Insights

• Konnect
• 6 Min Read
• 199 Views

Top 10 African Artists To Watch In 2025

The African music scene has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with artists from the continent achieving unprecedented global recognition. Genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Bongo Flava have transcended borders, influencing mainstream music worldwide. As we look ahead to 2025, several African artists are poised to make significant impacts on the global stage. This article highlights ten such artists, delving into their journeys, achievements, and what makes them stand out in the vibrant tapestry of African music.

1. Burna Boy

Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has solidified his status as one of Africa's most influential musicians. His unique fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and pop has garnered international acclaim. In 2024, Burna Boy made history with a groundbreaking performance at the Grammys, becoming the first African artist to grace the main stage. He was honored as Best African Music Artist at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, further cementing his global influence. His single "Higher," released on June 27, achieved a record-breaking 1.3 million Spotify streams on its first day, setting a new benchmark for African solo acts. As we move into 2025, Burna Boy's trajectory suggests even greater global acclaim. 

2. Wizkid

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, continues to shine brightly on the global music scene. His 2024 album "Morayo," a tribute to his late mother, featured collaborations with artists like Asake, Anaïs Cardot, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola. Standout singles such as "Piece of My Heart" (featuring Brent Faiyaz) and "Kese (Dance)" set records for single-day streaming debuts on Spotify Nigeria, each amassing over 1.5 million streams. Ranked as the 11th top artist globally by Chart Data in 2024, Wizkid's influence on the international stage is undeniable. He also garnered his fifth Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance with Asake's "MMS." The year 2025 promises even more groundbreaking achievements from this Afrobeats giant. 

3. Davido

David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, had a milestone year in 2024. His global smash hit "Unavailable" dominated charts in the UK, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Suriname. His fourth studio album "Timeless" continued to make waves, earning him three Grammy nominations and a spot on Billboard's Honour Roll. In 2024, his collaboration "Funds" (featuring ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike) amassed over 5.3 million YouTube views. Looking forward to 2025, Davido is set to release his highly anticipated album "5ive" in March, promising new hits and more global accolades. 

4. Asake

Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, continued his meteoric rise in 2024 with his record-breaking third album "Lungu Boy," which garnered 9.2 million Spotify streams on its first day. The lead single, "MMS" featuring Wizkid, further solidified his status as an international force. His sold-out "Lungu Boy World Tour," coupled with a 2024 MOBO Award win for Best African Act, underscored his dominance. Grammy nods for tracks like "Amapiano" and a NAACP nomination highlighted his versatility. Asake's blend of Afrobeat and unique rhythms positions him as an essential figure to watch in 2025. 

5. Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, experienced significant growth in 2024, positioning her as a global powerhouse. Her album "The Year I Turned 21" debuted atop the Nigerian Albums Chart and gained international recognition, reaching number 89 on the Canadian Albums Chart and 195 on the US Billboard 200. Collaborations with artists like Anitta, Giveon, and Rauw Alejandro showcased her versatility. Her single "Rush" secured a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. Additionally, she bagged the Best Female Artist award at the AEAUSA and four MTV EMA nominations. In 2025, Ayra Starr is set to shatter more glass ceilings with her undeniable talent. 

6. Tems

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, continued her ascent to global stardom in 2024. Her debut album "Born in the Wild" broke new ground, peaking at top positions on UK, Netherlands, and Swiss charts. Singles like "Love Me JeJe" highlighted her distinct sound and earned critical acclaim, with Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album, Best R&B Song ("Burning"), and Best African Music Performance. In 2025, Tems will make history as the first African female headliner of Afro Nation. With a performance scheduled at Johannesburg's TicketPro Dome, her ongoing success story is set to inspire even more milestones. 

7. Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade's 2024 accomplishments underscored her reputation as a global icon. Her album "Rebel Queen" included the Grammy-nominated track "Tomorrow," and her AFCON 2023 anthem "Akwaba" resonated across cultures. Exploring Amapiano sounds in her "Mamapiano" EP showcased her adaptability and range. A scheduled headlining slot at the WOMADelaide festival in 2025 signals another exciting chapter for Yemi Alade. With a string of international performances and collaborations in the pipeline, Yemi Alade remains a pivotal force in African music. Her ability to seamlessly blend Afro-pop, highlife, and Amapiano ensures her continued relevance on the global stage. As she steps into 2025, her influence is set to grow even stronger, making her a must-watch artist.

8. Tyla

Tyla, the South African sensation, has been at the forefront of the Amapiano revolution, taking the genre to international audiences. Her viral hit "Water" became a global phenomenon in 2023, topping charts and earning her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. She followed up with a string of hits that cemented her status as an emerging star.

In 2024, Tyla continued her ascent with performances at major international festivals and collaborations with global artists, including Chris Brown and Travis Scott. Her ability to merge Amapiano with pop and R&B influences has made her one of Africa’s most promising young stars. With a debut album expected in 2025 and a growing global fanbase, Tyla is poised to take her career to even greater heights.

9. Black Sherif

Ghanaian artist Black Sherif has captured the hearts of fans with his unique blend of drill music, highlife, and hip-hop. His deep, introspective lyrics and powerful storytelling set him apart in the African music landscape. His 2023 debut album, The Villain I Never Was, received critical acclaim and solidified his position as one of Ghana’s biggest musical exports.

In 2024, Black Sherif expanded his reach with a world tour and high-profile collaborations with international artists. His ability to connect deeply with audiences through raw, emotional music has made him a standout figure in African music. As he prepares for another album release in 2025, Black Sherif is undoubtedly an artist to watch, with a sound that continues to push boundaries.

10. Focalistic

Focalistic is one of the leading names in Amapiano, a genre that has taken the world by storm. The South African artist has consistently delivered club anthems and has been instrumental in popularizing the Amapiano sound beyond Africa. His energetic performances and catchy hooks have earned him a loyal fanbase across the globe.

In 2024, Focalistic took Amapiano to new heights, collaborating with artists like Davido, Major League DJz, and global pop icons. His ability to fuse hip-hop influences with Amapiano’s signature beats makes him a versatile artist with crossover appeal. With plans for international tours and new music in 2025, Focalistic remains a dominant force in African music.

Conclusion

As we step into 2025, African music continues to break barriers and gain unprecedented global recognition. These ten artists represent the future of the industry, pushing creative boundaries and introducing African sounds to new audiences worldwide. Whether through Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-fusion, or drill, each of these musicians brings something unique to the table.

Their ability to innovate, collaborate, and connect with global audiences ensures that African music remains at the forefront of the international music scene. As their influence continues to grow, they are not just artists to watch but cultural ambassadors shaping the future of global music. Keep an eye on them in 2025—this is just the beginning.