The African stars being tipped for global success in 2021 and beyond

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.