Top 10 Musicians in Africa 2024

The African music industry is characterized by pulsating rhythms and resonant melodies. These are the Top 10 Musicians in Africa who are dramatically influencing the musical landscape through their top-ranking singles and dynamic live showcases in 2024 in research study conducted by Research 8020 Limited.

The spectrum of music styles, ranging from Afrobeat to hip-hop and from Amapiano to Bongo, reflects the profound diversity inherent in African music.

Among the eminent figures in the sphere of African music stands Burna Boy, who is illustriously referred to as the African Giant. As we delve into the African musical landscape, we shall identify and discuss the top 10 artistes whose exceptional abilities are propelling the music industry to unparalleled levels of acclaim and influence in the year 2024.

1. Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s musical career commenced in the year 2012 following the issuance of his inaugural studio album entitled “L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact for Eternity).” This album contained prominent tracks such as “Like to Party” and “Tonight.” Having accumulated over one billion views on his musical compositions, he stands as a colossal figure within the African music industry, duly earning the moniker of the African giant.

Burna Boy’s distinctive musical style is an eclectic fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, marking a sound that is uniquely his. His musical compositions frequently convey potent messages that touch upon social and political matters, in addition to exalting African culture and identity.

The depth of Burna Boy’s talent and his artistic prowess have earned him accolades on the global stage, leading to eminent collaborations with renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran.

In the year 2020, the distinguished artiste Burna Boy released his highly esteemed album, “Twice as Tall,” which garnered the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in the subsequent year. This remarkable achievement further reinforced his position as one of the most prominent and successful musicians emanating from the African continent.

The influence exerted by Burna Boy on the international music stage remains unparalleled; his compositions continue to engage enthusiasts across the globe. He stands as a pioneer within the industry, continually transcending conventional limitations and championing African music on a worldwide platform.

2. Die Antwoord

Die Antwoord is a musical ensemble featuring two primary members: Watkin Tudor Jones, known professionally as Ninja, and Anri du Toit, who performs under the stage name Yolandi Visser.

Since their emergence in 2008, the group has made a significant impact in the music industry with their distinctive fusion of rap and electronic music, drawing heavily on the influences of zef culture. Over the years, their array of successful albums has earned them the prestigious ranking of number two in the African music scene.

The musical duo Die Antwoord is distinguished by their intrepid and provocative lyrics, augmented by their distinctive and arresting music videos. Their considerable fan base is attributable to their dynamic performances and their propensity for transgressing cultural mores and challenging societal standards.

Both Ninja and Yolandi Visser have pursued various creative projects beyond their discography, including appearances in motion pictures such as “Chappie” and “Umshini Wam.” Their artistic collaborations with recognized figures like Diplo and Marilyn Manson have served to broaden their impact and cultural presence.

Die Antwoord has not been without its share of controversy throughout the years. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the group has exerted a significant influence on the musical landscape, transcending the South African borders to achieve international recognition.

Characterized by their distinctive style and bold artistic vision, Die Antwoord has distinguished themselves within the music industry. Those in pursuit of music that diverges from the mainstream and strikes a chord with audacity might well consider experiencing Die Antwoord’s work.

3. Wizkid

Wizkid’s musical career commenced in his early years with his participation in a local church choir. He rose to prominence in the year 2010 through the success of his breakthrough single “Holla at Your Boy,” which was a part of his inaugural album titled “Superstar.”

Following this achievement, he has produced an array of successful albums and has engaged in collaborations with a multitude of renowned international artistes, such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown.

Wiz Kid’s oeuvre exemplifies a sophisticated amalgamation of Afrobeat, reggae, and R&B genres, highlighted by his trademark melodious phrasing and memorable refrains. His musical creations are deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage, celebrating the richness of African culture and as a result, have garnered an extensive international following.

In the year 2020, Wiz Kid unveiled his critically lauded musical compilation, “Made in Lagos,” which was met with widespread acclamation for its seamless integration of Afrobeat rhythms with global musical styles. The compilation features prominent tracks such as “Essence” and “Ginger.” Amassing over 966 million views, Wiz Kid has solidified his status as a preeminent artiste within the African continent, currently ranked as number 3 in the industry.

The remarkable abilities and influence of WizKid in the music industry have been recognized with a myriad of accolades and honors, including several BET Awards and MOBO Awards. As an innovator within the Afrobeat genre, he consistently exemplifies Nigerian music at an international level.

4. Davido

David Adedeji Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido, stands as a preeminent figure in the Nigerian musical landscape. His repertoire includes a plethora of chart-topping hits that have cultivated an extensive following.

His inaugural album, entitled “Omo Baba Olowo,” was unveiled to the public in the year 2012, comprising notable tracks such as “Dami Duro” and “Ekuro.” This album achieved remarkable success and catapulted Davido to prominence, thus confirming his influential status within the Nigerian musical fraternity. He currently holds the esteemed position of number 4 in the industry rankings.

Beyond his individual artistic pursuits, Davido has engaged in partnerships with a variety of artists hailing both from Nigeria and the international music scene. Noteworthy collaborators include Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Wizkid. These joint musical ventures have served to amplify his influence, propelling Nigerian musical expressions to the forefront of the global stage.

Davido’s exceptional abilities and diligence have garnered him a multitude of commendations and distinctions, among which include the BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and MOBO Awards. His musical creations persist in exerting a significant impact, and he stands at the vanguard of the Nigerian musical scene. For those in pursuit of vibrant and captivating melodies, the works of Davido merit attention.

5. Rema

In 2019, the artiste known as Rema distinguished himself within the musical domain with the release of “Iron Man,” a single that garnered significant attention from both music aficionados and industry experts. Characterized by an innovative fusion of Afro-beats, trap, and R&B, Rema’s sonic signature markedly differentiates him from his contemporaries in the music sector.

Subsequent to this initial acclaim, Rema has unveiled a number of successful tracks such as “Dumebi,” “Bad Commando,” and “Ginger Me.” His compositions frequently demonstrate his adaptability and the seamless manner in which he transitions across diverse musical styles. The song “Calm Down” stands as his most-watched offering, amassing in excess of 549 million views. Its widespread popularity has been pivotal in securing Rema the fifth position among the top ten musicians on the African continent.

The ascent of Rema in the music industry can be described as remarkable, and he has garnered recognition through numerous accolades, such as the esteemed Headies Award for Next Rated Artiste in the year 2019. His compositions are distinguished by their memorable melodies and his performances are imbued with a vitality characteristic of youth, accompanied by a captivating stage presence. These qualities have earned him a place of affection in the hearts of audiences, not only within the confines of Nigeria but also on an international scale.

At a notably youthful stage in his life, Rema has attained considerable accomplishments within the music sector and persists in challenging the conventional limits through his artistic endeavors. It is advisable to remain vigilant regarding his forthcoming musical contributions, as he is an ascending luminary meriting attention.

6. Diamond Platnumz

Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, experienced a meteoric rise to prominence during the early 2010s following the release of his acclaimed singles “Number One” and “Mbagala.” His distinctive smooth vocals, coupled with his vivacious stage presence, rapidly positioned him as a leading figure in the East African music scene.

Throughout his illustrious career, Diamond Platnumz has consistently produced a series of hits that have topped the charts. Noteworthy among his achievements is the collaborative piece “Yope Remix,” with Innoss’B, which has amassed in excess of 219 million views, thereby marking it as the most viewed song in his repertoire.

Beyond his contributions to music, Diamond Platinumz has expanded his professional endeavors into the realm of business by founding the record label Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) Records. Through WCB, he has played a pivotal role in fostering and mentoring a number of gifted musicians, significantly enhancing the development of Tanzania’s musical landscape.

The success of Diamond Platnumz has been duly recognized, evidenced by the multitude of accolades he has accrued. Among these are numerous awards from esteemed institutions such as the MTV Africa Music Awards and the All-Africa Music Awards.

His impact transcends the borders of Tanzania, attracting a considerable following throughout the African continent and overseas. Through his compelling musical works, Diamond Platnumz continues to exert a significant influence in the sphere of music, thereby cementing his status as the sixth-ranked musician in Africa.

7. Master KG

Master KG earned global acclaim following the release of his renowned track “Jerusalema,” which featured the vocals of Nomcebo Zikode. This musical piece garnered widespread international attention, ascending to the peak of music charts in numerous nations and inciting a plethora of viral dance challenges globally.

On YouTube, the song has amassed an impressive 587 million views. “Jerusalema’s” remarkable success contributed significantly to Master KG’s ranking as the seventh most eminent musician on the top 10 list of African artistes.

Beyond “Jerusalema,” Master KG has composed additional renowned tracks such as “Skeleton Move” and “Ngwanaka.” His compositions frequently embody his cultural legacy and exalt the dynamic beats and auditory essence of South Africa.

Master KG’s artistic prowess and his contribution to the music industry has been honoured through numerous accolades, notably receiving the esteemed MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in the year 2020. His ongoing musical endeavors continue to echo globally, vividly presenting the extensive musical heritage of South Africa.

8. Tekno Miles

Tekno Miles has achieved recognition through his notable singles such as “Duro,” “Pana,” and “Jogodo.” His musical style is a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and dancehall, culminating in a distinctive and captivating sound that has endeared him to audiences throughout Africa and the international community. Notably, “Pana” has emerged as his most acclaimed track, amassing in excess of 204 million views on YouTube.

Throughout his professional musical tenure, Tekno has engaged in collaborations with numerous artistes spanning both local and international spheres. His associations include high-profile acts such as Davido, Wizkid, and the American singer Ciara, thereby demonstrating his adaptive musical capabilities and his proficiency in transcending various musical genres.

Beyond his vocal talents, Tekno has made significant contributions to the realm of music production. By delivering production expertise for the works of his contemporaries, he has further cemented his influence within the Nigerian music sector.

Tekno’s musical creations have garnered him a multitude of commendations, including nominations at prestigious events such as the MTV Africa Music Awards and the BET Awards. His refined vocal talent, compelling melodies, and dynamic stage presence persist in engaging audiences on a global scale.

9. P-Square

P-Square emerged as prominent figures in the music industry in the early 2000s, distinguished by their fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat. They garnered acclaim for their dynamic stage presence, memorable tunes, and adept choreography.

Their inaugural album, “Last Nite,” was unveiled in 2003, and it achieved considerable success. However, it was their sophomore album, “Get Squared,” released in 2005, that catapulted them into the limelight. Since that time, P-square has consistently produced albums that have enjoyed widespread success.

The song entitled “Personally” stands as their most-watched musical performance, boasting in excess of 128 million views. This achievement has firmly established their status as preeminent musicians within the African continent. Their portfolio is further distinguished by partnerships with illustrious international musicians, including Akon and Rick Ross, which has served to extend their influence well beyond African borders.

In 2016, the pair publicly declared their dissolution due to irreconcilable personal differences. Subsequently, Peter Okoye embarked on an individual musical venture, adopting the moniker Mr. P, while Paul Okoye pursued his own artistic path as Rudeboy. Each brother has continued to produce and release music independently.

It has been announced that they have recently reassembled, eliciting considerable anticipation for their forthcoming musical compositions. The influence of P-square on both the Nigerian and broader African musical landscape is incontrovertible. They have acted as a catalyst for the emergence of a new cadre of musicians and have been pivotal in bringing the Afrobeats genre to international prominence.

10. Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel emerged as a notable figure in the music industry in 2014, following the success of his breakthrough single “Woju.” The song quickly garnered a widespread audience, establishing his reputation. His musical style is characterized by an innovative combination of Afro beats, R&B, and pop, resulting in a distinct and captivating sound.

In the wake of “Woju,” Kizz Daniel unveiled his first studio album titled “New Era” in 2016, which achieved considerable acclaim and featured several hit tracks, including “Yeba” and “Mama.” His musical journey progressed with the release of his second album, “No Bad Songz,” in 2018. This album further affirmed his standing as one of Nigeria’s leading musical talents, currently ranked at number 10.

The composition “Buga” by Kizz Daniel stands as the preeminent track in terms of viewership, amassing in excess of 180 million views. The song’s popularity was further augmented by numerous individuals partaking in dance challenges, which contributed to its trending status.

Beyond his individual musical endeavors, Kizz Daniel has also engaged in collaborations with a multitude of artistes both domestic and from the international arena. His collaborative portfolio includes work with prominent figures such as Davido, Wizkid, and DJ Spinall, thereby underscoring his adaptability and wide-ranging talent as a musician.

Kizz Daniel’s exceptional talent and diligent efforts have culminated in a multitude of accolades and nominations, encompassing the prestigious Headies Awards and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. His musical creations persist in resonating across the airwaves, solidifying his status as an influential personality in the Nigerian music sector. For those in pursuit of melodious rhythms to accompany their moments, the works of Kizz Daniel merit attention.

This is an exceptional array of artistes from Africa. These skilled individuals are currently at the forefront of the musical domain, significantly influencing the industry. They embody the energetic and ever-evolving African musical landscape with commendable finesse.

Access the comprehensive report showcasing a list of 50 distinguished artistes here.