Nigeria is known to be the powerhouse of African music due to its infectious Afrobeats rhythm. Since 2020, Nigerian artists have been making waves and leaving their mark on the global music industry. Their unique sound and electrifying performances have got audiences worldwide going crazy! Check out the top 10 Nigerian Afrobeats artists crushing it in 2024.
- Burna Boy: The African Giant
The one-time Grammy award Afro-fusion star is well known for his electrifying stage presence and music style. Inspired by Fela Kuti while growing up, Burna Boy infuses Fela’s style into his singles like ‘Like To Party’ and ‘Run My Race,’ which garnered over a million streams on Spotify. His Grammy-winning album “Twice as Tall,” released in 2020, brought him to the limelight, solidifying his status as one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports. Burna Boy is the most streamed African artist on Spotify. It’s a little wonder he is called the African Giant. Just every other Nigerian artists has the ability to entertain any crowd in any continent.
- Wizkid: The Starboy Continues to Shine Bright
Wizkid, aka Starboy, started his music career in the 2001s with his first record, ‘Lil Prinz,’ featuring the Glorious Five, a group of him and his church friends. His first hit song, ‘Holla at Your Boy,’ from his album ‘Superstar’ got him a Headies award in 2011, and it went up from there. He released albums like Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego, and Playmaker, amongst others. Collaborations with international artists like Beyoncé in ‘Brown Skin Girl’ and Drake have further elevated his profile on the global stage, making him a household name in the music industry.
- Davido: The Omo Baba Olowo Takes Center Stage
Davido’s energetic performances and chart-topping hits like ‘Dami Duro’ ‘Unavailable’ and ‘Sensational’ have made him a force to be reckoned with in the Afrobeats scene. He continues to captivate audiences at home and abroad with successful singles and collaborations. Collaborations with international artists like Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Musa Keys have further elevated his global prominence, making him a household name in the music industry. His philanthropic nature also makes him loved by people.
- Tiwa Savage: The Queen of Afrobeats
Tiwa Savage’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence have earned her the title of the Queen of Afrobeats. She came into prominence with her single ‘Kele Kele Love’ and has since achieved groundbreaking achievements that have paved the way for female artists in the Afrobeats music industry. She is also known for her ‘Somebody’s Son’ single, which sparked debates on love and relationships in 2022. She performed at King Charles III’s Coronation, establishing her title as ‘The Queen of Afrobeats’. Regarding lyrical symphonies, no female artiste comes close to Tiwa.
- Rema: The Young Sensation
Rema, a 23-year-old rising star, is a proof of talent and persistence. He rose to global fame in 2022 after collaborating with Selena Gomez on his single titled ‘Calm Down’, which has garnered over a billion streams on Spotify and over 800 million views on YouTube. With his unique blend of Afrobeat and Indian music, Rema has captured the hearts of fans worldwide and continues to break boundaries in the industry. He charges over $100,000 for international performance and over 10 million naira for local performance. In other words, Rema is who you think he is; he is bigger every day.
- Tems: The Leading Vibe
Tems, a rising Nigerian singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and introspective lyrics. Recently, she made waves with her hit single “Essence,” a collaboration with Wizkid, which garnered widespread acclaim and topped charts globally. Additionally, Tems received critical acclaim for her debut EP “For Broken Ears,” solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s most promising talents in contemporary music.
- Yemi Alade: The Effyzzie Music Queen
Yemi Alade’s soulful vocals and dance steps have made her a force to reckon with in the music industry. Her ability to fuse traditional African sounds with modern pop and R&B has created a unique and irresistible musical style. Her single “Johnny,” released in 2014, remains one of the most iconic African music videos on YouTube, amassing over 100 million views and solidifying Yemi’s status as a global superstar. The song’s success brought African music to the forefront of the international stage and inspired countless women worldwide. Yemi Alade’s remarkable talent, unwavering commitment to her craft, and inspiring personality have made her a true icon of African music; we call her the Miriam Makeba of Nigeria. Her music continues to touch the hearts of millions, empowering and entertaining audiences worldwide.
- Seyi Vibez: The New Street King
Seyi Vibez, known for his distinctive blend of afrobeats and street-inspired sounds, has been making waves with his heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. His breakout single “God Sent” resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond, earning him widespread acclaim and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. Recently, Seyi Vibez collaborated with industry heavyweights like Zlatan and Buju, further expanding his reach and solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Nigerian music.
- Asake: The Baby Boy of Afrobeats
Asake, a talented singer and songwriter, has been making waves with his unique blend of afrobeats and Fuji influences. His breakout single “Mr Money” became an instant hit, garnering millions of views on YouTube and earning him widespread recognition. Recently, Asake continued his upward trajectory with the release of his EP “Ololade” which features collaborations with top artists like Olamide and Burna Boy. With his infectious energy and undeniable talent, Asake is poised to make a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene in the coming years..
- Ayra Starr: The Shining Starr
Ayra Starr burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP, showcasing her versatility as a singer across various genres including afrobeats, R&B, and pop. Her standout tracks like “Away” and “Sare” quickly amassed millions of streams, earning her recognition as one of the country’s most exciting new acts. Recently, Ayra Starr won the prestigious Headies Award for “Rookie of the Year,” further cementing her position as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
To wrap this up, Afrobeat artists are taking the global stage in Nigeria’s music industry. These artists, including those mentioned above, are changing the narrative and proving that with growing interest in Afrobeats music, we will likely see even more Nigerian artists gain prominence on the global stage.
Worthy of mention are the following Nigerian artists making giants waves and will soon be a global phenomenon. Ruger, Bnxn, Ckay, BlaqBonez, Poe, BloodyCiv, Odomodu Black, Crayon, Yung Jonn, Pheelz,
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