Another July has come and gone, and once again, the Afrobeats world did not disappoint. From historic streaming milestones and festival highlights to high-profile collaborations and career-defining moments, July 2025 gave fans everything—from heat on the charts to drama in the headlines. Here’s a full rundown of the biggest stories that shaped Afrobeats this month.
Chart-Toppers, Certifications & Streaming Dominance
It was a month of numbers—and big ones at that.
Topping the list is Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down”, which has now crossed 8 million certified sales worldwide, including over 1 million in the UK alone. Already one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs ever, the track continues to smash records nearly two years after its release.
Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” also hit a new milestone, officially going 3x Platinum in the U.S. with over 3 million units sold, making it one of the most successful non-Western songs in American streaming history.
Not to be outdone, Burna Boy’s “Secret”, featuring Jeremih and Serani, achieved Silver certification in the UK, surpassing 200,000 units sold. Meanwhile, Shallipopi’s breakout hit “Laho” crossed the 100,000 sales mark in the UK, placing the street-hop star firmly on the global map.
And rounding out the wins, Davido and Chris Brown’s “Blow My Mind” quietly racked up new accolades, achieving platinum certification in multiple regions and reminding fans why their 2019 collaboration remains timeless.
New Music That Set the Vibe
July also brought a wave of new music that reflected the genre’s constant evolution.
J Hus and Asake delivered a cross-continental hit that dominated playlists in both the UK and Nigeria. Their thrilling collaboration fused gritty UK rap with Asake’s signature Yoruba-infused vocals, proving the global appeal of genre-bending sounds.
Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez released a deeply emotional single that trended instantly on streaming platforms across Africa and the diaspora, while Zlatan’s “Happy Day” emerged as a feel-good summer anthem full of bounce and celebratory energy.
Fireboy DML’s “Dopamine” rose rapidly through Spotify rankings, becoming his fastest-growing solo single since “Peru.”
Headline Collaborations & Bold Announcements
One of the month’s most talked-about moments was the highly anticipated collaboration between Tyla and Wizkid, which finally materialized with the release of “Dynamite” on July 26. The song—described as a nighttime amapiano-dance anthem—is already climbing the global charts.
Wizkid also returned to the spotlight earlier in the month with DJ Tunez and FOLA, teasing new music that fans later celebrated as a strong comeback.
Elsewhere, Asake dropped a teaser for his new album, MONEY, prompting major excitement for what could be one of the biggest releases of the year.
And in a move that further showcased the genre’s growing power beyond music, Mastercard unveiled an official Afrobeats anthem to honor Nigerian culture—an unprecedented fusion of corporate branding and cultural celebration.
Women Dominating the Stage and the Business
The women of Afrobeats made undeniable moves in July.
Tems continued to rise not just as a vocalist but as a cultural force. Her “Vibe Project” launched new initiatives for empowering African women in music, placing her at the center of the movement for equality in entertainment.
She lit up 7Fest in a bold canary yellow outfit, delivering one of the most talked-about performances of the month. The visual alone became a viral fashion moment.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr kept the fire burning with a breathtaking performance of “Away” with Coldplay, proving that she could command the biggest international stages. She closed out the month in Miami, where she joined Coldplay again and left an unforgettable impression on both pop and Afrobeats audiences.
Festivals, Fame & Global Reach
Live performances brought Afrobeats into every corner of the world this July.
Davido stole the show on Day 1 of Afro Nation Portugal, giving fans one of his best performances in recent years. Backed by a full band and electric visuals, his set was a highlight of the festival.
The Afro Nation festival itself continued to grow its legend, with outlets calling it the event that “supercharged the Afrobeats movement.” From international press coverage to influencer hype, the festival once again underscored the genre’s mainstream influence.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Industry Shakeups
July wasn’t without its drama and soul-searching moments.
The long-running feud between Cynthia Morgan and Jude Okoye resurfaced yet again, and Mr. P jumped into the mix, responding publicly to new allegations. The dust-up rekindled conversations about artist-label power dynamics, contracts, and creative control.
Elsewhere, a surprising development made waves as Tems’ manager parted ways with Omah Lay, sparking speculation about the future direction of both artists.
At the same time, Ice Prince was honored in a reflective piece that reminded fans of his enduring legacy in the genre. And Ned-Boii, a rising star and former banker, was celebrated for boldly pivoting into music, adding another inspiring chapter to the genre’s ever-evolving story.
Final Thoughts
July 2025 was more than just a good month—it was a moment of affirmation for Afrobeats. The numbers soared, the performances dazzled, and the cultural relevance deepened. From Lagos to London, Miami to Lisbon, the message was clear: Afrobeats is not just here to stay—it’s leading the charge.
As we head into August, the question isn’t whether Afrobeats will keep growing—it’s who will lead the next wave.
