This year in Afropop, a whispery Ghanaian It-Girl shook the world, a Francophone trio remade Bastille Day in their image, and East African R&B stars took romantic tension to new heights. Meanwhile, a young, cosmopolitan pop star made a cocktail of the varied African cultures she’s lived in for a song so successful it’s made her the most streamed woman in France, a Ugandan upstart got an Afroswing architect to helm his latest album, and a South African singer made a momentous pivot to 3-step production. Then, there was a hometown hero from Lagos who gave his fuji and gospel tungba elders a new moment in the spotlight.

Under Afropop’s wide umbrella, musicians young and old played with tradition and paid homage to the greats before them just as much as they embraced innovation and strengthened their unique voices. Here, five writers with roots and homes across the continent and diaspora sift through a wide world of sounds for some of the best music Afropop had to offer.

• Drizilik, The Therapist, ‘Lemonade’

  

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  Two of Sierra Leone’s most prominent rappers link to make “Lemonade” out of lemons on this fiery single from January. The Therapist’s “Nack” from 2022 was an Amapiano-indebted party-starter produced by Nigerian beatsmith Masterkraft that traveled across the diaspora, and “Lemonade” follows suit as a slick, dancey ode to resilience where both rappers flex their flows. “I’d rather be the devil than sell my soul to him,” Drizilik spits about staying the course and staying on top. The Therapist brags that he’s “Sharp like a knife/Straight like arrow” – and so is this track. – M.C. 

• Hevi, ‘My Rider’

  

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  “My Rider” finds Tanzanian newcomer Hevi leaning fully into her inner lover girl—and the song invites listeners to do the same. Drawing on traditional East African R&B with subtle touches of amapiano, a beloved genre in the region, the track is elevated by Hevi’s bright, soulful tone, which truly sets it apart. Perfect for any Valentine’s playlist, “My Rider” marks Hevi’s first, yet meaningful, step toward Afropop stardom. – K.M.

• Asake, ‘Why Love’

  

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  For much of Asake’s “Why Love”, the distinct Nigerian singer is ferried by ululating horns. “Why Love” is as much a love story as it is an expansion of Asake’s orchestra-leaning musical sensibility. Though a bit of a slow burn, the song had a strong presence throughout 2025, climbing the charts gradually and drawing in listeners over time, without the urgent, arresting vim typical of Asake’s previous records. Nonetheless, “Why Love” reaffirmed that Asake still has what it takes to surprise and delight. – O.A.

• Moliy feat. Tyla, ‘Body Go’

  

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  Moliy and Tyla’s “Body Go” brings together two African pop stars at the height of their global game. It borrows from the popiano sound that Tyla has popularized, while Moliy’s dreamy vocals add an enthralling layer to the logdrum-slathered production, showcasing the Ghanaian singer/songwriter’s versatility. Drawing on the tried and tested formula of their past hits — a waist-gyrating dance challenge accompanying an irresistible hook — the cross-cultural collab stands bold and fearless. Tyla’s conviction singing, “Section full of baddies/Who just wanna have fun/We don’t bother no one,” defines the track’s unapologetic energy.