A Recap of the Charts and Screens in the Last Week of May
Africa's entertainment scene is experiencing a golden moment and the final week of May 2025 was pure proof. From church altars and dancefloors to global red carpets and blockbuster premieres, African music and movies continue to captivate audiences across the world. This past week alone delivered chart-topping Afrobeats bangers, soul-stirring Nigerian gospel songs, and critically acclaimed African films making headlines at Cannes and cleaning up at the AMVCAs.
In both sound and cinema, Africa is not just showing up — it’s showing out. Whether you’re a casual listener, a movie junkie, or a cultural connoisseur, here’s everything you need to know about the most talked-about African songs and movies from the last week of May 2025. Grab your earbuds and popcorn and let's go.
Top Songs
1. “My Darling” by Chella
The breakout hit that turned TikTok on its head, "My Darling" racked up over 2 million user-generated videos in days. It’s sitting pretty on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart and Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100. With a sweet melody and streetwise hook, Chella has officially arrived.
2. “Baby (Is It a Crime)” by Rema
Rema’s genre-bending brilliance shines again in this smooth, jazzy track, sampling Sade’s timeless magic. Already boasting 18 plus million streams, it’s a cool, reflective jam for those late-night drives and introspective mornings.
3. “Pity This Boy” by Odumodublvck
The Abuja-bred lyricist delivers another gritty street sermon. Vulnerable yet fierce, this song is rapidly becoming a street pop classic, clocking serious streaming numbers in Nigeria and beyond.
4. “No Turning Back (I Have Decided)” by Gaise Baba
A modern gospel jam with Amapiano spice, Gaise Baba reimagines the classic hymn for a new generation. With the new “No Turning Back II” remix featuring Lawrence Oyor, this song has become a TikTok and YouTube worship favorite regardless of how much it's been criticised by a handful of religious leaders.
4. "We Will Be Many" by Sounds of Salem
This song is one of the best Nigerian gospel songs of May 2025 by Sounds of Salem featuring Lawrence Oyor and Moses Okoh. It is a declaration of identity and kingdom purpose. The rich harmonies and powerful lyrics have made it a staple in youth gatherings and church playlists across the country.
5. “E Dey Flow” by Moses Bliss
Featuring an all-star gospel crew including Neeja and Chizie, this upbeat track is the holy version of a party jam joyfully proclaiming God’s blessings with every beat.
6. "Adun" by Sunmisola Agbebi
To be honest, this love song proclaiming how much one bonds with a lover who determines everything is a perfect blend of soft vocals (including her husband's), beautiful and intoxicating lyrics with pacy high life beats.
Top Movies
1. "My Father’s Shadow" by Akinola Davies Jr.
The is the first Nigerian film in Cannes’ Official Selection in 2025. This cinematic masterpiece takes us to 1993 Nigeria as two brothers reconnect with their estranged father amidst political unrest. It earned a special mention for the Caméra d’Or, cementing Nigeria’s position on the global film map.
2. "Aisha Can’t Fly Away"
This movie is a North Africa's gem. It's a haunting, beautifully shot film that tackles themes of displacement, womanhood, and hope. Hailing from Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, and beyond, it’s one of the top African films at Cannes 2025.
3. "Osamede" by James Omokwe
This epic fantasy-historical drama, based on the Benin Kingdom’s resistance to colonial invasion, premiered at the Cannes Film Market. Fans of Afrocentric lore and high-stakes adventure, this is your film.
4. "Freedom Way" by Blessing Uzzi
It is an action thriller film, named Best Film at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. This gripping story of personal transformation is both raw and resonant.
5. "Suky" by Ola Cardoso
Exploring Nigeria’s underground Dambe boxing scene, this gritty action drama is available now on Amazon Prime Video. It’s Nollywood’s own "Creed" with fists, heart, and heritage. Featuring James Damilare (Suky) who is torn between vengeance and saving a life, you'll be kept on the edge of your seat all through.
The final days of May 2025 showed us, once again, that Africa is not just playing the game: we’re setting the standard. From Afrobeats viral hits and worship anthems that break you down in praise, to African movies getting Cannes claps and Nollywood films breaking box office records, there’s no denying it: this is Africa’s time and our influence is felt globally.
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