Here is a recap of the African artists who defined the year, with contributions from our regional editors Ano Shumba (Southern Africa), Gabriel Myers Hansen (Anglophone West Africa), Peter Choge (East Africa), Lamine Ba (Francophone West Africa), Alvin Matanda (Central Africa) and French Editor Patricia Yumba Muzinga:

Southern Africa

Tyla (South Africa)

South African sensation Tyla cemented her place as a global music icon in 2024, with a string of historic achievements and accolades marking her extraordinary year. From chart-topping hits to prestigious awards, her journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and international appeal. The year began with a milestone as Tyla’s global viral hit, ‘Water’, which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The certification underscored the song’s enduring popularity and its impact across the music landscape. This was followed by a Grammy win where she became the first-ever winner of the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category, edging out strong contenders such as Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr. This marked her first Grammy win and solidified her status as a global music ambassador. In March, she released her highly anticipated self-titled debut album, featuring 14 tracks that showcased her versatility and artistry. The album quickly climbed the Official South African Charts, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the music industry. In April, Tyla was honoured alongside Nigeria’s Fireboy DML in the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. This milestone, coinciding with the list’s 10th anniversary, celebrated her as one of the continent’s top achievers under 30 in creative arts, business, and beyond.

By mid-year, Tyla had made waves on Spotify’s first South Africa Global Impact list, which highlighted the top 25 South African songs with significant global influence. Her single ‘Jump’, featuring Gunna and Skillibeng, took the top spot, with seven additional entries further demonstrating her dominance. She became the biggest winner at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), taking home four awards: Best Pop Album, Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Best International Act. This clean sweep showcased her undeniable influence on both local and international music scenes. At the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in September, Tyla made history by winning the Best Afrobeats category. She triumphed over global stars Burna Boy, Tems, Davido and Ayra Starr, solidifying her place among the best in the genre. The Basadi Music Awards further recognised Tyla’s achievements. She received the International Achievement Award, while her hit Water won Song of the Year and Song with the Highest Airplay.

Tyla capped off her phenomenal year with a Global Icon Award at the Metro FM Music Awards. Her ability to connect with audiences worldwide has made her not just a South African treasure but a global star. From her platinum-certified hits to groundbreaking wins at the Grammys and VMAs, Tyla’s 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey is a source of pride for South Africa and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists across the continent.

Kabza De Small and Mthunzi (South Africa)

Kabza De Small and Mthunzi made an impression as a pair following the release of their collaborative album Isimo. Kabza De Small and Mthunzi were the biggest winners with four awards in the Best Amapiano, Song of the Year, Best Produced Album and Best Collaboration categories at the Metro FM Music Awards. The dynamic pair’s creative partnership on the nine-track Isimo album yielded impressive results, securing them the prestigious Best Produced Album Award at this year’s ceremony. Moreover, their smash hit single ‘Imithandazo’ off the same album dominated the remaining three categories, sweeping the top honours. Kabza De Small and Mthunzi also won four awards at the SAMAs and three awards, respectively. To top it off, Kabza De Small was the most streamed artist on popular digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Kelvin Momo (South Africa)

Kelvin Momo’s fifth album, Sewe, released in August, became an instant sensation, amassing over 1.328 million streams on its first day in South Africa alone, according to Spotify. Within less than a month, the album had garnered an impressive 15 million streams, cementing its status as a fan favourite.

In November, Kelvin Momo made headlines for multiple reasons. Early in the month, he headlined the Motherland Festival alongside Kabza De Small, Oscar Mbo, and Mawhoo at the picturesque Cradle Boutique Hotel. Later, during an Instagram livestream where he previewed an unreleased song, Canadian rapper Drake surprised fans by joining the stream to praise the amapiano maestro.

Kelvin Momo also marked a career milestone this year with his debut performance in Ibiza, where he shared the stage with Black Coffee. This collaboration placed him among a prestigious list of South African DJs who have performed alongside the Grammy-winning artist. To cap off a stellar year, Kelvin Momo was named the second most-streamed South African artist on Apple Music and Spotify in South Africa, following Kabza De Small.

Kamo Mpela (South Africa)

Amapiano sensation Kamo Mphela continues to cement her place as one of South Africa’s most dynamic artists with a series of remarkable achievements in 2024. In May, she added to her growing list of accolades by becoming one of the newest ambassadors for Samsung’s A Series phones, joining forces with fellow artist YoungstaCPT. The following month, she graced the cover of Glamour magazine, highlighting her role in shaping the future of creativity and innovation in partnership with the tech giant.

August brought more success as Kamo Mphela won two prestigious awards at the Basadi Music Awards: Amapiano Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Finally, she ended off the year by winning the Musician Game Changer Award at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards 2024, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Babalwa M (South Africa)

In August, amapiano vocalist Babalwa M achieved significant recognition when Spotify named her the EQUAL Africa artist for the month, and Apple Music announced her as the latest Isgubhu cover star, following the release of her seven-track EP, Pisces.

Later in October, Babalwa M, celebrated as the “queen of private school amapiano,” surprised fans with the release of her latest EP, Candour. Her collaboration with Kelvin Momo on the single ‘Amalobolo’ became a major hit, ranking as the second most-streamed song in South Africa, following Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s Imithandazo. Additionally, her other singles with Kelvin Momo, Maye Maye and Pholisa, secured spots at numbers 9 and 29 on South Africa’s streaming charts, respectively.

Babalwa M’s success extended further as Spotify ranked her as the second most-streamed female artist in South Africa, just behind Nkosazana Daughter. These achievements solidified her place as a leading figure in amapiano and South African music.

Central Africa

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Since its debut in 2006, Fally Ipupa has captured the hearts of Congolese and international audiences with its unique style combining R&B and Congolese rumba.

With almost 2 decades of success, he continues to dominate the music scene in 2024 with impressive performances and constant success. In 2024, Fally Ipupa completed a breathtaking tour of France, with sold-out concerts in iconic venues like the Zénith de Nantes, the Zénith de Lille, and many others. He is the first Congolese artist to give concerts in three different Zéniths in France, a record he shares with the legendary Ivorian group Magic System.

Fally Ipupa is also the champion of YouTube in the DRC, having accumulated several million views in 2024 which earned him first place in the ranking of the most listened-to artists in the region throughout the year. His videos, whether singles, albums or collaborations, capture the attention of millions of fans around the world.

Dadju and Tayc (DRC and Cameroon)

In 2024, the duo Dadju and Tayc caused a sensation on the African and international music scene with their Héritage project. Their collaboration not only captivated fans but also set a new standard in Afro-love, pop and R&B music.

Their tour was a real success, with concerts in emblematic venues such as the Accor Arena in Paris, the Seine Musicale, several Zéniths in France as well as in several African countries. Their dedication to delivering exceptional performances and emotional songs has earned them a prominent place among the biggest African singers in 2024.

The duo’s primary strength lies in their exceptional vocal talents. Both artists possess powerful and soulful voices, capable of reaching a wide range of listeners. Their mastery of harmonies and vocal techniques allowed them to create captivating hits that achieved resounding success.

Innoss’B (DRC)

In 2024, Innoss’B has become one of the most followed and influential African artists, thanks to several key factors. His stage presence on the biggest stages in the world such as the Afro Nation festival or Les Ardentes makes him one of the ambassadors of Congolese and African culture.

Additionally, the singer knows how to captivate an audience and create an emotional connection with his fans. Innoss’B is also recognised for its commitment to its art and its authenticity. He remains faithful to his Congolese roots while innovating and bringing a new perspective to African music. He is also very involved in charitable works in the east of the DRC.

Anglophone West Africa

Rema (Nigeria)

The past couple of years have seen Rema ascend to the pinnacle of Afrobeats alongside usual suspects like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
His Selena Gomez assisted ‘Calm Down which became the first Afrobeats lead song to hit 1 million Spotify streams ensuring a solid foundation for a brilliant 2024. The year also witnessed the arrival of his sophomore album HEIS boasting bold experimentation and opening a new chapter for the sound of Afrobeats. That effort has earned him his first Grammy nomination and deepened his global stardom. His accolades also include an auditorium named after him in his native city of Benin.

Tems (Nigeria)

Tems’ coronation started years ago, thanks to her endorsement and collaborations with global superstars like Drake, Rihana, and Future among others. Not one to rest on her oars, she has blasted to higher global prominence and her debut album, Born in the Wild has widely been lauded for its fresh take on R&B and Afrobeats. Tems is up for multiple Grammys next year. And while she’s not a stranger to that stage, this year has seen her indent her name as a staple at music’s biggest night.

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Signed to the Don Jazzy Mavin Records, which this year, saw a major investment by Universal Music group, Ayra Starr properly established herself as an Afrobeats Diva. In a genre usually male-dominated, the Beninese Nigerian made a bold case for women alongside Tems and Tyla, Ayra Starr became a face of African pop this year. She is behind multiple well-received 2024 offerings, notably her second Album, the year I turned 21, she has also managed an intensive tour regimen including sharing stages with Chris Brown. 

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

It is no surprise that the self-styled Afro-fusion pioneer continues to tower over many of his peers. He is a prolific artist, a charismatic performer and a hardworking creative. This year, he filled stadiums and accrued more chart and streaming success and certifications. For another artist, this would be groundbreaking but for Burna Boy, these metrics are merely him keeping in his practice of greatness. 

Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Stonebwoy has likely been Ghana’s most notable cultural ambassador for years. 2024 saw him clear new heights both locally and internationally. These days, the man describes himself as “the torcher”, and why not? For something like a decade, he has led conversations about Ghanaian pop. He is the reigning Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Year. He also boasts the 2024 EMY Africa Music Man of the Year gong. Additionally, his new album Up & Runnin6 is among the biggest 2024 releases in Ghana. Add that to a diligent tour schedule, and there’s little debate as to why Stonmebwoy is among standout African acts for 2024.  

East Africa

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Marioo and Harmonize are no doubt established as the standard bearers in Tanzania’s contemporary pop space. There is, however, no question about who is shaking up not only the Tanzanian but the entire East African region musical scene: Diamond Platnumz. As controversial as he is talented, Diamond Platnumz has demonstrated that artists can also become successful entrepreneurs and build business empires outside of music.

Bien (Kenya)

Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza, or just Bien to his legions of fans, is not here to play games. With Kenyan super group Sauti Sol having disbanded, the former band’s lead man has risen to fill the gap left. His knack for experimentation and ability to work with just about anyone shows versatility and dedication to the craft.

Honorable mention goes to Blinky Bill whose We Cut Keys 2 album, released in January, showed that as an artist, you should not be afraid to chart your own path and still beat the trends.

Ugandan Music Queens

Uganda, aka the Pearl of Africa, is known for many exploits, but rarely does it receive recognition for producing some of the most exciting female musicians of the modern era. These queens, led by the likes of Rema Namakula, Sheebah, Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Tracy Melon, Karole Kasita, Cindy Sanyu, Jackie Chandiru, and more, continued to light up our screens this year, showcasing their musical talent and expanding women’s space in the industry. And they are not afraid to provoke, too, making the blood of the morality police boil every now and then.

Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

In a vastly evolving global music scene, an artist has to make the right moves to not only gain an audience but also to stay relevant. Bruce Melodie has this ability in spades and he continues to lead the way for other artists from his country in the quest for international success.

Francophone West Africa

Amadeus (Senegal)

In Senegal, Amadeus stands out as the revelation of the year. This young prodigy captivated audiences with a masterful fusion of mbalax and Afrobeat, infused with a modern touch that appeals to all generations. His triumphant concerts and millions of views across platforms cement his status as a musical sensation. Without a doubt, Amadeus is one of the artists to watch in the coming years. 

Roselyne Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)

In Côte d’Ivoire, Roselyne Layo dazzled this year by winning the Primud d’Or 2024, the country’s most prestigious musical award. With her powerful voice and natural charisma, she captivated her audience throughout the year. Her songs, blending melodic sweetness and poignant lyrics, earned her well-deserved recognition on the West African music scene. 

Kayawoto (Burkina Faso)

Burkina Faso has found its flagbearer in Kayawoto, who continues to elevate Burkinabe music to new heights. In 2024, he left a lasting impression with authentic lyrics and captivating rhythms that celebrate his country’s rich culture. His performances, both powerful and mesmerising, have established him as an emblematic figure in the Burkinabe music scene and beyond. 

Fati Niame  (Mali)

In Mali, Fati Niame has emerged as a standout artist in 2024. With her style blending tradition and modernity, she brings a fresh voice to Mandingue music. Her charisma and creativity have won over a broad audience, making her a proud ambassador of Malian musical heritage and a rising star to watch closely.