10 influential African musicians of the 2010s

The 10 names below, chosen by our editorial teams in five African countries, are not necessarily the top selling artists on the continent, but instead possess the foresight and influential clout to turn the gaze of the rest of the world towards Africa. 

Their skilfully developed craft has had a far-reaching impact not only in their home countries but around the world. Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements that have altered the way the music industry functions, it is worth noting that these artists managed to find success during a challenging time. This is most notable in the proliferation of music streaming services that have disrupted traditional models, shifted the way music is consumed and made several revenue sources, such as physical album sales, redundant.

Considering the above, we have compiled a list of 10 artists who have helped shape the African music scene in the past decade.

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

With a career spanning over a decade, Diamond Platnumz has transitioned from a humble bongo flava newcomer to a globally recognised Afropop heavyweight. His 2018 album A Boy From Tandale is proof of his evolution as a composer and performer. He has also managed to inspire a cultural movement and an ardent fan base of the artists signed under his Wasafi label. There is no doubt that Diamond Platnumz’s success has defied the odds in terms of style, sound, reach and influence.

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)

In 2008, Charlotte Dipanda released her first studio album and since then the singer has imposed herself as a diva on the Francophone scene. Last year, she marked 10 years in the industry with the release of her fourth album Un jour dans ma vie. She has collaborated with big names including Manu Dibango, Lokua Kanza and Yemi Alade, with whom she recorded the global hit ‘Sista’.

Sjava (South Africa)

Sjava, born Jabulani Hadebe, came onto the music scene mid-decade with his debut album Isina Muva. His traditional approach to hip hop fuses isicathamiya, maskandi and trap, giving depth and meaning to his music in the African context. He has also made waves in the US, with a credit on the Black Panther soundtrack. Sjava has garnered multiple awards in South Africa, and his global impact and relevance in music was affirmed when he clinched the coveted Viewers' Choice: Best International Act accolade at the 2018 BET Awards.

Maître Gims (DRC)

From his beginnings in the Sexion d'Assaut hip hop crew to his solo career, Maître Gims has experienced a meteoric rise in the past decade. With three successful studio albums, international acclaim and many awards, Gims is a model of success for artists in Africa and the diaspora.

Wizkid (Nigeria)

The Nigerian star who never fades, Wizkid's single ‘Holla at Your Boy’ released in 2010 gave him instant stardom at the age of 19. In 2016, he achieved true international recognition through his collaboration with Drake on the hit ‘One Dance’. His collaboration resumé is impressive and includes Beyoncé, R2bees, Akon, Femi Kuti, Tiwa Savage and Skepta, among many others.

Bobi Wine (Uganda)

Ugandan politician, businessman, philanthropist and musician Bobi Wine is considered as one of the most censored artists on the continent. His music has been banned in Uganda and his concerts have been cancelled by the Yoweri Museveni-led government. For over a decade Bobi Wine has used his music, activist network and social media influence to speak out about corruption and crackdowns on opposition politicians in Uganda. His fame and appeal have given the presidential hopeful recognition beyond his home country and in 2019 he made it on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Sauti Sol (Kenya)

A decade deep into their career, Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol – led by Bien-Aime Baraza and anchored by Willis Austin Chimano, Polycarp Otieno and Savara Mudigi – has established itself as the most consistent pop group in the East African country. The band's music boasts powerful vocals infused with catchy guitar riffs and solid drum rhythms. Sauti Sol has seen success at the MTV Africa Music Awards, Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, and the African Muzik Magazine Awards, among many others.

Die Antwoord (South Africa)

The Cape Town-formed US-based group could possibly be South Africa’s biggest cultural export of the 2010s. Die Antwoord's lyrical content is performed in Xhosa, Afrikaans and English, and the rap-electro outfit’s craft draws musical and visual inspiration from ‘Zef culture’ – a movement described as modern and trashy. But beyond all its perceived gaudiness, taboo imagery and controversy, the group has worked with highly respected artists like cartoonist Anton Kannemeyer and photographer Roger Ballen to create a totally original take on South African culture. Die Antwoord released its debut album $O$ in 2009 (rereleased in 2010) alongside the music video for ‘Enter the Ninja’, which drew much attention around the world, especially in the US. The album was followed by an additional three albums under the band's 2011-formed Zef Recordz. The House of Zef, Die Antwoord's forthcoming album, is scheduled for release in 2020.

Oumou Sangaré (Mali)

Oumou Sangaré, also known as The Songbird of Wassoulou, is one of the greatest modern Malian female singers alongside fellow countrywoman Fatoumata Diawara, who must be mentioned here. Sangaré has introduced her music to the most prestigious stages in the world and is the winner of several awards including a Grammy. Despite coming from a tough local music industry, Sangaré has established herself as an exemplar of success and emissary of peace.

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

The African music scene would have been short-changed had the multi-talented Tiwa Savage not ditched a career in accounting. Her debut album Once Upon a Time released in 2012 catapulted her career to the top. Before that, the pop singer and songwriter had made immense behind-the-scenes contributions, lending her backing vocals to prominent artists such as Mary J Blige, George Michael, Kelly Clarkson and the late Whitney Houston, among many others. The prolific artist consistently made waves throughout the decade and amassed ground-breaking achievements such as being the first woman to win the MTV Europe Music Awards' Best African Act accolade in 2018 and signing a deal with Universal Music a year later.