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These are the emerging artists to watch in 2023, according to Spotify
Few things are quite as exciting as discovering new talent to listen to on repeat, add to your favourite playlists and lean on for emotional support over the course of the year.
For fans of African music on Spotify, 2023 promises another roll-call of amazing artists, ready to break through to fame and mainstream streaming success.
If anything, African music has consistently unfurled waves of new, fresh talent every year who have propelled the global interest in Afrobeats, Amapiano and its many other sub-genres. 2022 was a breakout year for artists like Buju, Costa Titch and Asake, whose success propelled them into Wrapped top lists at the end of 2022.
And while those talents took their voices to the main stage, a slew of rising stars was also laying the groundwork for their own breakout year. Some of these musicians are primed to release their best music in the coming months. Others have enjoyed early success on Spotify, and show many indications of even greater success on the horizon. Others are relatively new elements, developing new takes on familiar sounds that harken towards major shifts in popular music.
Hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda with a wide array of styles, cultures and perspectives, these artists are, according to Spotify data, the ones to watch in 2023.
As Asakaa drill music picked up in Ghana, Reggie’s banging anthem Geng Geng was leading the charge as a favourite among music lovers. Built on shared experiences and a collective sense of solidarity, Reggie’s music is usually built around brotherhood and growing in the second largest city in Ghana – Kumasi
With a handful of guest verses and a 2021 release titled Limelight, Melissa is one of the most interesting newcomers in music. This Ghanian’s verses portray a gifted pen at work, and her silky voice has been employed navigating a range of sounds from jazz, reggaeton, R&B to Afropop influences. 2023 should give us more Mellissa music.
This multi talented musician is one who has proven indeed audience sharing and collaboration is one of the best ways to break through in the music scene. He registered his first song Goldigga by collaborating with Black Sherif. SAMSNEY used this song to showcase his musical prowess as an artist to look out for in 2023.
Snypa has a knack for identifying, and stringing together artists for the best collaborations. For instance, he assembled Kwesi Arthur, Ms Banks for the highly infectious Gbedu which became an instant hit when it was released.
Ghanian drill rapper Beeztrap KOTM is fairly new on the scene but he proved his mettle with his hit track Radio, featuring Reggie which took 2022 by storm. The success of that track, and others like Cinderella and Distance Relationship will see him become a firm favourite on 2023 playlists.
Below is the list of other emerging artists on the continent.
SOUTH AFRICAN EMERGING ARTISTS | KENYAN, TANZANIAN & UGANDAN EMERGING ARTISTS | NIGERIAN EMERGING ARTISTS |
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MeanAugustine Ready To ‘Elevate’ With New Single
Versatile Ghanaian Musician, MeanAugustine has officially premiered his latest song titled “Elevate” live on streaming platforms.
Formerly known as Narja, MeanAugustine has shaken up the music scene with the release of this new superb record that is difficult to place under the umbrella of a specific genre.
He shows off impressive versatility by switching different styles and fusing distinct genres to produce an euphonious record.
“Elevate” is simply a motivational song that talks about focusing, grinding, finally winning and rising to the next level in one’s career.
However, there is nothing simple about the trilingual delivery and performance by MeanAugustine on the Z3NA produced track.
Effortlessly switching between English, Twi and a modicum of Patoa, the artiste enraptures a medley of listeners.
Created on the back of a normal conversation between two artistes; MeanAugustine and Kinjunia, “Elevate” was chiefly performed as a freestyle.
“The song was actually inspired by my conversation with Kinjunia, we talked for about two hours on how to elevate our music career,” MeanAugustine told Amplify Ghana.
He added that the chorus: “me and my gang go elevate,” just came to mind and he straightaway decided to record.
The song was mixed and mastered by MeanMix.
“Elevate” by MeanAugustine is now out and available on all digital streaming platforms.
Follow MeanAugustine on Instagram
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TIWA SAVAGE RELEASES ‘LOST TIME’, THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THE OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK FOR DEBUT FEATURE FILM ‘WATER & GARRI’
Singer, songwriter and actor TIWA SAVAGE has today released LOST TIME, the first single taken from WATER & GARRI – THE SOUNDTRACK album. ‘Water & Garri’ is a feature film from Everything Savage and Unbound Studios and is set for release on May 10, 2024 on Prime Video with the full soundtrack also released on the same day through EMPIRE. Watch the trailer HERE.
Produced by Khari ‘Needlz’ Cain (Bruno Mars, Drake, Cardi B) and Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, TY Dolla, Usher), Lost Time is a captivating, stripped back guitar-led mid tempo record which sees Savage reminiscing of a past love and the yearn to re-live happier times.
The immersive soundtrack album was curated by Savage and includes ten original songs from Tiwa alongside featured artists from the worlds of Afropop, R&B and Hip Hop. Giants such as Grammy nominated stars Olamide and Ayra Starr, respected Nigerian singer- songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist and singer Richard Bona, gospel artist ZacardiCortez as well as newer talent Black Sherif, Young Jonn, Mystro Sugar and The Cavemen all feature on the album.
The Water & Garri film and its accompanying soundtrack marks a pivotal chapter in Tiwa’s artistic journey as she embarks in the world of film taking on her first lead role in a feature movie as well as its Executive Producer. The ‘Water & Garri’ film sees her play the role of Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native home ‘Eastside’ after 10 years away living in the United States following a family bereavement. At home, Aisha finds that things have drastically changed, violence has escalated, and tensions are high. As she reconnects with family, old friends, and her past love, she must learn to live with her scars and confront the guilt she left behind.
Lost Time is out now on all streaming platforms. Listen Here
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Dynamic multi-genre duo Ajebo Hustlers are back with their latest project, the aptly titled “Bad Boy Etiquette 102.” Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Knowledge (George Dandeson) and Piego (Isaiah Precious) have been steadily building a reputation for music that entertains and enlightens. Listen here. (more…)
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Apple Music Celebrates Africa Month with Afrobeats Spotlight
Apple Music is celebrating Africa Month with a special focus on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the most eclectic and influential sounds in music today.
Apple Music kicks off the celebrations with the introduction of cover stars on its Afrobeats Hits playlist, starting with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML who just released his new single “Everyday.”
“As the first artist to be featured on this Apple Music playlist, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” Fireboy DML tells Apple Music. “Since 2019 I’ve had incredible support from Apple Music and I’m sure the whole African music scene can say the same. I’m excited to see where this leads and what it will do for the culture.”
Speaking about his new single “Everyday,” Fireboy DML adds: “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies. ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”
Read Also: Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel
Apple Music is also featuring “The Story of Afrobeats in 20 songs,” a written editorial feature highlighting the music and artists that helped the genre grow from a West African staple into a global phenomenon.
Towards the end of the month of May, Apple Music will also be launching a new Viral Afrobeats playlist, as well as an new Afrobeats category page that will house new releases, playlists and essential albums from the genre.
Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits for the past year.
Top Artists by streams on Afrobeats Hits
- Davido
- Asake
- Bnxn
- Omah Lay
- Rema
- Burna Boy
- Ayra Starr
- Adekunle Gold
- Kizz Daniel
- Zinoleesky
Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits
- United States
- United Kingdom
- France
- Canada
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Germany
- Ghana
- Australia
- Switzerland
Discover Afrobeats Hits here: https://apple.co/
Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/
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Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel
Apple Music today released this month’s Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring award-winning, Nigerian DJ, DJ Joenel (real name Eugene O. Nelson-Iye), who has embodied Afrocentricity through his live performances, radio dominance, and personal style.
Born and raised in Ahoada East L.G.A in Rivers State, Nigeria, DJ Joenel cemented his status as one of the leading DJs in the country when he became the resident DJ for Cool FM, the No. 1 hit music station in Lagos. Apart from being the official DJ for Afrobeats singer-songwriter Omah Lay, he has also performed alongside African giants Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, as well as Olamide, Phyno, Asake, Rema and Kizz Daniel, to name but a few.
Apple Music x DJ Joenel Africa Now Mix Tracklist:
1. Burna Boy – On Form
2. Rema – Dnd
3. Omah Lay – Reason
4. Sarz – Happiness (feat. Asake & Gunna)
5. Zlatan X Asake – Bust Down
6. Kabza De Small, Mthunzi – Amazwe (Ft Mawhoo)
7. DJ Stokie & Eemoh – Masithokoze
8. Kelvin Momo & Babalwa M – Amalobolo (feat Stixx, Nia Pearl)
9. Wizkid – Ololufe (Audio) ft. Wande Coal
10. Young John – Big Big Things (feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez)
11. Kabza – Imithandazo (Ft Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine)
12. Shallipopi – Cast Ft Odumodublvck
13. Skepta, Portable – Tony Montana
14. Tebza De DJ – Ka Valungu (ft. DJ Nomza The King)
15. Jaivah x Marioo – Bruda
16. TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam [Ft. S.N.E & EeQue]
17. Shakes & Les and DBN Gogo – Funk 55 [Ft. Zee Nxumalo, Ceeka RSA and Chley]
18. King Promise – Paris
19. Omah Lay – Holy Ghost
20. Phyno – Do I (Remix) (feat. Burna Boy)
21. Asake – Only Me
22. Flavour – Big Baller
23. Young Jonn- Go Hard
24. Dlala Thukzin – IPlan
25. Chiké & Mohbad – Egwu
26. Kaestyle – Egberi
27. Kizz Daniel, Davido Twe (Remix)
28. Babylon ft. Victony
29. Holy Ten – Ndotokuda (ft. Kimberley Richard)
30. Diamond Platnumz – Mapoz (Ft Mr. Blue & Jay Melody)
31. Davido – NA MONEY ft. The Cavemen., Angélique Kidjo
32. Nandy – Dah (Feat Alikiba)
33. Burna Boy – Tested, Approved & Trusted
34. Azawi – Masavu
35. Kizz Daniel – Showa
36. Qing Madi – American Love
37. Joshua Baraka – Dalilah (Ft Axon)
38. AJEBO HUSTLERS- CELINE DION Ft Odumodublvck
39. Victony – Everything
40. Tyla – Jump (Ft Gunna & Skillibeng)
41. Takura – Hazvireve Rudo Handina
42. Ugaboys – SALARY (ft. Selecta Jeff)
43. Ayra Starr – Commas
44. Bien – Ma Cherie
45. M3lon – Slow Whine
46. KJ Spio – C- Undress You (Ft Sarkodie & Oxlade)
47. Bnxn & Ruger – Romeo Must Die
Check out Apple Music’s Africa Now dedicated space, including its weekly radio show and companion playlist HERE.
Apple Music is the ultimate hub to an eclectic array of independently curated DJ Mixes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. Apple Music’s African DJ Mix curator partners also include a wide variety of top-tier names like Balcony Mix Africa,iMullar Sound System, KUNYE, Life Of The Party, Obrigado, Pan African Music, Party In The Jungle, Soul Candi, Spin With Engage and Turntable Entertainment.
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