Gists By African stars being tipped for global success
When assessing the amount of African music
being produced on the continent, it is mightily
impressive. A huge selection of talented
artists is regularly sharing music which is
making a big impression in a variety of African
countries. Many of them are pushing
boundaries and innovating the all-around
sound of African music, too.
Technology is certainly helping when it comes
to the exposure of African musicians and their
work. Aspiring stars are able to share their
latest tracks with ease on a variety of
platforms, from Bandcamp to Soundcloud.
These types of services provide music fans
with a comprehensive selection of tracks to
sample, too, while also enabling the artists
themselves to receive royalties in the process
and help win over more fans. The exposure
these types of services provide is hugely
beneficial.
On-demand music services are not just
exposing African artists on the continent
either, with global audiences now regularly
tucking into a selection of beats from this side
of the pond. The same smartphone devices
people are using to find a date online, check
out Instagram or play games at the very best
online casino are also opening up music from
Africa to people everywhere. As a result,
many African stars are expected to grow
outside of the continent in the coming months
and years ahead. Here is a look at just some
of the artists being tipped for success.
Omah Lay – Nigeria
Nigerian Omah Lay originally rose to
prominence with his song, Bad Influence.
Since then, his rich and enchanting voice over
the sounds of Afrobeats, Afrofusion and soul
has received raved reviews. Omah Lay’s talent
has led him to work with American singer and
rapper 6lack, while also producing a few other
notable releases too.
Gaz Mawete – Democratic Republic of Congo
Gaz Mawete originally burst onto the scene in
2018 and has since gone on to establish
himself as one of Congo’s rising stars. His
song with Olingi Nini was a particular highlight
but Mawete’s solo creations are expected to
do just as well in the future. He has already
collaborated with the likes of Fally Ipupa and
Dadju. It certainly came as no surprise to see
Gaz Mawete nominated in the Best African
Act category at last year’s MTV Europe Music
Awards, either.
Elaine – South Africa
An artist who is making waves all over the
continent, Elaine’s voice is hard to forget.
Signed to US label Columbia records, she is
expected to build on the success she has
already had. She is already one of the most
streamed artists in South Africa, with her
debut EP Elements winning over plenty of
music lovers. Elaine is definitely one to keep
an eye on.
KiDi – Ghana
A Ghanaian artist with immense talent, KiDi
has already produced a range of masterpieces
which is exactly why his album Sugar won
album of the year at the 2020 Ghana music
awards. Success outside of the country is
predicted for the Afrobeats and Highlife artist.
Some of his other work, including Say Cheese,
has already gained recognition outside of the
continent, with American singer Teddy Riley
teaming up with him.
Sha Sha – Zimbabwe
With her soulful, soothing sound, Sha Sha is
expected to kick on even further in 2021. Her
debut EP Blossom already set her apart from
most which is why it came as no surprise to
see the Zimbabwean singer being listed as
one of the top 10 most streamed female
artists on Spotify in South Africa in 2020. She
also won Best New International Act at the
2020 BET Awards.