By Olayinka Akanbi
New stars emerged, established icons delivered, and Nigerian music continued to expand its global influence in the third quarter of 2026.
From July to September, Nigerian artists continued to make their mark both at home and abroad.
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While some of the genre’s biggest stars released new music and dominated major conversations, a new generation of artists also stepped forward, showing that the movement continues to grow.
One of the biggest stories of the quarter was the release of Davido’s sixth studio album, Oriadé.
Released at the end of July, the 13-track project coincided with the 15th anniversary of his career and featured collaborations with artists from Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
Singles such as Gimme Dat Ting, I Know Who I Be and B4 B4 quickly gained traction across streaming platforms and radio stations, keeping Davido firmly at the centre of the Afrobeats conversation.
Asake also maintained his momentum during the quarter.
His music continued to perform strongly on streaming platforms, while his blend of Afrobeats, Fuji and street-pop sounds kept him among the most talked-about artists in the industry.
His success once again highlighted his ability to connect with audiences both in Nigeria and around the world.
At the same time, Rema and Burna Boy continued to fly the flag for Nigerian music on the global stage.
Through chart success, international performances and award recognition, both artists remained among the biggest ambassadors of the Afrobeats sound, keeping Nigerian music firmly in the global spotlight.
Another major development during the quarter was the growing popularity of street-pop.
Artists such as Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez and Zlatan continued to build large audiences, while a new crop of performers emerged with songs gaining attention across streaming platforms, social media and dance challenges.
Their success highlights the role street culture continues to play in shaping the direction of Nigerian music.
Female artists also had a strong quarter.
Ayra Starr remained one of the most visible Nigerian stars internationally, while artists such as Tems, Qing Madi and Fave continued to release music, collaborate across genres and grow their audiences.
Their contributions further strengthened the diversity and global reach of Afrobeats.
Collaboration remained a defining feature of the industry.
Established stars increasingly worked with emerging acts, creating opportunities for younger artists while exposing listeners to new sounds.
These partnerships have become a key driver of Afrobeats’ continued expansion across different markets.
As the quarter came to an end, attention shifted to the upcoming 18th Headies Awards, set to take place in Toronto, Canada, in October.
The nominations reflected both the influence of established stars and the rise of new talent.
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr and Asake secured nominations in major categories, while younger acts such as Fola, Fido, Llona, Shoday and Mavo also received recognition for their growing impact.
More than anything, the industry has demonstrated that it is bigger than a handful of superstar names.
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It is now powered by a wide network of singers, producers, songwriters and performers who continue to push the Afrobeats sound in new and exciting directions.
