Afrobeats is seemingly everywhere these days. The genre’s infectious rhythms representing the African Diaspora and its associated cultures have emerged as one of the most popular categories in the music industry.
Afrobeats is not a monolithic genre; it encompasses many sounds and styles where different artists can bring their unique styles. The popular genre is a fusion of various musical styles, including traditional African rhythms, hip-hop, dancehall, reggaeton and soca. The melting pot of sounds makes the music appealing to various audiences worldwide.
According to Pan African Music, the Nigerian boy bands of the ’90s, including Trybesmen, The Remedies and Plantashaun Boiz, are credited as some of the earliest Afrobeats artists. Their distinctive rhythms over rapid drum patterns mixed with relatable lyrics created a new sound that has evolved over the years and reached far beyond Africa.
Digital streaming platforms and social media have allowed artists and fans to share and discover music online, contributing to the genre’s widespread appeal. Artists like Wizkid, D’banj, Mr.Eazi and Davido have dominated the playlists and music charts. Several Afrobeats artists have worked with some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Drake and Future.
Tems, Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage have broken records and made history with Afrobeats as the catalyst, but some new musicians are making a name for themselves in the popular music style. Here are some Afrobeats artists you should keep your eyes and ears on in 2024.
Qing Madi
Nigerian artist Qing(King) Madi became known through her hit single “See Finish.” The single went viral on TikTok and earned Madi the Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador title for June. Her follow-up single, “Ole,” reached No. 12 on Turntable Official Nigeria Top 100 charts.
Odumodublvck
Odumodublvck is not considered a traditional Afrobeats artist. His music is heavily infused with hip-hop, Grime and drill. However, the Nigerian artist is known to be one of the most vivid storytellers in the genre. In November, his latest single, “Blood on the Dance Floor,” featuring Wale and Bloody Civilian snagged the No. 1 spot on Nigeria’s Top 100 charts.
Victony
Nigeria native Victony has been a familiar voice on the hooks for several Afrobeats singles. One of his most famous features was alongside Burna Boy on the track “Different Size” on Burna’s 2022 album, Love, Damini.
Victony’s career has had its ups and downs. In April 2021, he was involved in a car crash that left him in a wheelchair for months. He didn’t stand publicly again until December 2021 during a performance alongside Davido.
Libianca
Libianca‘s 2022 breakout single, “People,” debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats chart and No. 1 on the UK’s Afrobeats chart. The deeply personal song was inspired by the singer’s battle with Cyclothymia, or affective personality disorder.
In 2023, the Cameroonian-American artist served as the opening act on Alicia Key’s Keys to the Summer tour.
Tyla
South African singer Tyla’s “Water” is the soundtrack to the latest social media dance challenge. The viral song has landed the 21-year-old in the top 10 of several hit lists and made history as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years.
“Water” peaked at No.15 and gained the singer enough notoriety to be nominated for a Grammy, Soul Train Music Award and two South African Music Awards.
Sound off in the comments! Who’s on your Afrobeats playlist for 2024?
