As we approach the close of another eventful year, the Nigerian music industry is abuzz with energy and anticipation. In what has become a much-expected sprint towards December, known as “Detty December,” both established and upcoming stars are flooding the scene with fresh projects—albums, EPs, and surprise singles—each with hopes of dominating party playlists and airwaves during the festive season.
For music lovers in Nigeria and across the West African region, the sheer volume of new drops can quickly become overwhelming. Artists seemingly compete not only for chart dominance but also for listeners’ attention, making it harder to keep up, weigh the best new releases, and pick personal favourites. This fast-paced output is partly driven by market trends: according to industry tracking sources like TurnTable Charts, more than 60 new Nigerian singles are released weekly in the run-up to December—greater than any other period of the year.
To help you stay in the loop, we’ve curated a roundup of standout projects you might have missed in recent months. This selection cuts across Afrobeats icons, rising pop stars, and genre innovators, reflecting the diverse, evolving sound of Nigeria’s mainstream. Whether you follow every launch or dip in and out, these albums and EPs are gaining buzz—offering a mix of big names and hidden gems driving the continent’s contemporary music scene.
DJ Neptune – Greatness IV
Veteran DJ and producer DJ Neptune returns with ‘Greatness IV’, his latest ambitious effort in the widely acclaimed “Greatness” album series. Building on the momentum of ‘Greatness III’, which topped charts not just in Nigeria but across multiple African countries, Neptune’s new album demonstrates both growth and innovation.
As highlighted by Lagos-based music critic Nosakhare Okogie, “Neptune has a talent for weaving together collaborations that feel organic but ambitious.” The 14-track project is rich with features spanning Lagos to Accra—mixing Afrobeats, pop, and global influences. Each track offers a fresh angle, with guest artists bringing their unique perspectives, making the album both adventurous and tightly coordinated.
By constantly evolving his sound and collaborators, DJ Neptune continues to raise the bar for music production in West Africa. Local DJs note that tracks from Greatness IV are quickly becoming staples at parties and radio stations from Lagos Island to Kumasi.
Skales – Martina’s Son
With his latest album, Skales pays tribute to his late mother in a project titled Martina’s Son. For the seasoned singer, who shot to stardom in the last decade, this album represents a personal and professional homecoming. “This project is a love letter to my mum—it’s about gratitude, victory, and honour,” Skales recently shared during a radio interview in Abuja.
The year 2025 has marked a serious resurgence for Skales, with reports attributing his renewed reach to a viral football video featuring Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal dancing to his 2014 hit, Shake Body. This brought international recognition and reignited interest in his back catalogue.
Martina’s Son is more than a nostalgic nod; it’s a celebration of personal milestones amid adversity. The 16-track album is steeped in themes of resilience and joy, channeling a party energy that runs from the opening track to the final note. For Afrobeats fans, it’s a testament to Skales’ longevity, adaptability, and his ability to connect through storytelling.
Local music analysts observe that Skales has uniquely positioned himself to reach both an older audience who remembers his early days as well as a younger, global fan base discovering him now—making this album a cultural bridge of sorts within Nigeria’s fast-shifting music scene.
Pheelz X Fireboy – Peace by Piece
Among the season’s most anticipated collaborations is the joint EP Peace by Piece, uniting the acclaimed producer-turned-vocalist Pheelz and hitmaking superstar Fireboy DML. Both artists have consistently delivered music that captures both the vibrant ethos of Nigerian youth and the country’s expanding global footprint within Afropop.
Through this project, the duo blends highlife-inspired hooks, smooth harmonies, and up-tempo Afro-fusion rhythms—inviting listeners to the dancefloor while exploring deeper, personal themes. Local DJs at Lagos nightclubs report that singles from the EP are already enjoying heavy rotation, with fans praising the unique chemistry and sonic variety.
Iyanya – The Forester’s Son
Longtime Afrobeats favorite Iyanya makes a striking return with The Forester’s Son, a 10-track collection that balances sultry R&B ballads with vibrant grooves reminiscent of his chart-topping classics. The project underscores Iyanya’s reinvention, serving as a reminder of his vocal prowess and range within the modern music landscape.
Adekunle Gold – Fuji
When conversations turn to musical innovation, Adekunle Gold’s recent project Fuji inevitably enters the discussion. Rooted in traditional Fuji—famed for its signature drums, praise poetry, and spirited lyricism—Adekunle Gold’s album reinterprets the genre, infusing it with pop sensibilities and contemporary production.
In doing so, Adekunle Gold doesn’t aim to compete with Fuji purists but instead celebrates the genre’s deep cultural heritage. By introducing the iconic sounds of gan gan and sakara to a new generation, he encourages mainstream appreciation for a style often overlooked outside of street parties and festivals. This effort has won praise from local musicians and cultural critics, who argue that such projects are crucial for preserving Nigeria’s musical identity in a globalized era.
Bella Shmurda – Sanity
Popular for his street anthems and candid storytelling, Bella Shmurda returns with Sanity—a 16-track journey exploring his evolution as both an artist and individual. This album sees Bella fusing Afropop, Konto, Dancehall, Apala, and Hip Hop, reflecting a growing trend among young Nigerian musicians to transcend genre and experiment with fresh sounds.
According to Lagos street DJ Tunde Alabi, “Bella’s versatility means his sound speaks not just to the grassroots, but to fans everywhere.” Already, tracks from Sanity are resonating widely, especially among youth who seek music that mirrors their own challenges and aspirations.
Zaylevelten – Then 1t GOt Crazy
Rounding out the list is Zaylevelten with his new project Then 1t GOt Crazy. While details about the album remain relatively scarce, early reviewers and online fan forums point to its experimental approach and genre-blending nature, drawing influences from modern Afropop, alternative, and even elements of global dance music. Zaylevelten is quickly carving a distinct space for himself, prompting comparisons with avant-garde artists pushing the envelope in the Nigerian indie and alternative scenes.
Emerging stars like Zaylevelten reflect the maturing of Nigeria’s music ecosystem, where unconventional artists are finding audiences both at home and abroad. Music blogger Olamide Onikoya notes, “We’re seeing a wave of new voices who aren’t afraid to challenge expectations. The industry is richer and more dynamic because of it.”
Across Africa, and particularly within West Africa, the surge of end-of-year music releases has become tradition. This plays a vital role in not just driving record sales, but also shaping cultural conversations during the holiday period. Analysts at Music in Africa Foundation point out that Nigerian artists are increasingly collaborating with Ghanaian, Ivorian, and South African musicians—resulting in a vibrant cross-pollination of ideas and broader Pan-African appeal.
It’s important to also note the challenges: As output accelerates, standing out amidst fierce competition becomes harder—even for established stars. For emerging talents, discoverability remains a hurdle, and fans sometimes face “music fatigue” from the deluge of new content. Some industry professionals are calling for smarter algorithms and better curation to ensure quality projects don’t get lost in the noise.
Despite these obstacles, Nigeria’s music industry remains a powerhouse, fueling not only local entertainment economies but also playing an influential role in shaping African and global pop culture. As we move towards another vibrant Detty December, this explosion of creativity ensures Nigerian and West African artists remain at the forefront of the global soundscape.
Which of these new releases is on your Detty December playlist, and what are your predictions for the next big hit in Nigeria or West Africa? Drop your thoughts below, and don’t forget to stay tuned for more updates, music interviews, and in-depth features on the evolving African music scene.
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