From Afro beats to hip-hop to ambient to bongo music, the diversity of African music is truly remarkable.
One of the musical giants we’ll be exploring is Burna Boy, better known as the African Giant. As we take a look at the world of African music, we’ll reveal the top 10 artists with exceptional talent that will take the music industry to unprecedented heights in 2024.
1. Borna Boy
Burna Boy’s unique musical style combines Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall and hip-hop to create a sound all his own. His music often carries strong messages about social and political issues as well as celebrating African culture and identity. Burna Boy’s talent and artistry has earned him international recognition through his collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran.
Burna Boy’s musical career took off in 2012 with the release of his debut album ‘L.I.F.E.’ (Leaving an Impact for Eternity), which included hits such as ‘Like to Party’ and ‘Tonight’. With over a billion streams, he is a true African giant in the African music industry.
In 2020, Burna Boy released his critically acclaimed album ‘Twice as Tall’ which won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2021. This achievement cemented his status as one of Africa’s most influential and successful musicians.
2. Die Antwoord
Die Antwoord’s music is characterised by their bold and provocative lyrics coupled with bizarre and visually stunning music videos. The band has gained a huge following due to their energetic live performances and their ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Ninja and Yolande have been involved in many artistic endeavours outside of their music including acting in films such as ‘Chappie’ and ‘Umchini Wham’. They have also collaborated with notable artists such as Diplo and Marilyn Manson to expand their reach and influence.
Die Antwoord consists of Ninja, real name Watkin Tudor Jones, and Yolande Visser, real name Anri du Toit. They burst onto the scene in 2008 with their unique blend of rap, electronic beats and pseudo-culture.
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3. Wizkid
Wizkid’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae and R&B, and he is known for his infectious melodies and catchy hooks. His songs often reflect his Nigerian roots and celebrate African culture, which has earned him a global fan base. In 2020, Wizkid released his highly acclaimed album ‘Made in Lagos’ which was widely praised for its seamless blend of Afro beats and global influences. The album features hits such as ‘Essence’ and ‘Ginger’. It has generated more than 966 million views, helping him to become one of Africa’s top musicians. He currently holds the impressive position of No. 3.
Wizkid’s creativity and influence on the music industry has earned him numerous awards and honours including several BET Awards and MOBO Awards. He continues to be a pioneer in the Afrobeat genre and represents Nigerian music on the global stage.
4. Davido
Davido is one of the biggest voices in the Nigerian music industry. He has released several chart-topping hits and gained a huge fan base. His debut album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ was released in 2012 and featured hit songs such as ‘Dami Duro’ and ‘Ikoro’. The album was a huge success and established Davido as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. It cemented his position at number 4.
In addition to his solo career, Davido has collaborated with Nigerian and international artists including Meek Mill, Chris Brown and Wizkid. His collaborations have expanded his reach and brought Nigerian music to a global audience.
He has received numerous awards and accolades including BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards and MOBO Awards. His music is still making waves and he remains a pioneer in the Nigerian music industry.
5. Rema
Rima made a big splash in 2019 with his hit song ‘Iron Man’, which caught the attention of music lovers and industry professionals. His unique sound that blends Afrobeat, trap and R&B rhythms sets him apart from other artists in the industry. Since then, Rima has released several successful singles including ‘Dombey’, ‘Bad Commando’ and ‘Ginger Me’. His music often shows his versatility and ability to move between different genres effortlessly. ‘Calm Down’ is his most streamed song with over 549 million views. This song has contributed to his fifth place in the top 10 musicians in Africa.
Rima’s popularity has skyrocketed and he has won numerous awards including the Headies Next Artist Award in 2019. His catchy melodies, youthful energy and charismatic stage presence have made him a fan favourite in Nigeria and internationally.
