Every year, the Nigerian music industry unveils a select group of rising artists whose music shapes conversations and breaks the charts. These artists, marked by distinct sonic identities, make the class of the year with breakout songs and viral hits. Last year, FOLA, Mavo, and Zaylevelten were projected as the class of 2025 breakout artists.

While the first half of 2026 has been relatively lull, a few artists have positioned themselves for mainstream music conversation. These rising artists have shown promise by holding the industry with viral hits, trending moments, and unwavering commitments. With the second half of 2026 underway, these are certainly the artists ready to lead the next era of Afrobeats.

Kidd Carder

Afropop singer-rapper Kidd Carder has been on an impressive ascent since his viral hit “Calculate” made waves online in 2025. It later spawned a star-studded remix, “Calculate II,” featuring Nigerian hitmaker Young Jonn.

The rising star has remained in the spotlight with the release of his infectious “Big Bum Bum,” featuring Mavo, earlier this year. Alongside the release of his well-received debut EP Before I Blow, the collaborative single garnered traction across social media and topped Apple Music and Spotify charts. His recent collaboration with Larry Gaaga on “Come On,” alongside Olamide, promises he’ll be in the industry for a long time.

Amma

Amid the heavy Street-pop and alternative textures in the music scene this year, Amma finds her footing with her distinctive blend of R&B and Afropop. She has captured a great number of followers who have stamped her beyond being an internet sensation.

Thanks to her viral lover’s anthem “I Love You,” released in February, the singer-songwriter’s single became TikTok’s favourite and climbed the charts, amassing over 8 million streams on Spotify. With a consistent push, she’s set to cement her place in the industry.

Kayode

Not many artists get the chance to enjoy mainstream breakthroughs into the industry twice, but Kayode has proven he is not done yet. The rapper and singer stormed the year with a wave of Yoruba-Trap snippets using Fuji samples that instantly disrupted the music space.

The artist and producer led with a razor-sharp beat and chest-thumping bars on “Aimoye,” where he sampled the Fuji legend Saheed Osupa’s classic, “Aimoye Eniyan.” The highly acclaimed single offered him a massive reception from listeners in welcoming his next Fuji-sampled release, “Iseoluwa.” And with his fast momentum, there might be no decline to his ascent.

SSSoundgawd

Producer-artist SSSoundgawd is among the new wave of fast-rising artists who have cut through the noise to break through the scene. His previous records, like “YA STRATA,” set his foundation for the limelight, but the 2026 release of “Aura Salad” with Mavo went viral on TikTok and instantly changed the game for him.

The mix of Amapiano bounce and playful lamba references was an instant eargasm for the clubs. The track’s infectious production, alongside his brilliant talent for crafting witty hooks and lamba, positioned it for mainstream success.

Danpapa GTA

January this year saw the unveiling of Danpapa GTA, whose music has been greatly received thanks to his gritty, street-hop, energetic experimental sound. He rides a rebellious wave in music and charisma that distinguishes him and projects him as one of the most exciting artists of the year.

His Street-pop anthem “Ikeja (No Go Thief)” catapulted him to mainstream success, earning co-signs from industry voices and fellow artists. And continues to hold on to the spotlight with his guest verse on YKB’s “dey my body.” Blending raw lyricism, lamba, and catchy hooks, he carves his own lane that will stand the test of time.

NO11

NO11 is proof that Abuja’s music scene has been a consistent hub for Nigeria’s most promising talent. The versatile singer and rapper erupted from the underground scene with the release of the two-pack single “How Far / Shima II” in late December to become one of the most exciting artists to watch out for in 2026.

And early into the new year, “How Far,” featuring Ayjay Bobo and Monochrome, instantly became a viral hit that went platinum across social media and drove the nightlife scene. Ever since, NO11 has maintained his stardom, releasing additional party starters like “Too Hot.”

Scottyolorin

Scottyolorin’s embodiment of alternative textures, trap, and street-hop energy within Afropop has set him apart as one of the new wave of underground artists. A core experimental singer-rapper with swaggering flow, he delivers music reminiscent of a trap star while staying connected to his unwavering community.

He garnered mainstream traction with his feature on Straffitti’s “TE WO” last year. Viral singles like “Molade” and the 2026-released “FL Studio” have shown why he is here in the first place and prove the music industry needs artists like him.

Monochrome

Monochrome trajectory into the music kicked off in early 2024, and in mid-2015, the release of ‘+SWAGU°’ pushed him into the spotlight. He released tracks like “COMPUTER” and “MIA KHALIFA” that aided steady momentum since the beginning of 2026. However, his guest appearance on NO11’s hit “How Far” garnered a decent amount of traction. Alongside the release of the S1orDie-assisted single “We 2 Fly,” SSSoundgawd is poised to be one of the industry’s breakthrough acts.

Ema Onigah

Despite being away since his debut EP Dust Off, released three years ago, Ema Onigah stubbornly finds his way back into the spotlight this year with the release of the lead single “With You” from his sophomore EP ITEM VII. A versatile singer-rapper, the artist garnered over a million streams on Spotify with the romance-inspired track, proving that he has a space to fill in the industry.

Alongside his latest collaboration on Ladipoe’s “Many People,” he blends fast-paced, gritty melodies and witty lyricism, setting him up for mainstream attention.

Solana

Solana is proof that the artists with authentic sound and personality shine the most. Her current musical style seeks to reinvent indigenous sounds by incorporating contemporary and futuristic elements. And perhaps that’s what the music industry needs more than ever.

Still relatively early in her career, her viral hit “Okunkun” in collaboration with Killertunes has set her on a trajectory to break her into the industry. Since its release, the new single has quickly garnered traction on social media, with hundreds of streams across platforms. With more releases, she’s poised to become one of the fans’ favourites.