In the pulsating heartbeat of African rhythms, a sonic revolution is underway, and the international music stage is echoing with the vibrant cadence of African music. The world has witnessed the rise of African artists to international stardom in recent years, with names like REMA, Libianca, Angélique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, WizKid, and Black Coffee gaining global attention and acclaim. These award-winning artists have transcended borders, infusing the world with the infectious beats and soul-stirring melodies that define the African sound.
From the Afro-fusion grooves of Nigeria to the Afrobeat tunes of South Africa, the world stage is brimming with African talents, that are not only reaching millions and going viral on the internet but also bagging awards left and right, one after another. They’ve made it evident that African music isn’t just a passing trend; it’s shaking up the global music scene. Here are some of the rising talents that are set to make waves in 2024.
NIRERE
Ruth Nirere, also known as Nirere Shanel, is a Rwandan singer and actress who started making music at just 13 in 1998, focusing on healing hearts and honouring the victims of the Rwandan Genocide. Since then, she’s been sharing her soulful tunes with the world, dropping her debut album in 2009. Beyond music, Shanel has starred in two films, “The Day God Walked Away” in 2008 and “Long Coat” in 2009, the latter earning an award in New York. This talented artist continues to weave her musical and acting magic, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
MAYRA
Mayra Andrade is a Cape Verdean singer. She kicked off her musical journey as a teenager, taking voice lessons in Paris at 17. Collaborating with composer Orlando Pantera, she performed in various places, including Cape Verdean cities and Lisbon. In 2011, Andrade teamed up with Trio Mocotó for the track “Berimbau” on the charitable album “Red Hot+Rio 2,” supporting AIDS/HIV awareness. Her 2013 album, “Lovely Difficult,” showcased a pop sound with collaborations from artists worldwide, singing in Portuguese, Cape Verdean creole, French, and English. In 2019, her album “Manga” blended afrobeats, urban music, and Cape Verdean rhythms. Besides her music, Andrade has been a celebrity ambassador for the United Nations campaign “Free and Equal” since 2015, advocating for the rights of the LGBT community in Cape Verde.
KEILA
BALOJI
Hailing from Lubumbashi, Congo, Baloji’s artistic journey began when he followed his father to Belgium at the age of 4. Growing up in a family that felt somewhat distant, Baloji found solace and passion in the world of hip-hop, diving into the New Jack Swing wave at just 13. With a keen interest in graffiti and dance, he discovered his true calling upon encountering French rap, particularly drawn to the sophisticated lyricism of Akhenaton. Baloji’s unique background and artistic influences have shaped him into a standout talent, bringing a distinctive flavor to the global music scene.
ERIAM SISTERS
The EriAm Sisters, short for “Eritrean American Sisters,” bring a dynamic blend of talent and cultural diversity to the stage. Consisting of three sisters—Haben, Salina, and Lianda—the trio has a unique international background, with Salina and Lianda born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Haben in Seattle, United States. Raised by Eritrean parents, their father, Mulugheta Abraham, was a musician in Eritrea, instilling a love for music in the sisters from a young age. Initially sharing their songs within the family, they took a leap onto YouTube, attracting attention that led to their first public performance invitation. Haben’s debut at Disney World in Orlando marked a turning point, followed by her appearance on the Maury Povich TV show as one of America’s most talented kids. These experiences fueled the sisters’ decision to pursue music more seriously, bringing their captivating harmonies to a broader audience.
HABEN
TÖME
Michelle Oluwatomi Akanbi, popularly known as Töme, is a vibrant Nigerian-French Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor. Töme’s remarkable talent garnered recognition in 2020 when she clinched the prestigious Juno awards in 2021 for her single ‘I Pray’ featuring Sean Kingston. Beyond her solo success, Töme has graced stages alongside African music icons such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Mr Eazi. Her versatility shines through collaborations with pop sensations like King Promise, Runtown, Zlatan, Wavy the Creator, and Sean Kingston. Töme’s unique blend of Nigerian and Canadian influences has established her as a rising star, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.
DEMOLA
Demola, also known as “Demola the Violinist,” is a musical force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, and currently based in Houston, Texas, Demola is not your average artist. A self-taught, award-winning multi-genre violinist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Demola’s musical journey began in the vibrant city of Lagos before he ventured to the USA to pursue a solo career. With a deep love for music instilled by his music-loving parents, Demola has become a fan favorite, touring with the City of Houston Mayor and performing the national anthem for major sports events, including the World Series Champions Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets. His dynamic fusion of Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Dance Hall, Reggaeton, Jazz, Classical, Rap, Country, and Rock & Roll, along with his original compositions, sets him apart. Demola, the official violinist for legendary R&B groups like Tonytonitoné and Dwayne Wiggins, has garnered over 2 million followers across social media, captivating audiences worldwide. Beyond his instrumental prowess, Demola is a versatile artist, releasing albums like “Feel1ngs” in 2022, an original violin album with millions of streams across platforms, alongside his cover albums “Classics with Demola” volumes 1 & 2.
DJӨDJΣ
Djodje is an artist from Cape Verde. He is a songwriter, composer, and performer.Part of the Broda Music label, he presents eclectic music that combines zouk and afropop. One of his successful singles is “Beijam.”
