In the grand scheme of things, this has been an amazing year for African music as artists hit one milestone after another. From international headline shows, sold-out arenas, and pinch-me crossover moments, one can look to the future with excitement and optimism. While Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African sounds continue to enjoy global recognition and amplification, the talent pool back on the continent has been working to capitalize on the attention from a larger global audience.
In 2023, we were introduced to a new wave of artists with new sounds who are poised to take over — regardless of where they fall on the artistic ladder. As we get ready to close out the year, our staff writer Nana Kojo Mula has curated a list of the most exciting new talents on the continent we met in 2023 that we believe will make an impact in 2024.
Darkua
My attention was drawn to Ghanaian singer Darkua when she released her single “Echo” and her EP U’ve Been Here, earlier this year. Her writing, vocals and performances point her out as one of the most exciting talents right now.
99 PHACES
In March of this year, the collective 99 PHACES introduced themselves to us with their debut project, So We Made A Tape. The track “Brotherman” perfectly captures their blend of pop, R&B, rap, Afrobeats, and alté.
Nana Yaw Ofori-Attah (Oneman1000)
It is rare to discover a gospel singer, such as Nana Yaw Ofori-Attah (Oneman1000), with a sound that has found its way beyond the church. His verse on Fra Band’s “You Dey Feel The Vibe” and solo tracks such as “No One” demonstrate his versatility as an artist. A blend of jazz, reggae, pop, and Amapiano sets him apart from the stereotypical description of gospel music.
Anabel Rose
Anabel Rose might be an artist in her first year, yet she moves like she’s been doing this for a long time. Anabel had listeners hooked this year with her two alté singles, “Love Me or Die” and “DND.” Her ability to bend genres while maintaining a foundation of rock and pop elements brings a refreshing sound to Ghana’s current soundscape.
Taves
Whether you heard “L.A L.A” or “Eleyele,” everyone who listened to Taves’ hit single noticed the Nigerian singer has a knack for making good music. Then, his verse on Bnxn’s “Realize” sealed the deal: this is a voice we want to hear more of.
Olivetheboy
If you are a person who is on social media (and doesn’t live under a rock), it is possible that at some point this year, you contracted the “GoodSin” bug. If not, let me introduce you to Ghana’s next Afrobeats’ star: Olivetheboy. He rose through the cracks of the industry with a TikTok smash hit that turned out to be one of the biggest Ghanaian songs of 2023.
Qing Madi
Nigerian singer Qing Madi has gained rapid recognition and is already considered one of the country’s most intriguing new talents. This year, Qing released an exciting debut EP that included her hit song “Ole” featuring Bnxn. It’s the kind of song that makes for catching a groove as well as crying in the shower. And this versatility is why we’re so excited for what’s coming in 2024.
MAUIMOØN
When I first heard MAUIMØON on his song “Doing U Better,” I realized I had found a gem in the rough. His remarkable songwriting ability, crystal-clear voice, and effortless delivery shone on a masterful COLORS debut this year. It’s clear we’re going to see a lot more of the Ugandan star.
Yarden
Yarden’s voice is smooth and soothing; it draws you in. But what won me over on my first listen to his song “Busy Body” and made me a true believer with his EP The One Who Descends are his melodies.
Banzy Banero
Gospel, Afrobeats, or Hiplife? I still couldn’t tell you what genre Banzy Benero’s viral song “Hosanna” belongs to. What I can say is that it is one of the best musical discoveries I have made this year. The song’s humorous composition and catchy hook make it an instant earworm, and I wasn’t shocked when people started singing it everywhere—from the streets to the church. Regardless of the genre, Banzy Banero is undeniably one of the hottest acts to come out of Ghana in 2023.
Muis
I couldn’t stop singing “Saati Saaati Saati Ramoni” for weeks. That’s how enchanted I was when I first heard Muis’ “Saati Ramoni” in June. Seeing how viral the Afro-R&B song went on social media with its popular open verse challenge made it evident that Nigeria has a new star on the rise.
Seven Kizs
While many assume that Ghanaian highlife is on the decline, others—myself included—believe that this is not the case. Highlife is alive and well, and Seven Kizs is one of the artists I discovered this year who is actively promoting the genre. His song “Picture” embodies Ghanaian highlife with a modern edge. With just two singles to his name now, it will be intriguing to see what he has in store for next year.
Joshua Baraka
With a solid R&B foundation, Joshua Baraka has distinguished himself as not only one of Uganda’s top music exports this year but also a rising power on the continent. Hearing the remix of his song “Nana” featuring some of the continent’s best, was enough to convince me that he is ready for stardom. Joshua Baraka is your man if you like R&B with an African twist.
Shallipopi
Without Shallipopi, this list would be incomplete. I could write a book about the Plutomanian President, but I believe we have all heard or seen what he has done in the last year. He is without a doubt one of the continent’s top newcomers. Shallipopi, who has a distinct flow and singing style, has gone on to make several more hits after the release of his viral smash “Elon Musk” I know many of us are looking forward to what he has in store in 2024 and beyond.
Theecember
Following the success of his Finesse freestyle, Theecember has maintained the pace and quickly established himself as a promising talent not only in Burundi but throughout East Africa. He distinguishes himself as a producer, composer, and vocalist by fusing traditional Burundian rhythms and R&B with West African Afrobeats components. With songs like “Back To You” under his belt, it’s undeniable: Theecember is ready to take on the world.
Written by Nana Kojo Mula.
Want more? Check out their music on our “Ones To Watch: 2024” playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.
