As 2025 enters its final chapter, the Nigerian music scene is delivering its most powerful releases yet. This week's New Music Friday is a sonic feast, headlined by major album drops and star-studded collaborations designed to soundtrack the festive Detty December season.
Shallipopi's AURACLES Album Takes Center Stage
The undisputed headline of the week is the arrival of Shallipopi's third studio album, 'AURACLES'. The artist, known as Pluto Presido, has avoided any sophomore slump, presenting a project packed with an aggressive list of features. The album includes appearances from heavyweights like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Gunna, Swae Lee, Ruger, and Young Jonn.
Amidst this constellation of stars, one track is already generating massive buzz. 'Like That (Bomboclat)' featuring Wizkid stands out as a potential anthem. The song blends Amapiano log drums with spacey Afropop, showcasing Wizkid's now-legendary feature run in 2025. His verse is both effortless and luxurious, marking a standout moment on an album that could solidify Shallipopi's legacy.
Essential Tracks for Your Weekend Playlist
Beyond the album, individual tracks are poised to dominate airwaves and playlists. Here is a breakdown of the essential new songs you need to hear.
Kizz Daniel continues his consistent run with the new single 'Holy Romance'. Following the success of his 'Uncle K: Lemon Chase' EP, this track reinforces his philosophy of "love with no stress." It's a folk-inspired, mid-tempo record perfect for wedding receptions and late-night drives.
A major cross-border collaboration arrives with 'Shona Phatsi/On Da Floor' by CIZA, Mavo, ZVRI, Ney The Bae, and Smilo. This track sees Nigeria's viral sensation Mavo, recently named Billboard's African Rookie of the Month for November 2025, join forces with South African Amapiano royalty CIZA. The result is a high-energy floor filler.
Tolani, carving her own path distinct from her famous surname, teams up with producer-artist Pheelz on 'Punish You'. The song is part of her new album 'Sh!t I Never Finished' and is a compelling R&B-Afrobeats hybrid centered on heartbreak, featuring Tolani's smoky vocals against Pheelz's energetic production.
From the Mavin Records camp, Elestee and Ayra Starr collaborate on 'On a Low'. This track has all the makings of a viral TikTok sound, engineered for choreography with Ayra Starr's gritty melodies blending seamlessly into Elestee's laid-back flow.
The collaborative track 'OTS' (Omo to shan) by Tml Vibez, Minz, and Efosa offers a moody alternative. It fuses Afro-R&B with brooding drill elements, starting with a slow dancehall intro before dropping into a bass-heavy groove.
Duncan Mighty makes a notable return by linking up with Tiwa Savage for 'Be Happy'. Serving as a prelude to his upcoming homecoming concert, the song finds Tiwa Savage exploring a fusion of highlife and gospel, delivering a timely message of gratitude as the year ends.
For the music purists, Grammy-nominated producer Damie and folk musician Dolapo Martins offer 'Come Back'. Heavily inspired by Fela Kuti's "Lady," it's a horn-heavy, intricate masterclass in modern Afro-fusion.
A transatlantic connection is made on 'SKILLS' by KJ Spio, NSG, and Fave. This smooth party starter bridges London and Lagos, with Fave's silky vocals balancing the street-smart verses from UK collective NSG.
Finally, Berri Tiga closes the list with the relatable 'Aura 4 Aura'. The title references the Nigerian slang for "energy for energy." It's a catchy, dramatic song about demanding reciprocity and cutting off fake friends, perfectly timed for the year's end reflections.
Setting the Tone for a Musical December
This week's releases demonstrate the Nigerian music industry's strength and diversity as it heads into the peak festive period. From global collaborations and viral-ready hits to sophisticated fusions and relatable anthems, these ten tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for the celebrations ahead. Whether you're looking for the biggest party starters or more reflective sounds, this New Music Friday has something for every listener gearing up for Detty December.
