Though we’re only a few days into 2025, Apple is already eager to predict which music artists are likely to rise to prominence this year. The company’s insights are part of the Shazam Fast Forward 2025 initiative.
Apple analyzed the popular artists in the first five days of music recorded by users on Shazam, and its music editors also contributed their insights.
According to Apple, this forecasting method has shown effectiveness, although it can be challenging to establish a clear correlation when the company promotes a specific artist.
With over 300 million active users worldwide and more than 100 billion song recognitions since its inception, Shazam’s distinctive capability to forecast emerging artists is unmatched and has established itself as a trusted resource for both musicians and their fans throughout the years.
Last year’s list of predictions showcased a remarkable group of talent, with two-thirds of the featured artists reaching Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 in 150 nations, and one-third appearing on Shazam’s National charts across 46 countries. On average, compared to the previous year, the class of 2024 Predictions artists from Shazam experienced a +34% increase in song matches, +146% growth in Apple Music streams, and a +269% rise in radio spins.
Apple has revealed the first set of 10 artists out of 50, focusing on dance music for the initial day.
Today, Shazam launched “Shazam Fast Forward 2025,” its refreshed annual predictions list, highlighting 50 artists who are set to have a breakout year.
Each day, starting today and continuing through Friday, Shazam will disclose 10 artists, categorized into a variety of genres including Dance, Latin, Alternative, Rock, Country, Pop, and Hip-Hop/R&B. Music enthusiasts can explore an entirely new microsite to familiarize themselves with these up-and-coming artists, read their bios, and access playlists, or visit Shazam’s curator page on Apple Music for more information.
Apple notes that there are multiple signs indicating success for each artist.
Each artist included has demonstrated early signs of future growth, characterized by sustained momentum in Shazam activity, as well as discovery trends across various countries.
The 10 dance artists featured are listed below.
Prophecy
This Spanish DJ duo began making waves on Shazam in May 2023, gaining popularity in Romania and Argentina. Their collaborations with David Guetta on “Kill The Vibe” (their most popular track on Shazam) and Tiësto on “My City” helped them break into charts in Denmark, Hungary, and Croatia. Their top countries for Shazam engagement include the US, Germany, and Mexico, and they have reached Apple Music’s Top Dance Songs chart in over 50 nations, with nine of those being top 10 placements.Khathapillar
The South African Amapiano DJ was first recognized by Shazam in May 2024 within his home country. His standout track, “Diqabang,” which features collaborations with Sol Phenduka, Smash SA, and Kamoh Xaba, managed to remain on the South African Shazam chart for over five months throughout 2024.ALSO ASTIR
An electronic artist from North Macedonia, he made his Shazam debut in October 2022 in Greece. His most recognized song, “Forget,” propelled him to notable Shazam activity in July 2024. The US, Germany, and Brazil are his leading countries for Shazam recognition.Joe Hunt
This British Garage DJ gained popularity on Shazam starting in August 2024 in New Zealand. His peak track, “Up To No Good (Extended),” marked his inaugural appearance on the Shazam charts, enjoying several chart runs in both New Zealand and Great Britain.Marasi
The Greek DJ first hit Shazam in March 2023 while in the United Arab Emirates. His leading track “Opera” spent over six months on the Greek Shazam chart, reaching a peak position of No. 64. His primary countries for Shazam engagement are Greece, the US, and France.Nu-La
This British dance singer-songwriter made her Shazam debut in January 2023. Her top song on the platform features a collaboration with British DJ CHANEY, titled “Out of My Depth (feat. Nu-La).”Quentro
The Turkish DJ emerged on Shazam in June 2024 in Greece. As he prepared to launch his prominent track “Perreo,” song recognitions began to peak.TR3NACRIA
An Italian DJ trio who first gained traction on Shazam in April 2023 in the Netherlands. Their leading track “La Foule (feat. StereoKilla) [Le Monde Mix]” enjoyed extensive success, remaining on the French Shazam chart for over four months, peaking at No. 36 in March. They also hit the French chart this year with tracks “Le Vent Nous Portera” and “Intro.” Previously, TR3NACRIA spent over five weeks on the Greek Shazam chart in 2023 with their song “Sikulambele (feat. Lizwi).”VXSION
The Brazilian House DJ first popped up on Shazam in February 2023 while in Romania. His leading track, “Amana” featuring Maz, achieved remarkable success, remaining on the Greek Shazam chart for more than seven months and hitting a peak position of No. 35. Following the release of his remix of “Days Of The Week” by Flight Facilities, VXSION noticed a surge in song recognitions in July 2024.WITH U
This German Dance duo first gained popularity on Shazam in April 2024 in Israel. Their top song, “Karibu,” held a spot on the Italian Shazam chart for nearly five months, peaking at No. 33 in June 2024. July 2024 was particularly strong for the duo, coinciding with the release of their track “Alive” featuring Albert Breaker and Mohalizer.
Image: Apple
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