By Akosua Kasa 
FEMALE ARTISTS & GOSPEL STARS SHATTER EXPECTATIONS IN 2025’S MOST STREAMED LIST—WHERE ARE THE MEN?! The numbers are in, and they’ve rewritten the rules of Nigerian music. A leaked ranking of Nigeria’s “Top 20 Most-Streamed Artists on YouTube (Q1 2025)” has sent shockwaves through the industry, and the biggest revelation? Women and gospel artists are dominating like never before.
THE UNSTOPPABLE FEMALE TAKEOVER
Afrobeats’ golden boy Rema still sits atop the throne with 223M streams, but the real story? The women are closing in FAST.
–Ayra Starr (169M) isn’t just competing, she’s OUTSHINING legends, leaving Davido (113M) and Wizkid (102M) in a battle for scraps.
– Tems (98M) and Tiwa Savage (87M) aren’t far behind, proving that the future of Afrobeats isn’t just female—it’s FEMALE-DOMINATED.
But the most jaw-dropping twist? Gospel artists aren’t just in the mix they’re taking over.
THE GOSPEL REVOLUTION: HOLY STREAMS, UNHOLY NUMBERS
Who said gospel music doesn’t pull numbers? **These artists are rewriting history:**
– Mercy Chinwo (46.4M) out streaming secular heavyweights.
– Nathaniel Bassey (52.8M) quietly becoming a streaming titan.
– Moses Bliss (41.5M) proving miracles happen on YouTube too.
Did the industry underestimate their power? Or is this the start of a spiritual awakening in Nigerian music?
THE FULL LIST: SECRETS, SNUBS & SHOCKERS
Rema — 223M
Burna Boy — 171M
Ayra Starr — 169M
Davido — 113M
Wizkid — 102M
Omah Lay — 96.7M
Kizz Daniel — 67.9M
Ruger — 65.7M
CKay — 64.6M
Asake — 63.4M
Tems — 60.4M
Fireboy DML — 59.1M
Nathaniel Bassey — 52.8M
Oxlade — 52.4M
Tekno — 50.8M
Tiwa Savage — 45.3M
Mercy Chinwo — 46.4M
Victony — 42.5M
Moses Bliss — 41.5M
BNXN — 41M
THE BIGGER QUESTION: IS THIS THE END OF AN ERA?
With women and gospel artists surging, where does this leave the male superstars? Are they losing their grip—or is this just the beginning of a seismic shift?
Meanwhile, Nollywood actress and radio personality Omotunde Adebowale David popularly known as “Lolo 1” sparks fire with her take on morality, calling out sex work as a “collapse of values.” *Is she defending tradition—or refusing to evolve with the times?*
ONE THING IS CLEAR: 2025 isn’t playing by the old rules. The throne is up for grabs and the underdogs are rising.