What do Vyroota, Shallipopi, Aaronx, Soundlykbb, Joshua Baraka, and Elijah Kitaka all have in common? Though they’re arguably superstars now, in the past they were all featured among my annual Mugibson roundups of the year’s Best New Artists/ Artists to watch. I’m not claiming to have any clairvoyant skills around here. I just happen to have an ear that I believe can spot potential or a good song when I hear it. As the end of the year is fast approaching, it’s my time for to tell you the Best New Artists Of 2025.
Among the artists listed are some surprises, new comers, comebacks, and course corrections. But make no mistake: these are the new names that have defined 2025. Below is a look at artists who the world, the continent and Uganda couldn’t look away from, proving that once again, the music industry keeps being a factory of stars.
Some did it with groundbreaking albums/ EPs, others with presence and a few with just one moment or viral anthem loud enough to shift the room.
- Expect Xhavi
Expect Xhavi is having a monumental moment in his career. Between performing at the Bell ObaFest, AUMEX Showcase, Roast and Rhyme, while at the same time releasing a delectable set of heartwarming singles “Tomansa”, “Mon Cherie” and others, Expect Xhavi’s breakthrough this year is a perfect accomplishment for the 21 year old fast rising crooner.
Related: 21 & Dangerous, Meet Expect XHAVI, Uganda’s Most Exciting New Musical Voice
Resting his head between R&B and Afropop, Expect Xhavi (born Byarugaba Castine Praise) is making his sound continental yet grounded in the sensibilities and inspirations of where he grew up (Entebbe, Zzana) and the artist he embodies to become.
2. Jazzworx & Thukuthela
Jazzworx & Thukuthela are definitely the duo we didn’t know we needed till we got it. How do you explain all these hits?? From “Vuka” (Ft. Oscar Mbo), “Isaka (6am)” Ft Ciza, and standout collaborations with MaWhoo & GL Ceejay — “Uzizwa Kanjan” and “Bengicela”. The two natives hailing from eTwatwa, Daveyton (Thukuthela) and Jazzworx who originates from Carltonville, were paired by Waltz Music and they have since championed the fast growing Afro House sound influenced by the 3 Step genre and altogether, the duo has produced a string of Apple Music chart topping tracks. Each of these hits have claimed exciting spots on the charts, cementing their place in the African dance music scene and winning the hearts of many music lovers not just in South Africa and Uganda but globally. Their unexplainable spark has also seen them release an album “The Most Wanted”.
3. Tracy Melon
Technically, one could argue that the “Tovayo” singer and songwriter and performing artist Tracy Mirembe doesn’t belong on this list, since she is already an EP deep into her career, not to mention earlier singles since her early exploits in 2022. But this past year has marked what felt like a breakthrough and a beginning with Tracy keeping the flame of Ugandan music burning, thanks to her criminally chart topping singles “Kakana”, “Ogenda Kukilaba”, and most recently “Tovayo” and “Tota” (on which she was featured by Kataleya & Kandle Music).
Read Also: Tracy Melon, Where Have You Been All Our Lives?
What makes her have the audience in the palm of her hands is her embodying charisma, vocal prowess and overall astute skills in music making. The first thing one notices about her sound is the energy, an immediate, in your face quality sustained by her ability to say and sing the right things in the most unexpected ways. Her sprawling musical offerings can only be a step towards an even bigger 2026.
4. Moliy
Know what would be quite criminal? Skipping Ghanaian sensation Moliy’s name when it comes to listing artists whose music has soundtracked the musical year that has been 2025. Nga we’ve shaken it to the max!! 😂🙂↕️🫣
Thanks to her smash hit “Shake It to the Max”, Moliy has had a breakout year with this track emerging as one of the biggest songs out of the continent in 2025, garnering over 300 million streams across all credits in 2025. It even went to greater heights with the release of a remix featuring Skillibeng, Shenseea, and Silent Addy. We first got introduced to Moliy on her track SAD GIRLS LUV MONEY, a bona fide banger on which she was featured by Amaarae. This year, she cemented her name on the scene with her internationally acclaimed “Shake It to the Max” that also saw an impressive performance on the charts and DSPs. Moliy made history this year by becoming the first Ghanaian artist to perform at the BET Awards, delivering an electrifying performance of her hit single on one of the world’s biggest music stages.
5. FOLA
This guy!! I don’t even know where to start from. It feels like yesterday when I discovered him from the remix of “Lost” on which he featured BNXN. The song captured the attention of many music fans because of Fola’s unmissable penchant for rhythmic songwriting and also his daring impressive near baritone vocals.
The 24 year old talent has indicated all signs of a star who is here for a much much longer time. His motion (work rate), his aura and steeze, his pen game and effortless delivery definitely make him the man of the year. Appearing on at least one of every five Nigerian afrobeats albums that have dropped every quarter, Fola has not been shy to express his uncanny ability and delivery by weaving not just lasting emotions but creating legendary records that are from a simple place. Oh not to forget, this year, he dropped his release album and the tracks “Golibe” feat. Victony had many of us in a chokehold mode; not to get me started on his BNXN reconnect on “Very Soon”. FOLA is undoubtedly the hottest artist to emerge in the industry this year, consistently proving himself as an exceptional talent. His pace, delivery, and relentless work ethic has not only earned him well deserved recognition, landing high profile collaborations with industry heavyweights, but also secured him a spot as a regular name on the charts, all while juggling the demands of being a student.
6. Chella
Remember that 2024 song “Nyash na Nyash”? Chella reemerged as one of 2025’s most charismatic and genre bending breakout stars. His track “My Darling” became a viral sensation and, at one point, the most Shazamed song in the world. Known for his edgy fashion and confident swagger, Chella followed up with a globally minded EP that featured artists from various continents, a strategic move that pushed “My Darling” from viral moment to cultural stamp. Artistically, he blends street authenticity with romantic vulnerability, signaling the rise of a new kind of African male pop star: emotionally expressive yet street certified. Among his other incredible tracks has been “Loyal”.
7. Nythia
It is uncommon for an artist to make a list based on just one song. However, when that song is “Bad Boys,” the uncommon becomes normal. Just about everyone who has heard the record affirms its generational quality. While Nythia’s songwriting technique may draw comparisons to Fave, the melodies are different, steeped deeper in the liquid influences that entered African music through highlife. One hears the groovy afrobeats licked tones of the sound, but “Bad Boys” is a contemporary Afropop song with the soul and language to go with it. Having drawn the attention of many music executives, and with Nythia’s drive, we can expect to hear a lot from Nythia this coming year. Oh did I mention that she is multilingual (speaking about 8 languages), and is a record producer herself, so 2026 is definitely going to be a brighter year for the 21 year old fast rising star.
9. Mbeewo
For some, this may be your first time hearing her name. Mbeewo (born (Nabukenya Deborah Mbeewo) quietly burst onto the scene and got the ball rolling with “Ssema”, and followed it up with the decently catchy feel good love number “Owakabbi Wange”, not so long ago in August. She then followed it up with Mummy’s Boy.
Her distinctive bright smile as she performs live and sings has had her become a social media darling, and she has now established herself as a staple on my artists to watch out for in 2026.
10. Abigail Chams
21 and thriving!! That is the definition of what Tanzania pop singer Abigail Chams has been this year. With many discovering her from her poignant collaboration with bongo flava star Harmonize “Me Too”, Abigail Chams has honed her craft by learning how to play musical instruments and the results are reflecting in her distinctive touch to her sound, a showcase of compositional poise. The appeal further extends in her music videos, as we can see in her other singles like “Hold Me”. Abigail Chams also became the first solo female artist from East Africa to be nominated in the category “Best New International Act” and this was at the 2025 BET Awards. The sing along ease of her songs, which coast through the flavors of her home country (Tanzania), carefree energy and sensitive edge, asides the music, is a combination that gives her the undeniable gravitas of a star and therefore continues to establish herself as one of Africa’s most promising new voices.
This list can only contain a few, but among the honorary mentions is Olivia Dean, Kunmi, and others. Which new artist did you discover this year? Put us on. In case there’s any you feel I left out, kindly share with me. I am @Mugibson on all socials