There’s a powerful cultural exchange that underpins Nigeria’s annual Homecoming Festival, which took place for the seventh time earlier this month. On the one hand, it welcomes artists and attendees from the African diaspora back ‘home’ to Lagos’ sprawling metropolis, but on the other it bridges local acts with the international musical community, spotlighting the vibrant sonic innovation taking place within the country.

“This year was really exciting because there’s so much crazy talent right now,” says Tsvetelina Tomova, creative producer and director of Homecoming’s live ‘playlist’ shows, which sees artists perform their biggest hits back-to-back just like a curated playlist. “From new voices like Valentino Rose and Zaylevelten, to alté icons like Lady Donli, Odunsi and Santi, and of course the heavyweights like Davido and Odumodublvck, It’s a dream to be able to bring together so many amazing artists on one stage in one night year after year.”

Indeed, at the heart of this curation is a dialogue between Nigeria’s diverse music scenes and genres further afield. Ikorodu’s Zaylevelten, for example, has already secured co-signs from recent Dazed cover star YT for his fusion of rage rap and Nigerian alté, incorporating both local slang and digital production pulled straight from the cutting-edge of the UK’s rap underground. Elsewhere, 21-year old rapper Deela arrives like Nigeria’s response to Ice Spice, sporting fearlessly sensual rap lyrics, infectious club rhythms and collaborations with American femme fatales Vayda and Flo Milli.

Below, Tomova and Homecoming Festival founder Grace Ladoja pick five acts from this year’s lineup who they believe are set to become breakout stars in 2025.

DEELA

Fresh off a collaboration with American plugg artist Vayda, Deela is a 21-year old Nigerian-British rapper from Lagos who is fusing cutting-edge sonics from both the US and Nigeria.

Tomova: We can’t get enough of her. Assertive, with razor sharp delivery. Bold and effortless. Building a fusion of trap and hip-hop, she draws inspiration from real-life experiences. Her confidence and clever lyrics really set her apart.

ZAYLEVELTEN

With co-signs from Dazed cover star YT, Zaylevelten is a rapper from Ikorodu, Lagos State who is bridging Nigeria’s afrobeats and alté scenes with the rage rap movement taking place in the UK and US.

Tomova: Brought grit and fire to the stage, so much raw energy. Co-signed by Cruel Santino, young and full of energy, he’s what the alté community needs right now.

VALENTINO ROSE

Valentino Rose is a rising pop and R&B artist from Delta State, Nigeria.

Tomova: Blew me away. I was so excited to hear her perform and had to do a double take when I heard her sound check. Like, who is she! She’s so young but her stage presence is already so grounded, and her voice was so steady and full.

RIGO KAMP

Born in Abuja and currently based in Lagos, Rigo Kamp is an energetic pop-disco singer recently signed to Teezee and Chubbziano’s Native Records. 

Tomova: He’s a whole movement. Fresh exciting new sound, full of energy, showcasing a unique blend of alté, R&B, funk, and soul sounds. Infectious performance. Reminds me of Lagos in 2018.

SMUR LEE

With the ODUMODUBLVCK-featured hit “JUJU” under her belt, 20-year old Port Harcourt-born rapper Smur Lee is fusing sensual afrobeats with gritty hip-hop.

Tomova: Literally scattered the crowd, a powerhouse from Port Harcourt who’s been making serious waves. Smur Lee has range and brings this gritty, genre-blending energy.

Check the gallery above for a closer look at Homecoming’s performances.