There’s a certain feeling that comes with a really good R&B song. It’s the kind that makes you pause, replay a line, or suddenly find yourself thinking about someone you thought you were over. Nigerian R&B has always had a way of doing that, but lately, a new generation of artists are giving the sound a fresh kind of energy.
They’re not all making the same kind of music, and that’s what makes this moment exciting. Some are leaning into soulful melodies while others are bringing in Afropop, alternative R&B, hip-hop, and sounds rooted in their own backgrounds. They’re singing about love and heartbreak, but also about growing up, finding themselves, navigating relationships, and trying to make sense of life.
With their stories, influences, and ways of expressing themselves, these artists are showing us just how many ways Nigerian R&B can sound and feel. While they may still be finding their footing, their voices are already worth paying attention to.
9 Fresh Voices Redefining Nigerian R&B
Here are the new voices approaching Nigerian R&B from different directions. They may be at different stages of their journeys, but each is adding something different, helping to shape where Nigerian R&B is going next:
ru.
Born and raised in Abuja, Ruth Unde, known professionally as Ru, is steadily becoming one of the most compelling new voices in Nigeria’s alternative R&B and soul space. Her music sits comfortably between Afropop, soul, and alternative R&B, but what makes it stand out is the emotional honesty underneath it. It draws from personal experiences, faith, and everyday observations, turning them into songs that feel less like performances and more like open conversations. She was recently recognized as an Apple Music Africa Rising cover star.
Paul Akujor
The Lagos-born singer and songwriter has spent years developing a style influenced by the golden era of ’90s R&B, drawing inspiration from artists like Babyface, Usher, Chris Brown, and Boyz II Men. He takes those familiar R&B foundations and filters them through his own experiences as a Nigerian artist. Since releasing his debut single, “SuperHero,” in 2015, Akujor has continued to build his catalogue with songs including “Sweet,” “You Don’t Know,” “I’m Only Single Tonight,” “Waiting,” “STAY DOWN,” and “IT GETS BETTER.”
Smilesoundz
Smilesoundz, whose real name is Olade Philip Ogar, was born in Takum, Taraba State, and raised in Bekwarra, Cross River State. He brings indigenous Tiv and Bekwarra influences into modern music, creating a sound that connects contemporary Nigerian music with cultural roots that are rarely given enough space within mainstream R&B. Following the breakout success of his single “My DM,” he won Next Rated Artist of the Year at the Naijawaves Awards on November 25, 2023.
Gemma Ofili
Gemma Ofili is known for her emotional and rich delivery. With projects including “Through My Skin” and “A Journey of Love”, she occupies a calmer, more soulful corner of the Nigerian R&B landscape. There is something almost classical about her music. It moves at its own pace and gives emotion room to unfold. Her songs are a reminder that R&B does not always have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the quietest songs stay with people the longest.
Osé
The Nigerian-Canadian artist’s upbringing in Toronto and connection to her Nigerian roots naturally inform her music, giving her a perspective that exists between cultures. Her EP “Feels Like Home” captures this beautifully, bringing traditional soul sensibilities into conversation with modern Afrobeats. Her music feels familiar without being tied to one particular geography. It reflects the experience of a generation of African artists who have grown up moving between cultures and musical influences.
Ekene
At 24, Ekenedilichukwu Obiago simply called Ekene is already carving out a space within Nigerian R&B and alternative soul. The Lagos-based singer, songwriter, and producer blends soulful R&B, alternative soul, and Afrobeats in his music, which explores memory, identity, faith, vulnerability, and personal growth. His musical foundation began in church. Raised on gospel music and shaped by singing in choir, Ekene eventually found himself exploring rap, pop, and R&B before teaching himself guitar and continuing to experiment with his sound. His notable songs include “Lullaby,” “Red Benz,” “Feedback,” and “Plead Guilty.”
Nelly Ayla
At just 19, Nigerian-American singer and songwriter Nelly Ayla is one of the younger voices bringing a fresh perspective to the Afropop and R&B conversation. Born in Atlanta, raised in California, and connected to her Nigerian heritage, Ayla’s story already exists across several cultural landscapes. That perspective gives her music a natural sense of movement, with contemporary American influences meeting African identity. She officially introduced herself with “Hear Me Now” in July 2025, an Afropop record built around self-liberation and the decision to stop allowing outside expectations to dictate who you should become. She followed it with “Takey-Test” in December 2025, giving listeners another glimpse of her versatility.
Jamz FR
Born Olubukola Anita Jamgbadi Daniel Anazia, the Nigerian singer and songwriter first stepped into the commercial music scene with “Sober” in 2024. Since then, she has developed a sound that moves freely between Afropop, Afrobeats, contemporary R&B, and reggae-tinged melodies. She drew early inspiration from music icons like Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Asa. Growing up singing in a church choir and spending time in Benin City also helped shape her expressive approach to music. That combination of influences gives her room to move between upbeat records and more introspective songs without feeling like she is switching identities. Songs such as “Jamzy Vibe,” “Sober,” “Lose Ya,” and “Sticks & Stones” show different sides of that range. What makes Jamz FR exciting is that she does not seem interested in staying in one lane. Her music can make you dance, then turn around and make you sit with your feelings.
Odeal
Hillary Dennis Udanoh, known by his stage name Odeal, is a British singer and songwriter of Nigerian origin. He has developed a sound that connects the emotional depth of traditional R&B with rhythmic Afrobeats and a contemporary UK sensibility. He achieved widespread recognition with his single “Soh-Soh,” which was released in July 2024. The song climbed the UK Afrobeats and Billboard U.S. Afrobeats charts. Odeal was also named Billboard African Rookie of the Year on September 2, 2025, at the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event showing his massive global breakthrough.
