Top 10 Musicians in Africa 2024

Irresistible beats and soulful melodies shape the African music scene. In this exciting article, we will showcase the talented artists who are setting the industry on fire with their chart-topping hits and electrifying performances. From afro beats to hip-hop to amapiano to bongo, the diversity of African music is truly remarkable.

One of the musical powerhouses we will explore is Burna Boy, known as the African Giant. As we look at the world of African music, we’ll uncover the top 10 artists with exceptional talent that is taking the music industry to unprecedented heights in 2024.

1. Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s music career took off in 2012 with the release of his debut studio album, “L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact for Eternity),” which featured hit songs like “Like to Party” and “Tonight.”  He has over 1 billion views on his songs making him the true African giant in the African music industry.

Burna Boy’s unique musical style combines Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop creating a sound that is distinctively his own. His music often carries powerful messages addressing social and political issues as well as celebrating African culture and identity. Burna Boy’s talent and artistry have gained him international recognition with collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran.

In 2020, Burna Boy released his critically acclaimed album, “Twice as Tall,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021. This achievement solidified his status as one of Africa’s most influential and successful musicians. Burna Boy’s impact on the global music scene is undeniable and his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. He is truly a trailblazer in the industry pushing boundaries and representing African music globally.

2. Die Antwoord

Die Antwoord consists of Ninja whose real name is Watkin Tudor Jones and Yolandi Visser whose real name is Anri du Toit. They burst onto the scene in 2008 with their unique blend of rap, electronic beats, and zef culture. They have since then released successful albums which has solidified them as position 2 in Africa.

Die Antwoord’s music is often characterized by their bold and provocative lyrics combined with their eccentric and visually striking music videos. They have gained a massive following for their energetic live performances and their ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Ninja and Yolandi have been involved in various artistic endeavors beyond their music including acting in films like “Chappie” and “Umshini Wam.” They have also collaborated with notable artists such as Diplo and Marilyn Manson further expanding their reach and influence.

While Die Antwoord has faced some controversy over the years, there’s no denying the impact they have had on the music scene both in South Africa and internationally. Their unique style and fearless approach have made them a standout act in the industry. So, if you’re looking for something different and edgy give Die Antwoord a listen.

3. Wizkid

Wizkid music journey began at a young age when he joined a local church choir. He became famous in 2010 with his hit single “Holla at Your Boy” from his debut album, “Superstar.” Since then, he has released several successful albums and collaborated with numerous international artists including Drake, Beyoncé and Chris Brown.

Wiz Kid’s music is a fusion of Afro beats, 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 earning him a global fan base. In 2020, Wiz Kid released his highly acclaimed album, “Made in Lagos,” which received widespread praise for its smooth blend of Afro beats and international influences. The album features hit songs like “Essence” and “Ginger.” He has over 966 million views which has helped him become one of the top musicians in Africa. He currently holds the impressive position at number 3.

WizKid’s talent and impact on the music industry has earned him numerous awards and accolades including multiple BET Awards and MOBO Awards. He continues to be a trailblazer in the Afrobeat genre, representing Nigerian music on the global stage.

4. Davido

He’s one of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry. He has released numerous hit songs that have topped the charts and gained a massive fan base. His debut album, “Omo Baba Olowo,” was released in 2012 and featured popular tracks like “Dami Duro” and “Ekuro.” The album was a huge success and established Davido as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. He has solidified his position at number #4.

In addition to his solo career, Davido has collaborated with both Nigerian and international artists including Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Wizkid. His collaborations have further expanded his reach and brought Nigerian music to a global audience.

Davido’s talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and MOBO Awards. His music continues to make waves and he remains a trailblazer in the Nigerian music industry. If you’re looking for energetic and catchy tunes, Davido’s music is worth a listen

5. Rema

Rema gained prominence in 2019 with his hit song “Iron Man,” which caught the attention of music lovers and industry professionals. His unique sound which blends Afro beats, trap, and R&B sets him apart from other artists in the industry. Since then, Rema has released several successful singles including “Dumebi,” “Bad Commando,” and “Ginger Me.” His music often showcases his versatility and ability to effortlessly switch between different genres. “Calm Down” is his most-viewed song with over 549 million views. This song has contributed to him being number 5 in the top 10 musicians in Africa.

Rema’s rise to fame has been meteoric and he has been recognized with various awards including the Headies Award for Next Rated Artist in 2019. His catchy melodies, youthful energy, and charismatic stage presence have made him a favorite among fans both in Nigeria and internationally.

At such a young age, Rema has already achieved remarkable success in the music industry and he continues to push boundaries with his music. Keep an eye out for his future releases because he’s a rising star to watch

6. Diamond Platnumz

Diamond Platnumz rose to fame in the early 2010s with his hit songs like “Number One” and “Mbagala.” Known for his smooth vocals and energetic performances, he quickly became one of the most popular artists in East Africa. Throughout his music career, Diamond Platnumz has released numerous chart-topping hits. “Yope remix” featuring Innoss’B and him has over 219 million views making this song his most viewed song.

Beyond his music, Diamond Platinumz has also ventured into entrepreneurship and established his record label Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) Records. Under WCB, he has nurtured and mentored several talented artists, contributing to the growth of the Tanzanian music industry.

Diamond Platnumz’s success has not gone unnoticed, he has received numerous accolades including multiple awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards and the All-Africa Music Awards. His influence extends beyond Tanzania, as he has gained a significant following across Africa and beyond. With his captivating music, Diamond Platnumz continues to make waves in the music industry solidifying himself as position 6 in the top musicians in Africa.

7. Master KG

Master KG gained international recognition with his smash hit song “Jerusalema” featuring Nomcebo Zikode. The song became a global sensation topping charts in multiple countries and inspiring viral dance challenges across the world. The song has 587 million views on YouTube. This song had a huge role in him becoming position 7 on the top 10 list of African musicians.

In addition to “Jerusalema,” Master KG has released other popular songs like “Skeleton Move” and “Ngwanaka.” His music often reflects his cultural heritage and celebrates the vibrant rhythms and sounds of South Africa.

Master KG’s talent and success have been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2020. He continues to create music that resonates with people around the world and showcases the rich musical diversity of South Africa.

8. Tekno Miles

Tekno Miles gained prominence with his hit songs like “Duro,” “Pana,” and “Jogodo.” His music blends Afrobeat, R&B, and dancehall creating a unique and infectious sound that has captured the hearts of fans across Africa and beyond. “ Pana” is his most-viewed song with over 204 million views on YouTube.

Throughout his music career, Tekno has collaborated with various artists both locally and internationally. He has worked with the likes of Davido, Wizkid, and Ciara showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to cross genres. In addition to his singing prowess, Tekno is also a talented producer. He has produced tracks for other artists further solidifying his impact on the Nigerian music industry.

Tekno’s music has earned him numerous accolades including nominations at the MTV Africa Music Awards and the BET Awards. His smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and energetic performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

9. P-square

P-square rose to fame in the early 2000s with their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat. They became known for their energetic performances, catchy melodies, and impressive dance moves. Their debut album, “Last Nite,” was released in 2003, and it was a hit. It was their second album, “Get Squared,” released in 2005 that propelled them to stardom. P-square continued to release successful albums since then.

“Personally” is their most viewed song with over 128 million. This solidified their position as one of Africa’s biggest music acts. They collaborated with several international artists such as Akon and Rick Ross further expanding their reach beyond Africa.

However, in 2016 the duo announced their separation citing personal differences. Peter Okoye began a solo career under the name Mr. P while Paul Okoye started his solo career as Rudeboy. Both brothers have since released their music.

Recently they have reunited and we can’t wait to hear new songs from them. P-square’s impact on the Nigerian and African music scene is undeniable. They inspired a new generation of artists and played a significant role in popularizing Afrobeats on the global stage.

10. Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel gained recognition in 2014 with his hit single “Woju,” which quickly became a fan favorite. His music is a fusion of Afro beats, R&B, and pop creating a fresh and infectious sound. After the success of “Woju,” Kizz Daniel released his debut album, “New Era,” in 2016. The album was a massive hit producing popular tracks like “Yeba” and “Mama.” He followed up with his second album, “No Bad Songz,” in 2018 which further solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s top artists and he sits at number 10.

His song “Buga” is the top most-viewed song with over 180 million views. A lot of people did dance challenges for this song making it more popular and it trended. In addition to his solo career, Kizz Daniel has collaborated with various artists both within Nigeria and internationally. He has worked with the likes of Davido, Wizkid, and DJ Spinall hence showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Kizz Daniel’s talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and nominations including the Headies Awards and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. His music continues to make waves and he remains a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry. If you’re looking for some smooth tunes to vibe to, Kizz Daniel’s music is worth checking out.

This was an amazing lineup of artists in Africa. These talented artists are making waves and taking the music industry by storm. They truly represent the vibrant and dynamic music scene in Africa.

View the full report featuring 50 artists here.

To find out more about how this report was compiled or to get in touch, please contact us.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey across Africa!