Afrobeats, a genre that has taken the world by storm with its infectious blend of West African rhythms, electronic beats, and hip-hop influences, has cemented its place as a global music phenomenon. At the forefront of this movement are the “Big 3” – Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido – who have dominated the scene with their unique sounds and captivating performances. However, a new contender has emerged to challenge their status: Rema, who proudly proclaims himself the “Crown Prince” of Afrobeats with his sophomore album “HEIS”, declaring that it is now a ‘Big 4’ period.
Rema is one of the many talented artists poised to push Afrobeats to even greater levels. This new generation of stars includes Tems, Asake, Odumodublvck, Omah Lay, Ruger, Ayra Starr, Fave, BNXN, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Shallipopi, Bloody Civilian, and many others who bring a fresh perspective to the genre. With their unique sounds, captivating lyricism, and undeniable stage presence, they are pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and infusing it with elements of R&B, pop, and alternative sounds.
However, another set of promising individuals who possess more than just talent, they are gradually building momentum. I term them the “Generation of Marvels” and I believe they will be the ones to preserve the future of Afrobeats, Nigerian Hip-hop, and African culture globally. This new class of artists is not just content with being successful; they are committed to using their platform to elevate their craft and leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
With their innovative approach to Afrobeats and their unwavering dedication to their craft, I firmly believe that this Generation of Marvels will be the ones to take Afrobeats to new heights and cement its place as a global phenomenon. They will be the ones to push the boundaries of what is possible with Afrobeats and bring new energy to the genre. And as they rise to stardom, they will inspire a new generation of young artists to follow in their footsteps and carry on the legacy of Afrobeats.
Let’s meet them:
1. Ayo Maff: He is an emerging artist from the busy streets of Bariga, Lagos. He embodies the spirit of authenticity and perseverance that many artists from this vibrant neighbourhood share. Taking cues from his environment, Ayo’s music reflects his goals and lived experiences with raw energy and lyrical depth.
His breakthrough song “Dealer,” which featured the well-known Fireboy DML, only served to highlight his trajectory. Charting success on Apple Music’s Top 100 Nigeria and superstars like Davido and legends like Olamide cosigning him further cemented his position in the business. Amid a talent-filled landscape, Ayo Maff stands out as a ray of light for the upcoming generation of performers, demonstrating that dreams can come true with the appropriate combination of skill, tenacity, strategic direction, and connections. Watch this up-and-coming musician from Bariga as he continues to enthral crowds and leave his mark on Nigerian music history.
2. Qing Madi: She is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer who was born in Benin City, Nigeria. She rose to fame with the release of “Ole” featuring BNXN, which peaked at Number 1 and 3 on Uganda Apple Music and Nigeria Apple Music, respectively. Some industry insiders also predict that she will be the next one up.
Given that she recently turned eighteen, she is among the brightest young stars in the music industry featured on Billboard’s annual 21 Under 21 list. Ayra Starr and Wizkid have been supportive of her since her 2023 breakthrough with cosigns. She claims to be especially fond of Burna Boy and Wizkid, both of whom she listened to growing up and who she believes are currently ”pushing the Afrobeats culture (and opening) the doors for me to dream and aspire to be more than my surroundings.”
3. Kold AF: She is a rising talent in Nigeria’s music scene. Formerly known as Koel, the Itsekiri-born performer studied Law, at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife before launching a professional music career in 2020.
Culture Custodian included her in the list of “18 Nigerian Artists to Watch For in 2023”. In April 2024, she was featured as the 49th Street International Day feature Under 25 Women Shaping the Future of Pop Culture and as Spotify’s Equal Africa Ambassador. It is evident that the bigger picture is starting to become apparent.
She effortlessly blends AfroFusion elements from Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats. It’s not surprising that she draws inspiration from artists like Burna Boy, Rema, Timaya, Cynthia Morgan, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, as she pays homage to their perspectives while allowing her splendid individuality to shine through. Entrepreneur and content creator Excel Joab currently manages her.
4. BKAYEASTGAAD: He is a producer, artist, composer, rapper, and creative. He graduated from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. Numerous critics, admirers, and even insiders in the music industry see him as the next big thing to happen in the Nigerian hip-hop scene.
According to the Nigerian Barz Association, a prominent Hip-hop platform in Nigeria has named him the ‘New Face’ of Nigerian Hip-hop. He signed to (TCB) The Cake Bizness Imprint of A-Q Nigerian rapper and songwriter, who is serving as a mentor to the rising rap star. It ought to be mentioned that he enjoys a large following of fans, especially on social media, who pride themselves as #GAADIANS 🐅 or GAADIAN🐅 Soldiers.
He has the cosigns of the legendary Illbliss and industry veterans like Chuka Obi.
5. Taves: He is a Nigerian musician who creates a distinctive fusion of traditional African music and modern elements with his contagious rhythms and beautiful vocals.
From the vibrant city of Ibadan, Nigeria, his talent is making waves in the music scene, captivating audiences with his chart-topping hits like “Eleyele”, “Bodija”, and “Folake”. Taves’ remarkable rise to fame is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill. The young artist believes that his music has the power to transcend borders, speaking directly to the hearts and souls of listeners from all walks of life.
His unique sound and relatable lyrics have struck a chord with fans from diverse backgrounds, solidifying his position as a rising star in the industry. With his infectious energy and undeniable talent, he is set to make a lasting impact on the music world. He is covered by the guidance of BNXN formerly known as Buju.
6. ShineTTW: His real name is Chukwuma Ferdinand and the talented Nigerian singer was born on August 13th. Hailing from the southeastern part of Nigeria, his passion for music was nurtured from a young age. His years in secondary school education saw him establish himself as a class entertainer, thanks to his impressive singing and beatboxing skills. Growing up in a household filled with creativity, where his father was a DJ, music was always a significant part of his life. This innate love and interest in music only deepened as he matured. In 2018, ShineTTW made the bold decision to pursue music full-time, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in the industry.
He describes his music as Afro-Sentio, a term that combines the essence of African rhythms with the Latin concept of “Sentio,” meaning experience. His goal is to craft a sonic journey that transports his audience into a world of emotions, where they can mirror his feelings with every listen. By doing so, he seeks to create a deep and immersive experience that transcends borders and resonates with audiences across Africa and beyond.
7. Zhus JDO: He is a Nigerian musician from Benin City whose songs combine English and Pidgin. He is a master of his craft, blending genres like drill, hip-hop, dancehall, and Afrobeats to create a truly distinctive and captivating sound. His music is a reflection of his authenticity, transporting listeners to the vibrant streets of Nigeria and beyond. With his incredible talent, he offers an unforgettable musical experience that is both uniquely Nigerian and universally relatable.
He is also signed to A-Q’s The Cake Bizness Imprint.
8. Tml Vibez: He is an emerging Nigerian Afrobeats artist known for his lively music style. He gained popularity in 2023 with his hit song “Goated.” He is signed to the Vibez Inc. label and has a presence on social media, particularly Instagram.
Vibez Inc. is a record label founded by Afrobeat artist Seyi Vibez. It is a subsidiary of Dapper Music & Entertainment and currently has Seyi Vibez and other artists signed under it.
9. Muyeez: He is a 16-year-old prodigy, whose real name is Moshood Abdulmuiz, has gained attention as one of the most promising performers of his generation. Since he was eight years old, he has been motivated to improve his profession by his passion for music. When he began posting freestyles on Instagram, Seyi Vibez noticed and wanted to add him to the Vibez Inc. family right away. Muyeez declares, “I feel like I was meant to be here; this is what I’ve been waiting for my entire life.”
The first track from the Vibez Incorporation Mixtape Vol. 1 with Muyeez and Seyi Vibez, “Instagram,” reached the top spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Songs Chart. Muyeez became the youngest #1 charting artist in the nation as a result of this accomplishment.
10. Bhadboi OML: He is an artist known for his music, which includes various songs and albums that can be found on platforms like Instagram and streaming services like Boomplay and Val9ja. He has gained a following, indicating his popularity in the music scene.
The vibrant Afrobeats scene is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging and fresh sounds emerging at every turn. While the current crop of stars is undoubtedly exciting, it’s crucial to remember that there are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered. To stay ahead of the curve, keep your ears open to the diverse array of sounds and styles that Afrobeats has to offer. You might stumble upon a game-changing artist who will capture your heart and become your new favourite. By embracing the genre’s ever-changing landscape, you’ll be part of the global phenomenon that is Afrobeats’ ascent to the top.