What connects these artists isn’t genre or geography — it’s intention. 2025 showed how diverse, ambitious, and future-focused Ethiopian artists have become across the diaspora — each contributing something distinct to the broader music landscape. (Getty Images)
Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff
Updated: December 2025
New York (TADIAS) — As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a look at the artists whose music shaped the year — not by volume or virality, but by the clarity of their vision and the quality of their work. Across genres, Ethiopian American creators released projects that pushed their craft forward, expanded their audiences, and added new textures to the year’s musical landscape.
From intimate live recordings to bold new albums and standout performances, these are the sounds that left a lasting mark on 2025.
Mereba — A New Chapter of Depth and Detail
With The Breeze Grew a Fire, Mereba delivered one of the most emotionally resonant albums of the year. Blending soul, folk, and alternative R&B, she created a work that feels both grounded and expansive. The project drew critical praise for its textured production and reflective songwriting — a testament to Mereba’s evolving artistic mastery.
Kelela — A Live Experience Reimagined
Kelela’s In The Blue Light, recorded at New York’s iconic Blue Note, brought a new dimension to her sound. The live arrangements — warm, organic, and intricately layered — offered fresh interpretations of her catalog. Coupled with an accompanying documentary, the project expanded her presence at the intersection of electronic and experimental R&B.
Chxrry22 – A Rising Force With Global Reach
2025 was a defining year for Chxrry22. Coming off international tour dates and the momentum of earlier releases, she continued to carve her lane with a confident blend of R&B and pop. Her latest single and standout performances positioned her as one of the most exciting emerging voices on the global stage.
Wayna — A Triumphant Return With New Music & A Lincoln Center Spotlight
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Wayna made a powerful return this summer with a new album and a full house performance at Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City festival. The show marked a milestone moment — combining theatrical staging, live instrumentation, and Wayna’s signature blend of soul, jazz, and storytelling.
Her new project, shaped by themes of resilience and artistic rebirth, reintroduced her voice with renewed depth and vision. The performance and album together reaffirmed Wayna as one of the most expressive and enduring artists of her generation. (Read the full Tadias feature for more: Wayna Live at Lincoln Center.)
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) – Closing a Trilogy With Cinematic Ambition
Superstar The Weeknd continues to push artistic boundaries with his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, the concluding chapter in his musical trilogy. His new video for “Red Terror” has sparked conversation, drawing inspiration from historical themes while maintaining his signature cinematic storytelling.
Why This Moment Matters
Beyond genre or geography, 2025 highlighted Ethiopian artists whose vision and creativity are shaping the future of music worldwide.
These artists share more than talent — they share intention. This year showcased how diverse, ambitious, and forward-focused Ethiopian musicians have become across the diaspora, each contributing something distinct to the broader music landscape.
Their work reflects a creative community that continues to evolve, experiment, and inspire. And as we head into a new year, the momentum is unmistakably growing.
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More Year-End Highlights Coming Soon: Stay tuned as Tadias reflects on the stories, artists, and innovators who shaped 2025 — and the voices leading us into 2026.
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