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January 2025 has come and gone, but the soundtrack remains. This month’s Nigerian song releases have been a smooth ride from sultry slow jams to captivating rap tracks.

In our last #BumpThis of the month, we’re rounding up the best songs to keep your playlists and your ears happy. Think of it as your January Nigerian music recap – minus your forgotten resolutions.

10. “Original” — Suté Iwar

Abuja-based rapper makes an Afrobeats-rap fusion focused on staying true to self. He speaks to a lady he likes and boasts of his calm demeanour. Cocky but sure knows who he is and what he wants.

9. “Bride Price” — Terry Apala feat. Bella Shmurda

The matter of marriage excites on this record. Putting his breadwinner attribute at the forefront, he sings of a love interest who melts his heart. If she wants him as much as he does, he’s capable of affording their conjugal bliss.

, with his recognisable sonorous voice, slides into the smooth-running percussion to say a bunch of hollow sweetness for love. It’s a groovy neo-Apala song.

8. “Hello Shola” — Punchline Amund feat. DOTTI The Deity

“Hello Shola” is a poignant tale of the average Nigerian trapped between dreams and survival. paints a vivid picture of Shola—a character suffocating under the weight of peer pressure and desperation, trying to escape his reality by turning to schemes like Yahoo-Yahoo to survive. In a society where embarrassment lurks close by, Shola’s journey represents the frustration of countless young Nigerians caught in the crossfire of ambition and the harsh truth of everyday life.

’s haunting chorus adds depth to the narrative, underscoring the emotional toll of living in a system where choices are slim, and consequences can be deadly. The song becomes an anthem for those fighting to stay afloat in a world that often seems indifferent to their struggles.

7. “Nuthin’ 4 Free” — President Zik and Hotyce

It gets jiggy as and put on a show for the ladies on “Nuthin’ 4 Free.” Swag and confidence on 100 as they make their best sweet-and-bad boy impressions. If you’re looking for a grown, fun, Hip-Hop record for the ladies, you have a winner here.

6. Love In Tokyo — Paul Play and Olamide

It’s unclear if music veteran put out this Afrobeats jam for the love of music, or the coming Valentine’s, or if we’re witnessing his comeback. Whatever it is, he clearly hasn’t lost the spark in his voice. ’s verse isn’t missed. More of Paul Play, please.

5. “SILK SCARVES” — Igho Mike and Mxps Rellington feat. Being

and are holding it down for Hip-Hop. They grind rhymes that leave their verses as two of the greatest raps you’ve ever heard. In one line, Mike is resistant to the industry’s water-down antics. Next, he’s riding for pan-African freedom. Mxps stays musing silky poetry that’d make Dostoyevsky abandon his work and search for street OT.

Maintaining the same energy, Being ends the track on a cocky point. He waves sapa bye-bye and dust off his shoulders.

4. “Damn It All” — Qing Madi

is done playing nice guy. No more giving her time and energy to people who can’t love and keep it real with her. She sings through hurt, realisation and tougher skin to preserve her energy and put herself and time first.

3. NSNV Vibe — Tml Vibez and DJ 4kerty

In NSNV Vibe, confidently declares his rise in street credibility, a steady cash flow, and a resilience that shows no signs of wavering. You can almost feel the electrifying energy in the studio—full of hype, enthusiasm, and that undeniable swagger. Whether fueled by spirit or sheer talent, Tml Vibez cements his position as the next big voice in the street-pop scene, and ’s production only elevates the vibe, blending seamless beats that keep the energy high.

What’s striking is how authentically this track comes across, almost making you forget that it’s actually a homage to his mentor and label boss, . The influence of Seyi’s signature tone, songwriting style, and overall energy is apparent in every aspect of NSNV Vibe. The title, “NSNV” (No Seyi, No Vibe), is a direct nod to Seyi Vibez’s album of the same name, giving props to the street-pop scene’s originators while solidifying Tml Vibez as a key player in its future. Street-pop isn’t going anywhere, and with tracks like this, it’s only getting stronger.

2. “Reverse Back” — OluwaMillar feat. Mojo AF and Bayoo

These rappers aren’t really talking about driving or any kind of movement. and effortlessly spit multisyllabic rhymes in Yoruba, English and Pidgin English to vividly detail their coital skills and encounters and takes the hook. These aren’t things that please the Lord, but your babe won’t disapprove.

1. “Blessings (Alubarika)” — Shoday and Soundz

The absence of suffering and poverty brings and to sing about their easy lives and give thanks to their creator. Superficial as it may sound, they have something to be thankful for.

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