance challenges, meme remixes, and reaction videos especially among younger listeners.

On Instagram, many posted themselves flexing, dancing, or lip-singing parts of the chorus: “Minister of Enjoyment” became an often-quoted phrase.

Critically, Shallipopi earned praise for blending tradition and modern swagger: his use of Bini language and cultural reference points felt authentic and powerful.

“Laho” demonstrates that in 2025, hits can emerge organically from street culture and viral engagement. Its success underscores the continuing importance of cultural authenticity in Nigerian music.

3. Davido & Omah Lay — “With You”

When Davido links up with Omah Lay, the result is inevitable magic. With “With You,” they hit that sweet spot: accessible, emotional, and globally palatable. The song has racked up 40.4 million Spotify streams.

The melody is lush, rich, and easy to hum along to. It’s a love song but not shallow, there’s a maturity in its arrangement. The production (credited to Tempoe in some write-ups) brings in Highlife-style guitar licks and a modern Afropop touch. Vocally, Davido delivers his usual charisma; Omah Lay brings in a softer, more introspective tone. Together, they balance each other well.

In Pulse Nigeria’s mid-2025 report, “With You” is named the #1 song in Nigeria for H1 of the year. On social media, fans called it the “soundtrack for every relationship”, many TikTok and Instagram users made content about love, reunion, and reconciliations set to this song.

Some conversations online also noted that this record could be a bridge, one that ties Afrobeats’ emotional appeal to more traditional pop sensibilities in Nigeria and abroad.

This track shows the continuing power of collaborations: two heavyweight voices, distinct but complementary, coming together to do more than just make a hit. It’s a blueprint for pop music in Nigeria today.

4. Kunmie — “Arike”

If there’s one song in this list that feels like an authentically organic breakout, it’s Kunmie’s “Arike.” Not nearly as “showy” as the others, but quietly explosive: Skabash reports about 37.7 million streams.

The song is gentle, vulnerable, and personal. Kunmie’s voice is soft, close, and emotionally direct. The production is minimal but effective, not overproduced, which lets the melody and lyrics breathe. Lyrically, it’s a love song, but there’s something introspective about it. It doesn’t feel like love for the show, but love in real life.

According to NotJustOk, Arike went viral on TikTok, where users turned its chorus into short story-like videos, and people literally narrated personal experiences over the hook. On YouTube, comments reflect that many feel a deep sense of relatability: “This song is exactly my situation,” one user said; another wrote: “Kunmie just captured the feeling.”

Within the industry, tastemakers noted that this wasn’t a big-label push, the song’s rise leaned on community, not just promotion.

“Arike” exemplifies a new-age hit: not necessarily first on radio, maybe not a club banger, but able to win via emotional resonance + social shareability. In 2025, that’s a powerful combination.

5. Odumodublvck — “Pity This Boy”

Odumodublvck’s sharp rap edge meets melodic Afrobeats sensibility in “Pity This Boy,” and the result is deeply impactful. With 31.9 million Spotify streams (Skabash), it’s clear this track struck a major chord.

Odumodublvck brings gritty, real street rap; his verses are intense, confessional, and articulate.
The melodic bits from either him or a featured voice soften the edge, giving the song crossover appeal. There’s a sense of struggle + self-awareness in his lyrics: not just braggadocio, but reflection.

On Nigeria’s TurnTable and in digital music commentary, “Pity This Boy” is seen as more than just a rap song; its social commentary, especially for younger Nigerians grappling with economic realities and identity.

Fans on social platforms have praised Odumodublvck for “keeping it real.” Many users repost his lyrics, citing lines about mental health, hustle, and vulnerability. In these conversations, his mix of rap and melody is often singled out as a reason why the song feels universal yet grounded.

This track is significant because it proves that rap with depth can still be mainstream in Nigeria. In a year defined by streaming hits, “Pity This Boy” stands as proof: you don’t have to compromise messages for mass appeal.

Conclusion

The fact that these tracks still dominate shows that Nigerian music is not slowing down. If anything, 2025 feels like a moment where streaming collabs with social artistry and aligns more tightly than ever. These are the songs that future retrospectives might highlight as turning points, not just blockbusters, but cultural benchmarks.

These five songs illustrate the evolving landscape of Nigerian music in 2025. They blend introspection, street energy, collaboration, and authenticity, while thriving across streaming platforms and social media. Together, they show that a blockbuster in 2025 is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural moment, a story, and an experience that listeners carry with them long after the first play.

Rema, Shallipopi, Davido & Omah Lay, Kunmie, and Odumodublvck aren’t just topping charts; they’re shaping the sound of a generation. And these five tracks? They’re not just on the chart, they’re in our conversations.