Top 5 Street Artists to Watch in Nigeria This Year.
The Nigerian music industry has always thrived on raw talent, originality, and street energy. In recent years, the streets have taken center stage, producing some of the biggest hits and most charismatic performers. These artists are not only resonating with local fans but are also influencing the global Afrobeats culture.
2025 is shaping up to be another powerful year for street music in Nigeria, and if you love energetic rhythms, bold lyrics, and real-life stories in song form, these are the artists you need to keep an eye on.
Here are the Top 5 Street Artists to Watch in Nigeria This Year, including a rising sensation you need to know — DjMondo.
1. Shallipopi – The Pluto President
Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama, is a certified street icon. His breakout hit “Elon Musk” redefined street music by blending humor, coded street slangs, and hard-hitting beats. With a strong social media presence and back-to-back bangers like “Obapluto,” “Ex-Convict,” and “Cast”, Shallipopi has built a Pluto empire of loyal fans across Nigeria and beyond.
In 2025, he’s not slowing down. With a rumored debut album and international collaborations in the works, Shallipopi is definitely one of the hottest names in the game.
🎧 Must-listen: Elon Musk, Ex-Convict, Cast (ft. Fireboy DML)
📍 Why Watch Him: Pure originality, fearless lyrics, and a growing global fanbase.
2. DjMondo – The Street Sound Alchemist
Coming in strong on this year’s radar is DjMondo, a Lagos-based street artist, DJ, and producer who’s quickly making waves with his fusion of Afrobeats, street-hop, and dance music. Known for his infectious hooks and motivational lyrics, DjMondo is more than a musician — he’s a voice of the hustling youth.
With tracks like “Swag On,” “Hangover,” and his personal favorite “Mirror Mirror,” DjMondo blends upbeat vibes with relatable messages about struggle, hope, and self-worth. His story is one of resilience — a self-made creative force with a dream to make it big like Davido and DJ Khaled.
🎧 Must-listen: Mirror Mirror, Hangover, Swag On, Superman, Girls Like You
📍 Why Watch Him: Rising from Lagos with powerful storytelling and energetic sounds, DjMondo is poised for a national breakout.
3. Seyi Vibez – The Street Poet
When it comes to emotional street music, Seyi Vibez holds a special place. He fuses Fuji-inspired melodies with modern Afrobeats and heartfelt lyrics. His rise to fame came with songs like “God Sent,” “Chance,” and “Billion Dollar”, which connected deeply with fans who have felt pain, love, and hustle.
In 2025, Seyi Vibez is maturing his sound, experimenting with highlife, piano, and gospel-infused tracks. His fanbase has grown steadily, and he's now headlining shows and collaborating with top-tier artists.
🎧 Must-listen: Hat-trick, Goated, Different Pattern
📍 Why Watch Him: Emotional depth, strong vocals, and a dedicated street following that keeps growing.
4. Portable – The Certified Zeh Commander
Portable, aka Dr. Zeh, remains a wild and unpredictable force in the Nigerian street music scene. He exploded into fame with “Zazoo Zeh” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee, and has since continued releasing controversial yet catchy tracks that reflect his raw, unfiltered reality.
What makes Portable stand out is his authenticity — he wears his struggle with pride and never backs down from speaking his truth, no matter how chaotic it sounds.
Despite several controversies, his fanbase remains solid, and his energy is unmatched.
🎧 Must-listen: Zazoo Zeh, Am Not a Prisoner, Alimi (ft. Oritsefemi)
📍 Why Watch Him: He’s unpredictable, bold, and a symbol of the rawest form of street expression.
5. Balloranking – Street Melodies in Motion
Balloranking is one of the most consistent voices in the street-alternative music space. With songs like “Holiday,” “Zero Panic,” and “Realize,” he blends street realism with melodic finesse. He’s gained respect for his songwriting skills and ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
In 2025, Balloranking is becoming a household name. His collaborations with other fast-rising acts and his soulful delivery keep placing him on top playlists and radio rotations.
🎧 Must-listen: Trench Kid, Holiday, My Darling
📍 Why Watch Him: Street soul at its finest, with a unique balance of melody and street truth.
What Makes These Street Artists Special?
Street music isn’t just about beats or hype — it’s about truth, hustle, and connection. These five artists each bring something unique:
🔥 Shallipopi: Swagger, slang, and Pluto vibes.
🔥 DjMondo: Motivation, dance energy, and heartfelt hustle stories.
🔥 Seyi Vibez: Emotional storytelling and soulful beats.
🔥 Portable: Uncensored realness and raw talent.
🔥 Balloranking: Street-inspired melody and lyrical depth.
Together, they represent a new generation that doesn’t wait for the industry to crown them — they grab the mic and make themselves heard.
The Future of Street Music in Nigeria
With digital platforms like TikTok, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube, street artists now have more power than ever. Gone are the days when only mainstream artists dominated the charts. Today, street artists are charting, trending, and touring internationally.
In 2025, we expect more:
🔊 Street-to-mainstream crossovers
🤝 Major collaborations with Afrobeats heavyweights
🎤 Global tours and digital distribution growth
👕 Merchandising and lifestyle branding (watch out for DjMondo’s upcoming merch drop)
These artists aren’t just musicians — they are cultural influencers who shape the way young Nigerians speak, dress, and express themselves.
Final Thoughts
Street music is more than a genre — it’s a movement, a mirror of society, and the pulse of the people. If you’re looking for real talent, bold creativity, and energy that can’t be faked, then these Top 5 Street Artists to Watch in Nigeria This Year should be on your radar.
From Shallipopi’s Pluto pride to DjMondo’s motivational soundwaves, Nigeria’s street artists are proving that greatness doesn’t need a gold spoon — just a mic, a beat, and a dream.
