The music industry in 2025 was underwhelming; there were no breakout superstars or smash hits that genuinely rocked, fascinated, and enthralled music listeners. There were personal victories, at least Tems won a Grammy award and Asake became a global phenomenon; however, there wasn’t that ‘it’ moment.
While Fola was able to achieve modest notoriety in 2025, several other budding musicians couldn’t say the same. In 2019, musicians such as Naira Marley, Fireboy, Joe Boy, and Rema blew into the stratosphere. At the turn of the 2020s, Tems and Omah Lay became instant sensations. The Nigerian music industry was open to embracing new melodies, ideologies, and styles of music up until 2022/2023 when Asake came into the limelight.
ALSO READ: Nigerian Singer, Dija Welcomes Fourth Baby
Over the years, Don Jazzy, via his record label, Mavins record has attempted to recreate the impressive heights attained by Ayra Starr and Rema; however, the public seems to be uninterested in listening to the music created by their colleagues, Boy Spyce, Lifesize Teddy, and the most recent additions, CupidSZN and LOVN. Social media users are not jamming the sounds of the aforementioned musicians via TikTok and Instagram, nor are they flocking to the video-sharing platform YouTube to watch music videos and adore their favorites.
Genuinely, something is missing, and it is quite hard to tell what excites the music listeners.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE:
The Next Big thing: 10 Afrobeats Artistes to Watch Out For, in 2026 [SEE LIST]
What is the Way Forward for Upcoming Musicians in 2026?
Upcoming musicians would need to continue creating and promoting their music through various music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Audiomack, and Tidal. Until the day of success (even after attaining prominence), upcoming musicians need to keep promoting their craft by continuing to build a community that is genuinely interested in their masterpiece and helping to share their dreams and aspirations.
Becoming a superstar such as Davido, Wizkid, or Burna Boy is quite tedious and a far stretch; however, it is achievable. Everyone needs to start from somewhere, and this article is designed to help those who are struggling to find a breakthrough in the Nigerian music industry.
So, what are the various ways that an upcoming artiste find mainstream success?
First, a burgeoning musician needs to keep creating. Nowadays, musicians are content creators; you need to dance on Instagram and TikTok, share your music product with friends, family, and acquaintances, and let the world know about your craft.
In 2026, a burgeoning musician should abscond from every form of shame or shyness. Embrace your music career in all absoluteness.
The second point is collaboration. A burgeoning musician needs to collaborate and work with other upcoming musicians, content creators, and, if possible, create a vlog where you document your journey. You cannot do it alone; being a one-man army shouldn’t be a strategy in 2026.
Speak out and put yourself out there.
Thirdly, have a team. Have a social media team, a management team, and be a team player. You cannot be in charge of everything; let someone help to promote your craft, as earlier stated, you cannot do it alone.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE:
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that all things are beautiful in their time and every artiste have their own breakthrough period. It might be tedious at first; however, things will eventually.
This is for certain: with great power comes great responsibility; therefore, it is only a matter of time.
Keep believing, keep going, this is 2026, it is most definitely your year.
