To celebrate Black History Month, we at Mido have compiled a comprehensive list of 43 Black musicians you should check out and add to playlists for year-round listening. This list includes indie artists, artists from smaller labels or with smaller followings, and some artists with larger followings who, in our opinion, could still have more attention. Whether or not you recognize these names, we hope you discover a new love or rediscover an old one.

Before launching into 2026, we'd like to reflect on the music of 2025—the melodies that accompanied us through our highs and lows, the live shows that left us starstruck, and the artists who inspired us. The Mido team listens to a wide range of genres and artists, which is why we've surveyed some of our members, asking them about their favorites from this year—the songs, concerts, and interviews. What has defined 2025 in our memories musically?