These 7 albums dominated 2025's music scene - are you listening?

2025’S MUSIC scene has been one for the books.

- NOMATHAMSANGA SITHATHU.

SHEKHINAH, Olivia Dean and Nanette are some of the R&B artists that delivered 2025 albums with great replay value and just the right words for those who resonate. Instagram

Something for every mood and moment. We gota bit of everything and more.From amapiano giants to R&B storytellers and global icons making a comeback, this year’s releases had range, heart and most importantly, real replay value.

Sure, we had more album drops, but these seven albums stood out for different reasons: the penmanship, the production, impact or how they shaped the conversations online and in real life.

These are the projects that truly defined 2025 in no particular order:

Shekhinah’s return was long-awaited and her album reminded everyone why she is one of the country’s most consistent storytellers.

Fans knew she would release her third project but what they didn’t know was when it would be released.

She returned with a lovely surprise drop, unveiling her new album Less Trouble ona random Friday in August.

The album is described as “a book on more heartbreak, but less heartache” and captures the idea of going in circles with love.

Shekhinah has always been open about the emotional highs and lows that come with relationships, and this project looks at those feelings with more softness.