The Afropean.com team is excited to be continuing our Best of…End of Year tradition in 2025. We have a few new names all up in the mix, too. Returning to the fold after a lengthy hiatus is prodigal sister, Abena Wariebi with her top picks for 2025. Happy New Year to our readers.

2025 was a whirlwind. That’s the best way I can put it. Given all of the good, the bad, and yes, even the painfully ugly moments, I’ve found peace, joy, and solace in music. Now, my playlist runs the gamut in terms of genre. A car ride with me may start with some Kelela, include a little Kodak, and end up with Kanda Bongo Man — I never cared! My musical palate reflects all parts of me, and allows me to feel and release both joy and pain, as well as just having an incredible time. As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of just how the background music to my life, so to speak, has set the tone. Here’s to the top 5 songs that have been the main character this season.

At number 5 I have London Summers by Odeal. This song just has that sort of rhythm and sound that immediately makes you want to hit up the girls for a night out; one that begins and ends with overpriced cocktails, mini dresses, and regretful heels. It’s smooth, it has a nice groove, it includes Odeal saying ‘that’s my obsession with you’… I mean let’s be real. Every summer needs a tune that makes you forget the worries of the day, let your hair down, and remember that all we really have is today and right now.

At number 4 we have Fall in Love by Tia Corine. I’ve been saying this all year because it’s true: only the rap girlies can heal me and I’m 100% convinced of that. This song is fun, it’s catchy, and it’s by one of my favourites in the game. The beat on this track is reminiscent of Amerie’s 2002 hit Why Don’t We Fall in Love?, which is truly all that was required to win me over. I still consider that to be the ultimate ‘start of summer, love is in the air’ anthem, and I will forever want to stroll that same block with those same shorts and heels one day.  In other words, Why Don’t We Fall in Love? is my kind of love song. I love the dichotomy of Corine talking about real and heavy feelings but in a rap song, over a trap beat, and using foul language because that’s all part of it anyways. Coining herself an Animé Trap rapper, Corine’s music certainly does blend that bubbly, playful sound with hard-hitting rap beats. A badass, if you will. 

Continuing on with the rap girlies, at number 3 I have On the Road by Elestee. When I discovered this song it was on repeat for days —and I do mean days — because learning the lyrics was mandatory. The moment she said, ‘Imagine me, I look good in a Cadillac’, I knew I’d found at least one new affirmation for my morning rotation. This song evokes such realness and grit. I absolutely related to the feeling of being close to having the life of your dreams, and that sense that it’s all just right around the corner. Hailing from Port Harcourt Nigeria, Elestee is putting the Nigerian rap girlies on the map and it’s something I for one am very excited to see. When I’m not playing this I’m also listening to her single with Ayra Starr called On the Low — come on, ladies!

At number 2 we have the song Palm Wine from the latest album, A Fine African Man by UK artist Knucks. Knucks has been one of my favourites for some time now (Cake went platinum in my household). In 2025 he is still delivering hits. Although heightening the FOMO I have about not being in Detty December this year, this song reminds me of enjoyment. It makes me imagine a pleasurable time with family and friends, good food, and a cold beverage like Malt to wash it all down. This song in particular stood out to me but the album is solid from start to finish, with some great features including Tiwa Savage, Blaqbonez, and KCee. 

At the number one spot I have Sweet Fanta Diallo by Alpha Blondy. Now, this song did not come out in 2025, or even in the past two or three decades for that matter. In fact, it came out in 1987 but made it to my most played nonetheless. (Thank you, Spotify Wrapped). This is because in January of this year my mother passed and this song is her in essence. Two days after her passing I found myself in her apartment, lying in a bed full of her things, and listening to the same three songs on repeat — this was one of them. I don’t think I even realised prior to that moment just how much music had played a role in my childhood, my upbringing and in all of the fond memories that I have. Sweet Fanta Diallo reminds me of every ‘hall party’ graduation cookout, or gathering just for the sake of gathering that made up the experiences of my youth. The warmth, the feeling of safety, and the presence of a mother and community. True to her essence, this song is light, happy-go-lucky, and honors an incredible woman. Sweet, Sweet Fanta Diallo.

As they say, ‘those were the days.’