The dynamic music scene in Africa is a wellspring of up-and-coming talent, consistently generating performers who enthral audiences across the globe with their avant-garde sounds and depth of ethnic diversity.

Taves, Joshua Baraka, Zuchu, Lasmid, Camidoh, Libianca, Tyla, BOJ, King Promise, and Odumodublvck, are a few of these budding stars. These musicians, who come from a variety of origins and musical traditions, each offer a special flavour to the international scene by fusing genres and pushing artistic boundaries. This blog focuses on their experiences, inspirations, and unique sounds that have made them stand out as pioneers in the African music scene.

Taves

Nigeria's thriving music scene and rich musical history have long served as an incubator for outstanding talent. Toluwanimi Aluko, better known by his stage name Taves, is an upcoming artist from Ibadan. From an early age, he was surrounded by a wide variety of musical genres, which shaped his music taste, so when he started to carve out his place in the music industry, he took influence from international superstars like Khalid and Post Malone, as well as Nigerian icons like Asa and Wande Coal.

Taves is renowned for transcending genres, blending pop, soul, and afrobeat to produce a forward-thinking trademark sound. The release of his' singles "Bodija" and "Folake" marked his big break. These songs demonstrated his ability to slickly combine several genres to produce a sound that is both new and recognisable.

(Credit/ Lagosjump, Radiolounge)

Amaarae

Born Ama Serwah Genfi, Amaarae is an outstanding Ghanaian-American singer, songwriter, and producer who has won praise from all quarters for her audacious artistic vision and unique sound. Amaarae, who was born in New York on July 4, 1994, grew up in Ghana, the UK, and the United States, providing her with a multicultural upbringing that greatly impacted her music.

Amaarae's music crosses genres with its unique production, provocative lyrics, and seductive voice, blending pop, R&B, and Afro-fusion. She has a devoted fan base and has received praise from critics for her distinct style. She started her musical career at an early age, and her diverse style reflects her influences from a wide range of musicians and genres.

Amaarae's influence goes beyond just her songs. She frequently pushes the boundaries in her music videos and public appearances, and she has been giving plaudits for her daring sense of style and unwavering embrace of her uniqueness. Her reputation as a trailblazer in the African music scene has been cemented by the accolades and prizes she has received for her efforts.

 (Credit/Concord)

Libianca

Cameroonian-American musician Libianca Kenzonkinboum Fonji, better known by her stage name Libianca, is a rising star in the music business. Libianca was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 30, 2001, although her early years were mostly spent in Bamenda, Cameroon, where her roots are well ingrained in the local culture. Her smooth blending of several genres, mostly Afrobeats and R&B, has been strongly impacted by her blend of Cameroonian and American ancestry.

Libianca's breakthrough song, "People," came out in 2022. It soon gained popularity, accumulating millions of plays and establishing her as a rising star in the music industry. Libianca's passionate performance of the song, together with its reflective lyrics, struck a chord with a broad audience, solidifying her unique sound and artistic persona. "People '' turned into a demonstration of her capacity to emote profoundly via song, which helped her stand out in the crowded music industry.

Her taste in music is broad; she finds inspiration in a variety of legendary performers from many genres. Her music reflects this diverse range of inspirations, with Afrobeats, R&B, and modern pop all blending together to produce her sound. Libianca's versatility and inventiveness as an artist are demonstrated by her ability to merge these genres with ease.

 (Lagosjump/Radiolounge)

Tyla

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on January 30, 2002, Tyla Laura Seethal is her professional name. Tyla had a deep love of music and performing from an early age, a passion that would eventually take her to the international scene. She was exposed to a wide range of musical genres while growing up in a multicultural setting, which is reflected in her approach to music.

Tyla's sound is a dynamic blend of pop, R&B, and Afrobeat that embraces international musical trends and pays homage to her South African heritage. Her vocal delivery is smooth, with catchy choruses and enticing rhythms that define her sound. As her influences, Tyla has listed a wide range of performers, from international superstars like Rihanna and Beyoncé to South African stalwarts like Brenda Fassie. Her ability to create a distinctive musical persona that appeals to a broad audience has been aided by this eclectic blend of inspirations.

Tyla's journey from Johannesburg to the world music scene is a testament to her brilliance, willpower, and distinct aesthetic sensibility. She is a representation of the younger generation of African musicians who are becoming well-known and introducing the world to their inventive sounds and rich cultural legacy. 

(Credit/ Getty Image) 

Boj

Born Bolaji Odojukan in London, England, on April 22, 1994, BOJ is a pioneering Nigerian musician renowned for his input to the alté music genre.

BOJ, who was raised in both the UK and Nigeria, owes a lot to the eclectic musicians Lauryn Hill, Lagbaja, and Wyclef Jean. Along with being a co-founder of DRB LasGidi, he has put out several well-received solo projects, such as the mixtape "#BOTM" and the albums "Magic" and "Gbagada Express."With his unique style that combines hip hop, alternative R&B, and afro beats.

He is recognised as a pivotal player in the alté movement. His standing in the music business has been cemented by his partnerships with well-known musicians like Davido, Mr. Eazi, and Tiwa Savage, as well as by his participation in important performances and campaigns. Through his work, he not only exhibits his ability as a musician but also his dedication to expanding the boundaries of Nigerian music. A new generation of musicians and listeners is encouraged to embrace the originality and freedom of the alté genre by BOJ's growing impact.

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King Promise

Accra is the birthplace and upbringing of renowned Ghanaian artist Gregory Bortey Promise Newman, also referred to as King Promise.

King Promise's broad musical approach was inspired by his early exposure to reggae, R&B, and Ghanaian highlife, all of which were influenced by his music-loving father. Acclaimed for his vocal capacity, he presently draws inspiration from South African Amapiano, Ghanaian drill, and his collaborations with UK musicians such as Headie One and NSG.

King Promise is a unique performer in the global music market and is one of Ghana's most inventive and versatile musicians of today, thanks to his distinctive sound and creative process, which are reflections of his hard work and dedication. 

(Credit/ Sony Music)

Odumodublvck

Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, born October 18, 1993, now known as Odumodublvck, is a prominent Nigerian hip-hop artist who has quickly established himself in the music industry.

He has drawn the interest of both critics and fans with his blend of inspirations and distinctive style, solidifying his position as a major player in the Nigerian music industry. His breakthrough release, "EZIOKWU," which was published in 2022, was well-received by critics and cemented his place as a rising artist. The mixtape includes a wide range of songs that showcase his talent for writing memorable hooks and delivering engaging stories. A new generation of Nigerian hip-hop fans has made songs like "Picanto" and "Dog Eat Dog" into anthems, representing their goals and realities in life.

In addition to being a musician, Odumodublvck is a cultural ambassador, storyteller, and spokesman for his generation. He has the potential to leave a lasting impression on the international music scene with his distinctive sound and gripping lyrics. With his ongoing artistic development, Odumodublvck is certain to maintain his significant role in the future of Nigerian hip-hop.

(Credit/ Medium)

Qing Madi

Nigerian singer-songwriter and dancer Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, better known by her stage name Qing Madi, was born in Benin City, Nigeria, on July 1, 2006.

Qing Madi has soared up the charts fast. Her delivery of pop, soul, R&B, and afro beats has captivated people in Nigeria and Africa.Qing Madi sang in the adult choir of her church and participated in school talent contests as a child, showcasing her musical abilities at an early age while growing up in Benin City. Her enthusiasm for music was nurtured by her upbringing in a musically interested atmosphere, which she pursued with great determination.

With the release of her breakthrough song, "See Finish," which went viral on TikTok in 2022, Qing Madi's career took off. The 2023 hit "Ole," with BNXN, came next. It climbed to number three on the Nigeria Top 100 Apple Music chart and topped the charts in Uganda. Her first extended play, "Qing Madi" (2023), contains these singles. Qing Madi's significance and promise in the music industry were highlighted in 2023 when she was chosen as the Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador for June. Alongside well-known musicians like Tyla and Odumodublvck, she was also inducted into Apple Music's Rising Class of 2024, indicating her increasing fame on the international scene.

(Credit/ Theuppaperent)

Victony

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper Victony (born Anthony Ebuka Victor on January 5, 2001) is a well-known figure from Imo State. After signing with Jungle Records and Mainland BlockParty, he made his music debut in 2020 with the release of the album "Saturn" and the single "Ina Benz."

Afrobeats, hip hop, R&B, and alternative hip hop are just a few of the genres that Victony has dabbled with, having been influenced by Nigerian icons such as Davido and Wizkid.Victony's SoundCloud mixtape "The Outlaw King" attracted a lot of attention and resulted in some noteworthy covers and collaborations. His breakthrough came in 2021 when he released the smash song "Holy Father" with Mayorkun. It went on to become a chart-topper and get him a lot of praise. His 2022 "Outlaw" EP included the smash song "Soweto," which helped to further establish his standing in the music business.

Victony's discography consists of several singles and EPs. His second studio album, "Stubborn," was released in 2024 and was well-received by critics. Victony keeps pushing boundaries and inspiring people in the Nigerian music scene with his blend of genres and gripping storytelling.

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Uncle waffles

Lungelihle Zwane, better known as Uncle Waffles, rose to prominence in the South African music scene and is most recognised for her contributions to the Amapiano subgenre.

Uncle Waffles, an Eswatini native, has earned a big name for herself on the international scene by showing her skills as a DJ, record producer, and musician. In October 2021, Uncle Waffles became widely recognised after a video of her dancing to Young Stunna's "Adiwele" went viral. Her ascent to fame in the music business began at this precise time. After that, in March 2022, she released "Tanzania," her debut single, which was included in her debut EP, Red Dragon. This song was well received by critics; Rolling Stone ranked it as the eighth-best Afropop song of 2022. Uncle Waffles' distinctive approach and contribution to the Amapiano genre have garnered accolades.

In April 2023, she became the first Amapiano performer to appear at the Coachella Festival, demonstrating her increasing prominence and impact on the global scene. She has distinguished herself in the music business with her ability to fuse modern sounds with classic Amapiano beats.

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Lasmid

In Ghana's music industry, Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu, better known by his stage name Lasmid, has become a rising star.

Lasmid, who was born in Takoradi, Ghana, on May 24, 1999, is well-known for his ability to write and perform songs in a variety of genres, including rap, highlife, and Afrobeat. His skills and diligence have not gone unappreciated. At the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, he was named Best New Artist and took home the Best Hiplife Song trophy for "Friday Night." Significant nominations for his joint work on "Grace" and "Butter My Bread" further demonstrated his rising stature in the music industry.

Lasmid has a bright future ahead of him, as evidenced by her compelling performances and fresh compositions. His most recent song, "Puul," which was published in April 2024, demonstrates his commitment to his craft and changing tone. Lasmid is destined to play a significant role in the global Afrobeat and highlife scenes as he keeps pushing the envelope and discovering new musical territories.

(Credit/ Citi Newsroom)

Camidoh

Popularly known as Camidoh, Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie hails from Aflao in Ghana's Volta Region and is a well-known Afropop, R&B, and Afrobeat singer and songwriter. He was born on January 21, 1994, and he became well-known in the Ghanaian music industry quickly. Inspired by the Senegalese-American musician Akon, Camidoh creates music that combines R&B, Afrobeat, and Afropop to create a distinctive sound that appeals to listeners all over the world. His rising popularity was demonstrated by the fact that his song "Sugarcane" appeared in Akon's top ten daily playlists.

Camidoh has received several awards for his work, including nominations for Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act at the 2023 BET Awards and victories for International Collaboration Act and Afrobeat Song of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. His inventiveness and range in music have been further demonstrated by his albums "L.I.T.A." and "Contingency Plan.".

(Credit/GQ South Africa)

Joshua Baraka

Joshua Baraka was born in Bwaise, Kampala, where his musical career started at a young age.

Being raised in a difficult environment, music served as both his haven and his means of escape. Joshua's father is a preacher; thus, he was influenced by him to learn how to play the drums at church. He later refined his technique in school, where he became deeply engrossed in music. Joshua's career took off when he began doing live performances in restaurants and pubs, where he gained priceless experience. Baby Steps, his debut EP, which was published in 2021, was his big break. While his 2022 song "Belinda" demonstrated his narrative skills, it was "Nana" that catapulted him into stardom. The dancehall-infused song went viral on social media, garnering attention across the globe and inspiring a remix with well-known African musicians.

Joshua Baraka is positioned to leave an important mark on the music industry with his forthcoming EP and ongoing commitment to his craft. His journey from Kampala's streets to international stages is proof of his skill, tenacity, and the enduring power of music.

(Credit/mbu)

Zuchu

Zuchu, also known as Zuhura Othman Soud, is a Tanzanian singer and composer who rose to fame quickly after making her debut. She was born in Zanzibar on November 22, 2000, and is presently signed to WCB Wasafi, one of the top musical labels in East Africa.

Zuchu was exposed to music at a young age, thanks largely to her mother, Khadija Kopa, a well-known Taarab musician from a musically passionate family. Zuchu created her sound by fusing contemporary beats with indigenous Tanzanian customs.I Am Zuchu, her debut EP, was released in 2020, and it was then that Zuchu's career took off. She became the first female singer from East Africa to reach 100,000 YouTube subscribers in a week and eventually hit one million. She amassed enormous recognition very quickly. With Diamond Platnumz, her songs "Sukari," "Cheche," and "Litawachoma" have been continental hits.

Among her achievements are her several awards from the Tanzania Music Awards in 2023 and her Emerging Artist Award from AFRIMMA in 2020. In addition, she created history by being the first female musician from East Africa to receive more than 500 million views on YouTube.

(Credit/ Thecitzen Tanzania)

Nikita Kering 

Nikita Chepchumba Kering, a fast-rising sensation in the African music scene, was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 26, 2002.

Nikita started her career at a young age and is well-known for her profound lyrics and beautiful voice. Her big break occurred in 2012 when she performed at Emmy Kosgey's album launch, which was well-received by critics. Born into a family of five, Nikita went to some of the most esteemed schools in the area, including Brookhouse International School, Kilimani Junior Academy, and Riara Springs Academy. Her love of music was evident from a young age, which inspired her to seek a profession that took off. Nikita's potential was developed through international training and mentorship programmes when she signed with EmPawa Africa. Her hits, such as "Ex," have struck a chord with listeners all over Africa, demonstrating her ability to fuse R&B with modern African music.

Nikita has received many honours due to her extraordinary talent. In the 2019 All Africa Music Awards, she took home the Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa and the Best New Artiste awards from the Pulse Music Video Awards in 2018. She won prizes in the 2021 AFRIMAs for Best R&B and Soul Artist and Best Female Artist in East Africa.

(Credit/The Star)

The rise of these musicians emphasises the vibrancy and diversity of the African music landscape, which is a reflection of the continent's rich cultural legacy and modern inventiveness. Their inspirational tales of skill, tenacity, and creativity serve as a constant reminder of the powerful force that music has in bringing people from all walks of life together.

Listen to ADJOAA curated playlist of the featured artist here.