Every year brings a new wave of talented musicians ready to shake up the music world. These rising stars are gaining attention with fresh sounds, heartfelt lyrics, and standout performances. Whether you love pop, Afrobeats, country, or indie rock, 2025 has something exciting for everyone. Here are the new music artists to watch this year and why they’re making headlines.
Benson Boone – A New Pop Sensation
Benson Boone is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about pop artists of 2025. His emotional voice and powerful songwriting connect with fans across the globe. His hit song “Beautiful Things” took over social media and streaming platforms, earning him a Grammy nomination and a spot at Coachella. Benson’s music blends smooth pop with heartfelt lyrics, making it easy to relate to.
What makes Benson stand out is his natural stage presence and deep connection with his fans. His debut album, American Heart, is set to release this year and promises to deliver more of his soulful sound. If you enjoy emotional pop with a strong voice, Benson Boone is an artist to follow closely.
Lola Young – Raw Talent With Edge
Lola Young brings a mix of indie rock and pop with a strong voice and raw emotion. She performed at the 2025 Meltdown Festival and impressed crowds with her energy and honesty. Her songs like “Messy” show her fearless approach to music, where she talks openly about mental health, love, and self-discovery.
Lola’s music is powerful because it feels real. She doesn’t hide behind perfect lyrics or polished sounds. Instead, she shares her truth, and that honesty shines through. As she continues to release new music, she’s becoming one of the most promising indie artists of the year.
Kaestyle & Fola – Afrobeats’ Next Big Names
Nigeria continues to lead the Afrobeats movement, and artists like Kaestyle and Fola are part of the new wave. Kaestyle’s hit “My Dealer” featuring Omah Lay was one of 2024’s biggest Afrobeats tracks. His smooth voice and catchy rhythms make his songs perfect for dancing and radio.
Fola, another rising star, released the EP What A Feeling with tracks that mix Afro rhythms with soft emotional tones. His music speaks to love, hope, and heartbreak. Both artists were featured in Apple Music’s “Africa Rising” list, and they are set to make an even bigger impact in 2025.
Naledi Aphiwe & Uncle Waffles – Sounds of South Africa
South Africa is producing fresh music talent too. Naledi Aphiwe, just 19 years old, already has over 800,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Her music blends Afro-pop with strong vocals, and she recently won Pop Artist of the Year in her country.
Uncle Waffles is another standout—she’s a DJ and amapiano producer who went global with her song “Tanzania.” Her Coachella performance in 2023 helped her reach an international audience. Together, Naledi and Uncle Waffles represent the unique and exciting sound coming from South Africa.
Maddox Batson – Country Music’s Young Star
Maddox Batson might be only 15 years old, but he’s already making waves in country music. His song “Tears in the River” went viral on TikTok, gaining over 12 million streams. He’s now signed with Warner Records and made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in early 2025.
Maddox blends modern country with heartfelt lyrics and classic sounds. His young age doesn’t hold him back—he sings with emotion and depth beyond his years. Country fans are calling him the next big name in the genre.
Final Thoughts
These new artists show that music in 2025 is full of creativity, emotion, and global talent. From the soulful sounds of Benson Boone to the Afrobeat rhythms of Kaestyle and Fola, there’s something for every music lover. Keep your ears open—these rising stars are just getting started.