In recent times, African music is well appreciated and accepted even beyond Africa. Musicians such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Angelique Kidjo and Rema are well known for their contributions to the music industry as well as making the entire African continent proud.
Some of these artists redefining African have collaborated with numerous international artists to promote the African culture through their music. Take a look at some African musicians that are making waves both locally and internationally. This list is in no particular order.
20 Best African Musicians in Africa
1. Angelique Kidjo (Beninese)
- Full name: Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo
- Nick Name: Angélique Kidjo
- Date of birth: 14 July 1960
- Place of birth: Benin
- Age: 64 years old
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, actress
- Genres: Afropop, Afrobeat, reggae, world fusion, gospel, Latin, jazz
- Nationality: Beninese
- Years active: 1982-present
- Record Label: Island, Mangnom PolyGram, Columbia, Razor & Tie, 429
The 64-year-old Beninese native has been in the African music scene for more than three decades now. Known for being versatile in several genres like Afrobeat, reggae, and jazz, Kidjo has explored several African languages including French.
Aside from recording over 15 albums, the Grammy award-winning singer has recorded songs for movies, TV shows, and documentaries. She has also attained international recognition and has earned a spot as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Selected Awards won by Angelique Kidjo
- Danish Music Awards: Best Female Singer (Denmark, 1995)
- Kora Music Awards: Best African Female artist(Africa, 1997)
- Mobo Awards for Best World Music Act (UK, 2002)
- Africa Festival Award(Germany, 2006)
- 4X Grammy Award winner for Best World Music Album (2020, 2016, 2015, 2008)
- Afropop Hall of Fame (2009)
- Commander of the National Order of Benin (Benin, 2008)
- Go Global World Music Award (Denmark, 2008)
- Crystal Award (2015)
- Ambassador of Conscience Award (2016)
- Celebrating Women Award from the New York Women’s Foundation (USA, 2009)
- Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2010)
- On April 3, 2022, Angelique’s Mother Nature wins “Best Global Music Album” at the 64th Grammy award
- On September 4, 2022, Kidjo was inducted into the Headies Hall Of Fame
2. Wizkid (Nigerian)
- Full name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
- Nickname: Wizkid (Starboy), Big Wiz
- Date of birth: 16 July 1990
- Place of birth: Surulere Lagos, Nigeria
- Age: 34 years old
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B hip hop, pop
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2001-present
- Record Label: Starboy Entertainment, RCA
Ever since Wizkid started his music career in 2001, he has collaborated with quite a number of both foreign and local artists. He achieved international recognition following his collaboration with famed singe Drake on the hit single, One Dance. the song topped the U.S Billboard Hot 100 as well as other charts in more than 14 countries.
Having broken multiple records, his collaboration with Drake made him the first artist to appear in the Guinness World Records. Also, in 2019, he was featured in Beyonce’s project The Lion King: The Gift on the single Brown Skin Girl. That also won him an Award Grammy for Best Music video.
Wizkid’s fourth album Made in Lagos was well-received upon its release in 2020. The album reached number one on the Billboard World Album Chart and the single Essence which featured Tems, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the top ten after the remix was released by Justin Bieber.
With over 3.4 billion views on Spotify, Wizkid is currently regarded as the most streamed Nigerian artist of all time on the music app.
The Lagos-born artist has set himself apart and has continued to make great success while making history. His distinct music style and flow have gained him a spot as one of the musicians redefining Africa at the moment. He was cited as one of the top 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine in 2019.
Famous Songs
- Holla at Your Boy (2010)
- Love My Baby (2011
- Jaiye Jaiye (2013)
- Come Closer ft Drake (2017)
- Made in Lagos (Album, 2020)
- Essence ft. Tems and Justin Beiber (2021)
- Call Me Every Day (Chris Brown ft Wizkid)
- B. d’Or (Burna Boy Ft Wizkid)
- Mood ft Buju (2022)
Some of His Awards
- 3x BET Awards
- 3x Soul Train Awards
- 3x Billboard Awards
- 3x iHeartRadio Music Awards
- MOBO Awards
- Most awards artists in the Headies award history
- 7x AFRIMA Awards
- Wizkid is the only Nigerian with the most certified songs in CV
3. Burna Boy (Nigerian)
- Full name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
- Nickname: Burna Boy
- Date of birth: 02 July 1991
- Place of birth: Port Harcourt
- Age: 33 years old
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, Record producer
- Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B, pop
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2010-present
- Record Label: Atlantic
Burna boy became a household name in the early 2010s as one of the fastest-rising Afro-beat stars. His most recent album Love, Damini, became the highest debut of an African album on billboards in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France upon its release in July 2022.
Burna Boy is the first Nigerian to have back-to-back nominations at the Grammys. His first Grammy nomination was for his 2019 album, African Giant. His music is mainly pop and afrobeat but also has afro-fusion, incorporating four genres.
Famous Songs
- Like to Party (2012)
- Run My Race (2012
- Check and Balance(2014)
- The Realest (2015)
- Mandem Anthem (2016)
- Streets of Africa (2017)
- On the Low (2018)
- Pull Up (2019)
- Monsters You Made (2020)
- Want It All (2021)
- Last Last (2022)
- For My Hand (2022)
Awards and nominations
- South-South Music Awards (2013)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2013)
- African Musik Magazine Awards (2020)
- Grammy Awards(2020)
- Brit Awards nomination (2020)
- BET Awards (2020)
- Edison Award (2020)
- MOBO Awards (2020)
- Global Music Awards Nomination Africa (2021)
- BET Awards (2021)
- Grammy Awards nomination (2022)
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4. Davido (Nigerian)
- Full name: David Adedeji Adeleke
- Nickname: Davido, OBO
- Date of birth: 21 November 1992
- Place of birth: Surulere Lagos, Nigeria
- Age: 31 years old
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer
- Genres: Afrobeats, Afropop, pop, electropop
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2009-present
- Record Label: DMW, HKN, Sony Music Africa, RCA
Davido dropped out of Oakwood University in the United States to pursue his dreams. His decision soon paid off after he started gaining prominence. His first album Omo Baba Olowo skyrocketed him to fame.
After winning the Headies Next Rated award in 2012, Davido went ahead to become the first solo African artist to sell out the 02 Arena in 2019. His collaboration with Chris Brown on the track Blow My Mind and the video of the song amassed one million views in 11 hours. He became the first Nigerian to achieve that in such a short time.
Famous Songs
- Dami Duro (2011)
- All of You (2012)
- Globe (2013)
- Skelewu (2013)
- Aye (2014)
- The Sound ft Uhuru and DJ Buckz (2015)
- If (2017)
- Fall (2017)
- Blow My Mind ft, Chris Brown(2019)
- Risky (2019)
- Jowo (2020)
- A better Time (2021)
- Stand Strong (2022)
Awards and Nominations
- Kora Awards: Best Newcomer Award (2012)
- BET Awards: Best International Act: Africa (2014)
- Ben YV Awards: Music Video of the year (2014)
- Dynamix All Youth Awards: Promising Youth Artiste (2011)
- African Muzik Magazine Awards: Best Male West Africa (2014)
- MTV Africa Music Awards: Best Male (2014)
- 3x World Music Awards nominations
- Chanel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Newcomer Video of the Year (2012)
- NMVA: Best Afro Pop Video (2014)
5. Nasty C (South African)
- Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
- Nickname: Nasty C
- Date of birth: 11 February 1997
- Place of birth: Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Age: 27 years old
- Occupation: Rapper, actor, singer, record producer
- Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B, pop
- Nationality: South African
- Years active: 2013-present
- Record Label: Universal Music Africa, Def Jam Recording Africa, Tall Racks Records, Def Jam
The South African rapper and record producer, Nasty C became the youngest recipient of an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards the Best Freshman Award. He gained global recognition after he signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records and released the song There They Go.
His songs have topped charts such as the Billboard chart. After the release of his single Best I Ever I Had he received three nominations for Songwriter of the Year, Best Male Artist in Southern Africa, and Best African Rapper/Lyricist. He was also ranked third on MTV Base: SA’s Hottest MCs list.
Awards and Nominations
- South African Hip Hop Awards 2015
- 16th Metro FM Music Awards 2017
- SAMAs 27 2017
- MTV Africa Music Awards 2021
6. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzanian)
- Full name: Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack
- Nickname: Diamond Plantnumz
- Date of birth: 2 October 1989
- Place of birth: Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Age: 34 years old
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, dancer, businessman
- Genres: Bongo Flava, Afro-pop, Afrobeats, Soukous
- Nationality: Tanzanian
- Years active: 2009-present
- Record Label: WCB Wasafi, Warner Music Group, Warner Music South Africa
Diamond Platnumz is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Record Label, Wasafi Media. He is very famous in East and Central Africa. Upon his career success in the music industry, Platnumz became the first Africa-based artist to reach a combined total of one billion views on YouTube.
His breakthrough hit single Kamwambie, won him three Tanzania Music Awards. He then earned a nomination for BET Awards 2014 for Best International Act: Africa.
As one of the most decorated music artists in East and Central Africa, Diamond Platnumz has collaborated with several artists such as Zuchu, David, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Vanessa Mdee, and Adekunle Gold.
Famous Songs
- Kamwambie (2010)
- Wivuwivu (2010)
- Love You Die (2017)
- African Beauty ft Omario (2018)
- Eneka (2018)
- Number One (2018)
- Wasted Energy (Alicia Keys ft Diamond, 2020)
- Naanzaje (2021)
Awards and Nominations
- Afro X Digital Awards: Music Video of the Year (2021)
- WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards: African Video of the Year, Best African Combo Video, Best African Male Video (2016)
- Channel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Newcomer, Most Gifted East, Most Gifted Afro Pop (2014)
- HiPipo Music Awards: East Africa Superhit, Quinquennial Africa Music Vanguard Award, Africa Song of the Year
7. Sarkodie (Ghanaian)
- Full name: Michael Owusu Addo
- Nickname: Sarkodie
- Date of birth: 10 July 1988
- Place of birth: Tema, Ghana
- Age: 36 years old
- Occupation: rapper
- Genres: Hip hop, Hiplife, Afrobeat
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Years active: 2005-present
- Record Label: Sarkcess Music, Dunwills Entertainment
Sarkodie is one of the best musicians in Ghana. He has not only made an impact in his home country but internationally as well. His music is usually in English and also his native language. This led to him becoming the first to win BET’s Best International Flow artist in 2019. Reports say he has maintained the spot of the most-awarded African rapper for a while now.
Famous Songs
- When I Grow Up (2012)
- Sark Nation (2014)
- Sarkology (2014)
- Who Da Man (2017)
- Overdose (2017)
- Oofeetso (2019)
- Adonai (2021)
- Rollies and Cigars (2021)
Awards and Nominations
- African Artiste of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
- 5x The Headies Awards for Best African Artiste (2013, 2016)
- Best International Act: Africa (2012, 2019)
- MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Hip Hop (2014)
- EMY Best Entertainer (2016)
- Part of the top 10 Ghanaian rappers of all time
- African Entertainment Awards USA for Best Hip Hop Artist (2013)
- International Reggae and World Music Awards for Best Virtual Showcase/concert
8. Octopizzo (Kenya)
- Full name: Henry Ohanga
- Nickname: Don Papichulo, Octopizzo
- Date of birth: 30 April 1983
- Place of birth: Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
- Age: 41 years old
- Occupation: rapper, businessman
- Genres: Hip-Hop Rap
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Years active: 2009-present
- Record Label: Octopizzo music, Papichulo music
The talented Kenyan rapper and activist, Octopizzo is known for his style of music. His Music usually addresses issues of poverty, tribal wars and urban struggle. The award-winning artist grew up in one of the greatest slums in the world in Kibera, Nairobi.
He has pursued his music career earnestly in Kenya and beyond. His three albums, Chocolate City, LDPC, and Refugeenius have featured several people including refugees from Kakuma & Dadaab Refugees from Kenyan camps.
His two albums Chocolate City and LDPC retained the number spot on Itunes during the first week of their release. He is now famous globally for his strong passion for community outreach and youth empowerment.
Aside from his music, Octopizzo has a non-profit organization which he started in 2015. Through the organization, he has supported vulnerable youths through art and music.
Octopizzo has performed on big stages and has partnered with UNHCR to help the youths in the slums of Kenya. In 2015, he was cited as one of the most influential personalities and was ranked 16th globally as one of the top voices on refugee matters.
Octopizzo was nominated in four categories for the 2022 Grammy awards, if he wins the award, he would be the first Kenyan to ever receive a Grammy award.
Famous Songs
- Utanisho 2016
- Pull Up 2017
- Terga Gang 2017
- Level Up 2018
- Red Namba Plate 2018
- Warrior 2022
- Mabadiliko 2022
- Sparkle 2022
- Tom Mboya 2022
Awards and Nominations
- 2012 Coastal Nzumari Awards-Best Male Artist
- 2012 Kisima Awards nomination Artist of the Year
- 2x considered for Grammy awards
- Nominated in four categories in the 2022 Grammy Awards
9. Yemi Alade(Nigeria)
- Full name: Yemi Eberechi Alade
- Nickname: Yemi Alade
- Date of birth: 13 March 1989
- Place of birth: Abia State, Nigeria
- Age: 35 years old
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Genres: Afropop, R&B,
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2005-present
- Record Label: Effyssie Music Group, Rebel Movement, Universal Music Africa
Yemi Alade has been regarded as one of Africa’s richest and most successful music stars. Both locally and internationally, Alade is a well-celebrated musician.
Having debuted in 2005, she became the first female to win MTV African Music Awards (2015). The following year, she broke another record by winning the same year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiksLypJ7OB/
The singer has garnered several awards and nominations and her career has been in the spotlight ever since. Besides being the 2ndNigerian and first female singer to gain 100 million views in only a song on YouTube, the Nigerian superstar broke history by becoming the first female artist in Africa to have the most viewed music video.
The Abia state-born Nigerian singer has collaborated with several artists in and out of Africa. Some of them include Angelique Kidjo, Kritzbeatz, Beyonce, and quite a number of others.
Notable Songs and Albums
- Oh My Gosh ft Rick Ross(2019)
- Jonny (2014)
- Tangerine (2014)
- Kissing (2014)
- Africa (2016)
- Na Gode(2016)
- Empress (2020)
- Kings of Queens(2015Album)
- Mama Africa (The Diary of an African Woman (2016 album)
- Woman of Steel (2019 album)
Yemi Alade’s Awards and Nominations
- 4x the headies Awards for HipHop World Revelation of the Year 2015, Best performer 2017, 2018 and 2018
- Female Artist of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2015)
- Independent Music Awards (2016)
- 2x MTV African Music Awards for Best Female (2015,2016)
- 2x All Africa Music Awards for Best Female Artiste(2018)
- All Africa Music Awards: Best Female in Western Africa (‘2015
10. Rema (Nigeria)
- Full name: Divine Ikubor
- Nickname: Rema, Remmy Boy
- Date of birth: 13 May 2000
- Place of birth: Benin City
- Age: 24 years old
- Occupation: musician, singer, rapper
- Genres: Afrobeats, Afrorave
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2013-present
- Record Label: Jonzing World, Marvin
Rema started singing and rapping while he was still in secondary school. He got his first record deal in 2018 after he shared a freestyle of D’Prince’s track Gucci Gang on Instagram. D’Prince later signed him under his record label, Jonzing World.
He first appeared on a billboard chart in July 2022 with his hit track Woman and it reached No.15 on the World Digital Song Sales. Also his song Calm Down(featuring Selena Gomez) currently dabbles between 19-11 on the Billboard Global Exclusive US chart with 39.3 million streams.
The Benin-boy artist has also maintained a consistent presence on Billboard’s U.S Afrobeats Songs chart. Since he started topping the billboard chart, he has logged 12 entries. His song Calm Down has earned him his first No.1 on the ranking.
One of his songs was included in the FIFA 21 soundtrack in September 2020.
Notable Songs and Albums
- Dumebi 2019
- Why 2019
- Corny 2019
- American Love 2019
- Bad Commando 2019
- Ginger Me 2020
- Woman 2020
- Calm Down 2022
- Calm Down remix ft Selena Gomez
Awards and Nominations
- 2019 The Headies-Next rated Award
- 2019 City People Music Awards
- 2019 BET Awards
- 2021 African Entertainment Awards USA-Song of the Year nomination
11. Slapdee (Zambian)
- Full name: Mwila Musonda
- Nickname: Slapdee
- Date of birth: 27 April 1987
- Place of birth: Zambia
- Age: 37 years old
- Occupation: Rapper, record producer, businessman
- Genres: Hip hop
- Nationality: Zambia
- Years active: 2006-present
- Record Label: XYZ Entertainment, Kalandanya Music Promotions
Born in 1987, Slapdee is not just a singer but also a record producer and entrepreneur. He made his music debut in music in 2006. His success in music led to his global fame and that made him the most searched Zambian musician on Google in 2017.
He has used his fame to support several causes including orphanages and children’s hospitals in Zambia. He has also been featured on CNN, African Voices CHANGEMAKERS as an influencer.
Famous songs
- Kuli Chaila 2012
- No Wonder 2017
- Lituation 2018
- Teti 2020
- Savuka 2020
- Midnight in Matero 2021
Awards and nominations
- MTV Africa Music Awards
- 6 Sun FM Kwacha Music Awards
- 1st Zambian rapper to win Ngoma Awards
- 2009 – Best Hip Hop Artist at the Ngoma Music Awards
- 2009 – Best Male in Southern Africa at the AFRIMM Awards
- 2009 – Best Male and Hip Hop Artist at the Zambia Music Awards
- Best Male Southern Africa at the AFRIMM Awards
- 2016 – Best Hip Hop Album at the Zambia Music Awards
- 2017 – Best Hip Hop Song at the Sun Fm Kwacha Music Awards
12. 2baba (Nigerian)
- Full name: Innocent Ujah Idibia
- Nickname: Tubaba, 2face
- Date of birth: 18 September 1975
- Place of birth: Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
- Age: -6068 years old
- Occupation: Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur
- Genres: Afrobeats, R&B, Hiphop, reggae, Afropop
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 1994-present
- Record Label: Hypertek Digital
Nigerian artist, 2baba became very popular in the early 2000s in the Nigerian music scene after the release of his solo debut album Face2Face. He became the first winner of MTV EMA Best African Act in 2005 and is currently one of the most awarded Nigerian musicians histories.
He earlier began his career in the defunct Plantashun Boiz but has won more awards as a solo artist. In 2010, he emerged as the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced international album.
2Baba is part of the Sony All African One8 Project alongside seven other musicians across Africa. He has worked with so many international artists to promote African culture.
The Plateau-born artist has also partnered with several international bodies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other NGOs like The Nigerian RedCross Society.
2Baba has received quite a number of awards in his music career. He is now regarded as one of the most iconic musicians in Africa with worldwide recognition.
Famous Songs
- African Queen 2004
- Nfana Ibaga 2004
- One Love 2006
- True Love 2006
- 4 Instance 2006
- Enter the Place 2007
- Warriors 2020
- The Ascension 2014
- Away & Beyond 2012
- The Unstoppable 2009
Awards and Nominations
- MTV Europe Music Award
- One World Music Award
- 5 Headies Awards
- 4 Channel O Music Video Award
- MOBO Award
- 3 Afrima Awards
13. Sho Madjozi
- Full name: Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif
- Nickname: Sho Madjozi
- Date of birth: 9 May 1992
- Place of birth: Limpopo, South Africa
- Age: 32 years old
- Occupation: rapper, poet, actress
- Genres: Gqom, afropop, hip-hop
- Nationality: South African
- Years active: 2017-present
- Record Label: Epic
The 32-year-old rapper started her career on TV before she released her debut studio album in 2018. She was named by Forbes magazine amongst the 30 under 30 creatives category list for her contribution to music. She was on the list alongside A-list musicians like Burna Boy and Thando Thabethe.
Madjozi appeared on the global music platform COLORS in August 2019 where she had the rare opportunity to perform her famous song, John Cena. The song was inspired by the famous professional wrestler, John Cena. Most of her songs have topped several south African chats and some have trended in regions and made two-million views on music platforms.
Famous Songs
- Dumi HipHone 2017
- Probleme 2018
- John Cena 2019
- What a Life 2020
Awards and Nominations
- 2019 South African Music Awards-Best Music Video Nomination
- 2019 South African Music Awards-Female Artist of the Year
- 2019 South African Music Awards-Best Newcomer
- 2019 AFRIMA Nomination
- 2019 BET Awards-Best New International Act
- 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA
- 2021 South African Music Award- Best Traditional Music Album
14. Khaligraph Jones
- Full name: Brian Ouko Omolio
- Nickname: Khaligraph Jones
- Date of birth: 12 June 1990
- Place of birth: Kayole Nairobi, Kenya
- Age: 34 years old
- Occupation: rapper, songwriter, emcee
- Genres: Gqom, afropop, hip-hop
- Nationality: South African
- Years active: 2013-present
- Record Label: Blue Ink
Khaligraph Jones gained international recognition after he won Channel O Music Videos Awards in 2009. He also won the Best Rap Act of 2018 after the release of his debut studio album. In January 2020, he was named the best Hip Hop t at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
In May 2021, Jones was named the East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda.
Famous Songs
- I Still Will 2020
- Tuma Kitu 2020
- Lwanda Magere Legacy 2020
- Kwendaa!! 2020
- Wavy ft Sarkodie (rapper) 2021
- Punguza Kasheshe 2021
- CHAMPEZ 2021
Awards and Nominations
- Channel O Music Video Awards Emcee Africa in 2009.
- Best Rap Act of the Year at African Muzik Magazine Awards 2018 (Afrimma).
- Best Hip Hop Act at the Soundcity MVP Awards (2018)
- East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda (2021).
- 2022 Best Male Rat Act in East Africa
15. Bontle Smith (South African)
- Full name: Bontle Mabotlhale Smith
- Nickname: Bontle Smith
- Date of birth: 1st April 1990
- Place of birth: South Africa
- Age: 34 years old
- Occupation: musician
- Genres: singer, dancer
- Nationality: South African
- Years active: 2013-present
Born April 1st, 1989, Bontle Smith is now regarded as the latest sensation in South Africa. She has worked with popular music artists like Cassper Nyovest and DJ Maphorisa.
Her most recent song reached 1 million on You Tube views milestone. The song Cassper Nyovest featured her also reached 1.5 million YouTube views.
Famous Songs
- Lose Yourself in the Music 2010
- Sandton
- lerato 2018
- Da Lawds Prayers
- Money Calling
- More Than That Sbongile
16. Tems (Nigerian)
- Full name: Temilade Openiyi
- Nickname: Tems baby
- Date of birth: 11 June 1995
- Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
- Age: 29 years old
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, record producer
- Genres: R&B, Afrobeat, Alte
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2018-present
- Record Label: RCA Records
Tems is definitely one of the African musicians redefining the face of Africa. She rose to prominence after Wizkid featured her om his 2020 hit song Essesnce. The song reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix with Justin Bieber. Tems got her first Grammy award nomination following the release of the remix.
The talented singer got signed to RCA Records and shortly afterward her vocals were sampled by American rapper Future for his single Wait for U. As a featured artist on the song, she became the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian to top the chart.
Tems made a cover of Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry for the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack in 2022. Throughout her career, she has been notable achievements in less than one decade of her career.
Famous Songs
- Mr. Rebel 2018
- Looku Looku 2019
- Try Me 2019
- These Days 2020
- Damages 2020
- Crazy Tings 2021
- No Woman, No Cry 2022
- Free Mind 2022
Awards and Nominations
- 2019 The Headies-Best Alternative song nomination
- 2020 BET Awards- Best New International Act
- 2020 Net Honours Most Played Alternative Song
- All Africa Music Awards- Best Female Artist
- African Entertainment Awards USA- Best Collaboration
17. Mafikizolo (South Africa)
- Origin: South Africa
- Members: Theo Kgosinkwe, Nhlanhla Nciza
- Genres: Afro Pop, Kwaito, Afro-soul
- Years active: 1997-present
- Labels: Universal Music Group, Kalawa Jazmee Records
- Past Member(s): Tebogo Benedict Madingoane
The South African music duo was formed in 1996 but they rose to fame after they released their singles, Ndihamba Nawe kuphela, and the self-album Mafikizolo.
Their 2000 album Gate Crashers became their best-selling album as they won 14 South African Music Awards and many others.
Famous Songs
- Mafikizolo (1997)
- Music Revolution (1999)
- Gate Crashers (2000)
- Sibongile (2002)
- Kwela (2003)
- Van Toeka Af (2005)
- Six Mabone (2006)
- Reunited (2013)
Awards and Nominations
- 2003 9th SAMA- Group of the Year
- 2004 SAMA Award
- 2007 MTV Africa Music Awards
- 2019 African Entertainment Awards Nominations
18. Fireboy DML(Nigerian)
- Full name: Adedamola Adefolahan
- Nickname: Fireboy DML
- Date of birth: 5 February 1996
- Place of birth: Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria
- Age: 28 years old
- Occupation: singer, songwriter
- Genres: R&B, Afrobeat
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Years active: 2012-present
- Record Label: YBNL Nation, Empire Distribution
Fireboy DML got his breakthrough in music following the release of his single Jealous in 2018. The singer describes his sound as Afro-Life which his audience can easily relate to.
He has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and performed quite a number of songs like Vibration, and Champion. His song Peru made the Billboard Hot 100 chart after it featured Ed Sheeran.
His work with Ed Sheeran exposed him to the world that he got to feature on the sickick remix to Madonna’s Frozen. His song Scatter was included in the FIFA21 game soundtrack.
Famous Songs
- Jealous 2018
- What If I Say 2019
- Champion 2020
- Running (with Ladipoe)
- Tattoo 2020
- Eli 2020
- Peru 2021
- Scatter 2021
- Playboy 2022
Awards and Nominations
- 2019 City People Music Awards-Most Promising Act of the Year
- 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival 2020 Album of the Year
- 2020 The Headies-Best R&B Album
- NAACP Image Awards- Outstanding International Song
- 2022 The Headies- Best Afrobeat single
19. AKA (South African)
- Full name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
- Nickname: AKA, SupaMega, Bhovamania
- Date of birth: 28 January 1988
- Place of birth: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Age: 36 years old
- Occupation: rapper, songwriter
- Genres: Hip Hop
- Nationality: South Africa
- Years active: 2002-present
- Record Label: Vth Season, Beam Group
Raised in Cape Town, AKA became famous after the release of his single Victory Lap in 2011. He is known internationally for his numerous collaborations with local and foreign artists. Some of them include Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy.
Famous Songs
- Energy 2020
- Cross My Heart 2020
- Finessin 2020
- Mufasa 2020
- Python 2020
- Heavy Drank 2020
- Monuments 2020
Awards and Nominations
- 2012 18th South African Music Awards-Best Male Artist
- 2014 21st South African Music Awards-Best Male Artist
- 2014 Kora Awards- Best African Hip hip
- 2015 4th South African Hip Hop Awards-Most Valuable Artist
- 2020 26th South African Music Awards-Music Video of the Year
20. Master KG (South African)
- Full name: Kgaogelo Moagi
- Nickname: Master KG
- Date of birth: 31 January 1996
- Place of birth: Tzaneen, Republic of South Africa
- Age: 28 years old
- Occupation: singer, DJ, Music producer
- Genres: R&B, Afrobeat, Alte
- Nationality: South African
- Years active: 2016-present
- Record Label: Open Mic Productions, Elekra France
Master KG was born and raised in Tzaneen. His debut studio album Skeleton Move earned him an AFRIMA award. He is also recognized for being the pioneer of the Bolobedu dance.
He got to the peak of his career after the release of his second studio album, Jerusalema and it had the internationally successful single Jerusalema. He featured Nomcebo Zikode and Burna Boy in the song. The song was certified diamond by FRA and it topped Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart.
In 2021, he recorded a single with David Guetta and Akon.
Famous Songs
- Skeleton Move 2018
- Waya Waya 2018
- Jerusalema 2020
- Shine in Your Light 2021
- Uthando 2021
Awards and Nominations
- 2018 AFRIMA-Best Artiste Duo
- 2018 SABC Summer Song
- 2018 Limpopo Music Awards
- 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA
- 2020 African Muzik Magazine Awards
- 2021 SAMA27 Awards
- 2021 Global Music Awards Africa
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