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Shazam Unveils 2024 Predictions & Top Artists to Watch, Featuring Nigeria’s Rising Star Bloody Civilian!
Shazam’s 2024 Predictions and Artists to Watch Are Here!
With its 300 million global monthly users and millions of daily song recognitions from around the world, Shazam’s unique ability to accurately predict the next breaking artist is unparalleled and has become a reliable and invaluable tool for both artists and fans over the years.
Today, Shazam unveiled its annual Predictions 2024 playlist, a 50-track selection of artists that are perfectly poised to have a breakthrough year. Additionally, Shazam spotlighted five artists from the list who have the potential to break out globally in 2024 and five artists who are gaining popularity regionally.
Based on Shazam’s uniquely predictive data and algorithms, and coupled with the expertise of Apple Music’s global editorial team, this incredible selection of artists show early indicators of future growth — early and consistent momentum in Shazam activity, as well as discovery trends in more than one country. It’s a remarkably global and diverse bunch, hailing from 21 countries and spanning sounds from French pop to contemporary gospel.
Last year’s predictions list was the most successful so far, with 80% of the artists reaching Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 in 2023, across 171 countries worldwide, and 7 of the 50 artists peaking in Shazam’s Global Top 200. These included Stephen Sanchez peaking at No. 6 in January 23, Ice Spice also hitting No. 6 in March 2023, and Young Miko reaching No. 58 in April 2023. 13 of them also made the Top 10 of Shazam’s national charts, including Ice Spice (in 53 charts), Stephen Sanchez (44 charts), Hotel Ugly (28 charts), Ski Aggu (17 charts), Young Miko (12 charts) and ANGEL DIOR (11 charts). On average, Shazam’s class of 2023 Predictions artists had a 167% year-on-year increase in Shazams compared to 2022.
Check out Shazam’s artists to watch below and listen to the full Shazam 2024 Predictions playlist on Apple Music.
Five artists with global breakthrough potential: Bloody Civilian
“People are most likely Shazamming my music in Ubers,” the Nigerian singer-songwriter Emoseh Khamofu tells Apple Music. Bloody Civilian’s streams and Shazams have been on the rise since November 2022, when she was featured on the soundtrack to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, scoring her first Daily Top 100 hit. Bloody Civilian made her Shazam chart debut in April 2023 with “I Don’t Like You,” which also became her second Daily Top 100 hit. But it’s in the latter half of 2023 that things really started to pick up, with her debut EP Anger Management reaching the top 10 of the Afrobeats albums chart in 69 countries worldwide, including nine where it reached No. 1. Her streams on editorial playlists grew over 50% in the last six months of the year.
The artist says that next year she’ll focus on building community: “Growing my fanbase, connecting with more creatives, and giving back,” she says. “I want to be able to inspire young women to strive for bigger and better, to not stay within any box.”
Flyana Boss
All the ingredients are there for Flyana Boss to have an absolutely massive 2024. The Los Angeles hip-hop duo, composed of Bobbi LaNea Tyler and Folayan Omi Kunerede, already have a collaboration with Missy Elliot with “You Wish,” which helped them reach a new peak in Shazams worldwide and introduced them to new listeners on Apple Music. “It makes us really excited to think that people could be casually living, hear our song, and feel inclined to take out their phone to find out who we are,” Bobbi Lanea Tyler tells Apple Music. All told, their streams on Apple Music soared over 3,000% in 2023 as their music was featured on Viral Hits, High Maintenance and Rap Life. They also landed on the New Music Daily cover in 2023 with the release of “Bitch Imma Star.”
Next year promises big things. “We’re going on tour, that’s a big one, and we’re releasing more music. [It’s] time to build the Flyana Boss world.”
Kenya Grace
Kenya Grace got the world hooked in 2023 with her dance-pop hit “Strangers,” a song that went from her bedroom to the top 40 of Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100 in a matter of months. “I hope people are hearing [and IDing] my music in clubs,” she tells Apple Music, regarding the breathy, shuffling record built for a sweaty—albeit mellow—dance floor. “Going out when I was a teenager really shaped my artistry. It was so inspiring to hear dance music at clubs and parties for the first time.” From June to December her streams grew over 12,000% on Apple Music worldwide as “Strangers” was featured on editorial playlists like Today’s Hits, A-List Pop, and danceXL. All told the song reached the Daily Top 100 in more than 100 countries worldwide, and reached No. 1 on 16 different national Shazam charts, the most for a song by a solo British act in 2023.
In 2024, the artist wants to drop a full-length album and perhaps throw herself deeper into the party. “I want to release a body of work—and I’d love to play some festivals!”
The Last Dinner Party
Given the success of their first few singles, British art rock band The Last Dinner Party are set for a big debut when Prelude to Ecstasy arrives next month. The band’s debut single “Nothing Matters” is The Last Dinner Party’s most Shazamed track to date, charting in Australia, Austria and Belgium and also became their first song to reach Apple Music’s Daily Top 100. “One of the first moments that made us feel like real musicians—and no longer just pretending to be—was when a friend heard ‘Nothing Matters’ in a nightclub in Australia and saw a few hands shoot up to Shazam it,” The Last Dinner Party’s Abigail Morris tells Apple Music. “It’s so surreal to imagine that happening in countries all over the world.” Subsequent singles like “Sinner” and “My Lady of Mercy” also reached Shazam charts and contributed to an uplift in tags over the autumn, leading the band to be featured in the latest Apple Music Sessions program.
Next year, the group plans to release their debut album. “That will be our main priority,” Morris says. “That and, of course, fame and fortune.”
RIIZE
K-pop boy band RIIZE made it impossible for the world not to fall for them with their catchy, funky and feel-good hit “Get a Guitar.” The song surfaced on Shazam’s Japan Discovery chart for the first time in September, and by October, it had soared to No. 1 on South Korea’s Daily Top 100 — their first song to achieve this feat. “Get a Guitar” went on to reach No. 11 on Shazam’s global K-Pop chart, and became one of the biggest hits in Korea in 2023: It finished the year at No. 65 on Apple Music’s Top Songs of 2023: Korea chart.
“I want to perform in various countries and meet [our fanbase] BRIIZE who have cheered for us [around the world],” SHOTARO tells Apple Music. ANTON says the key will be continuing to hone their craft as a collective. “As important as it is to go global and meet more BRIIZE, we want to be a band that can give [people] precious memories with good music for a long time,” he says. “Dreaming big and growing as a band is our goal.” Recently, ANTON has been using a catchphrase for motivation. “I’ve been saying ‘RIIZE will continue to rise,’” he says. “It’s on us members to make that a reality.”
Five artists gaining popularity regionally:
aupinard (France)
French singer aupinard’s music—a blend of French Pop and Bossa Nova—is making its way through Shazam’s French-speaking national charts.
JACOTÉNE (Australia)
Australian R&B/Soul singer-songwriter JACOTÉNE has been making a splash on Shazam’s Australian charts with both “Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye (Demo)” and “you already know [demo_2021].wav.” The artist was just signed internationally to Sony Music.
SIRA (Germany)
German Dance and Hip Hop/Rap producer SIRA has had several songs chart across Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 2022. With “9 bis 9,” his highest-charting song to date on Shazam, the artist has shown potential to break outside of his comfort zone and reach new international listeners, entering charts in places like France.
Sukha (India)
“Attraction” with prodGK was Punjabi and Hip Hop/Rap artist Sukha’s Shazam chart debut in India, spending a month in the Top 200 songs in the country. Since then, Sukha has been gaining momentum with his release “8 Asle (feat. Gurlej Akhtar)” by Sukha & Chani Nattan, reaching charts in Canada and the UK.
Yarge (Venezuela)
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Yarge was part of Apple Music’s monthly Supernova spotlight in the US, which features emerging Latin music artists. Yarge entered Shazam’s charts in Chile with “WEEKENES,” her top song on Shazam, and has recently been trending in Peru and Paraguay.
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Introducing “SEX” by Soundsbysdl: A Fusion of Abuja and Accra Underground Scenes
This groundbreaking album transcends borders, seamlessly merging the vibrant sounds of the underground music scenes in Abuja and Accra.
“SEX” Features Two Distinct Sides:
Side A: With an electrifying and upbeat rage, Side A pulsates with energy, showcasing the raw intensity of the underground scene. Featuring a lineup of talented artists including L1trendsetter, Ya ROE, Kwelit, Jaleel Thomas, Usan-JT, Danny Montanna, Javan Santana, Trap KYD, and Siient Parker, Side A immerses listeners in a whirlwind of captivating beats and impassioned lyrics.
Side B: As the journey unfolds, Side B offers a tranquil and mellow atmosphere, serving as the perfect counterpart to the high-octane energy of Side A. Artists MASK MO, Kwelit, Micky wrecks, L1trendsetter, KOMÉ, Tyler-Leigh, Rezzyvfm, and Ruch Sensei contribute to this soothing sonic landscape, inviting listeners to unwind and reflect.
Adding to the album’s allure is a bonus track from the esteemed Ghanaian group AD20. Their contribution enriches the album with authentic Ghanaian flair
“SEX” was executively produced by the talented Kwelit and curated by Jodye SDL, ensuring a seamless fusion of musical styles and influences from both cities.
“SEX” marks a historic moment in music, as it becomes the first album to merge the underground scenes of both Abuja and Accra. Soundsbysdl invites music enthusiasts worldwide to join in the celebration of this unprecedented fusion of cultures and sounds.
Experience the electrifying fusion of Abuja and Accra underground scenes with “SEX” by Soundsbysdl. Available on all major streaming platforms, this album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite cultures.
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Introducing oShamo’s New Single, “Life of the Party”
Nigerian-born, UK-based rising star oShamo presents his first official single of 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a standout year. Aptly titled “Life of the Party”, the song was produced by SkeellzGotbeat and showcases oShamo’s distinct bass voice and charismatic personality. Throughout the track, listeners get a glimpse of oShamo’s charismatic personality, which shines through every lyric and note.
“Life of the Party” has rapidly gained popularity and is currently trending on TikTok. The song has inspired over 7,000 organic videos, accumulating more than 4 million views. Its popularity continues to increase day by day.
Signed to Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa, oShamo steps into the spotlight with this vibrant, energetic track, destined to become a staple in every party playlist, just as its name suggests.
“Life of the Party” is now available on all major music streaming platforms.
Connect with oSHAMO @Official_oshamo
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Tems Tells Apple Music About What Fans Can Expect From Her Upcoming Album, And More…
Tems joins Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1 to talk about her new song “Love Me JeJe” out now. Tems talks about how she came up with the new single, how it was a collaborative effort amongst her friends. She reveals that her mother loves the song and that it’s inspired by a Nigerian classic.
Also, Tems gives fans a glimpse into what they can expect from her upcoming album, “Born in the Wild”.
Key quotes below please feel free to credit Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1. Video to follow shortly.
Tems tells Apple Music about the love she gets from people…
Eddie Francis: There’s this certain reaction you get from people where like people love you. It’s not even just a like. Does that get weird? Because we feel like we know you and we don’t know you and you don’t know us.
Tems: I think I’m used to it. I don’t know why though. Always I’m like, “Do you really feel this way? Why? Why do you like me?” I don’t know, but I think I’m used to it now.
Eddie Francis: Like when they see you, it’s like, “Oh my God, it’s Tems.” And I’ve talked to you before and I know you’re really on energy and spirituality and I know you got to feel it. When did you realize you have a different kind of relationship with people that are fans of your music?
Tems: I think it’s just the reaction and in real life, the amount of emotion, there’s just this energy that feels pure that I get all the time. And I was like, “Yo, this is not normal. This is not normal.” It is different if it’s like, “Oh yeah. I think you’re just so cool.” And that might be the case, but I don’t know. It’s so much love sometimes, I just, I don’t, it’s just wild.
Tems on the creation of her new song, “Love Me JeJe”…
So basically, I went out to dinner with my girls, with my friends, two of my friends. We’re just like, “Oh, let’s just do a cute dinner. It’s going to be cute.” And afterwards, my friends are always telling me, you never show us your Tems side. Everybody else, yeah, you’re Tems, but my friends don’t feel like I am when I’m there. It’s just like, I’m this girl. So they’re like, “Oh, you never take us to the studio. We don’t even know if you are like… Are you a doppelganger? Are you like, what is that?” So I said, “Okay, tonight we’re going to the studio and you people, you are going to sing?” So they were like, “Oh my god, crazy. What?” So we went to the studio and two of my producers, they made this beat, Spax and Guilty and they sent it to me as a challenge like, “Oh. Yeah, I’m sure you can’t do Nigerian. I am sure you can’t do this jam.”
So I was like, I just had it in the back. So I played it and I told my friends, “Yeah, lets all freestyle, take turns. Oh yeah, you do freestyle, you…” So one of my friends did “Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender.” And then my other friend was just screaming as well. And I was like, “Actually this is a mad vibe. I love this vibe. I’m going to keep this in the song.” And I did my own freestyle and it just was such a cute vibe and I wanted to pay tribute to the actual song ’cause I love that song. My mom loves that song. “Love Me Jeje.” The original song is from Seyi Sodimu. The original song is called “Love Me Jeje” as well and it’s a Nigerian classic and it just felt right.
Tems on the term “JeJe” and what it means…
Jeje is African and Jeje also just means the concept of the song Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender, it just means love me softly, take your time with, love me unconditionally and show me good love. That’s what it means. So that’s the idea of “Love Me JeJe”.
Tems on “NEPA” and what that means when she uses it in the song…
NEPA is, so basically NEPA is the electricity company in Nigeria. And basically, we don’t always have 24 hours electricity. So when there’s lights or when the electricity comes back on, there’s this like, everybody, you just hear your neighbours shouting, “Hey, there’s electricity now.” So you turn me on like the electricity, I’m back on, you electrify me, basically.
Tems on what fans can expect from her next album, Born in the Wild…
“Born in the Wild” is actually about my journey. It’s about my experience as me and about the experiences I’ve had so far. And it really felt like the life I lived before, the life I was accustomed to felt like a wilderness. And it’s not really more so, yes, I was raised in Lagos and that’s a part of me, but it’s not really about the place, it’s more about the state of being. It was a wilderness in the environment I lived in and there’s so many things that happened and so many lessons I learned to come and be this person now. It is basically coming out of the wilderness. So that’s basically what Born In the Wild is about.
I’ve had to step back a bit to make sure or to check in with myself that I’m being true and also just find healing from all the trauma. Everything I experienced before Tems, I think I had to unlearn a lot of things. And this album is just, it is just a new way of me expressing myself while still centering who I am in it.
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Larry Vibez transports us into his universe in “Diary of Vibez” EP
Afropop Newcomer Larry Vibez is set to make his mark in the burgeoning Afrobeat music space as he unveils his highly anticipated EP “Diary of Vibez.” The project was released via Big Larry’s Record. (more…)
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CAKES DA KILLA releases ‘Black Sheep +’ album
Last month, New York rapper Cakes da Killa released “his most refined work to date” (DJ Mag), Black Sheep, and today, Cakes shares Black Sheep + out now via Young Art Records. With five new tracks and fresh album art, the deluxe version of Black Sheepexpands on his “most danceable album yet” (The FADER) and showcases more of Cakes’ “rapid-fire flows, clever punchlines and old-school ‘rapper’s rapper’ mentality” (RANGE).
Black Sheep is inspired by seeing the world, by embracing the nightlife and building community. Cakes’ critical and communal acclaim precede him: in the past two years, he’s played Glastonbury, Governors Ball, Sonar, and Whole Festival. He’s worked with everyone from Honey Dijon to Injury Reserve to RyeRye. Whether holding court, going through customs, or crushing competition, Cakes stands firm as a seasoned vet who knows his role and knows the game.
Reuniting with long-time collaborator Sam Katz, the producer behind 2022’s Svengali, Black Sheep finds the duo at their most comfortable and confident: Cakes wrote every bar, Katz did every beat. Over the course of the album, Cakes guides us through a spiritual trip from the clubs of Manhattan to the back blocks of Brooklyn. Black Sheep is a work of survival and sees the decorated emcee fully aware of his power, his place, and no longer settling for less than he deserves.
Featuring his sharpest writing and most electrifying performances to date, Black Sheep is a coronation of his graduation to foremother: a figure who spent his 20s hustling alongside his peers, focusing on the work, and paving the way for the generation we see today. He’s a rapper’s rapper, a girl’s girl, and he’s ready to be a superstar.
Watch Video for “Mind Reader” (ft. Stout)
Listen to “Do Dat Baby” (ft. Dawn Richard)
Listen to “Cakewalk” by Cakes da Killa
Watch Cakes da Killa perform “Cakewalk” on COLORS
Black Sheep + Tracklist
1. It’s A Luv Thang (ft. Wuhryn Dumas)
2. Mind Reader (ft. Stout)
3. Make Me Ovah
4. FourPlay
5. Do Dat Baby (ft. Dawn Richard)
6. Global Entry
7. Downtown J
8. Cakewalk
9. Crushin In Da Club
10. Problem 4 Problems
11. Ain’t Sh*t Sweet
12. Black Sheep
13. Chain Gang Pimpin
14. Fly Trap
15. Not Da One
16. Standing Ovation
Cakes da Killa Tour Dates:
Sat. June 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Ladyland Festival
Sat. July 6 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
Sun. July 21 – Ghent, BE @ Boomtown Gent Festival
Sun. July 28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Milkshake Festival
Fri. Aug. 2 – Amsterdam, NL @ Dekmantel Festival
Praise for Cakes da Killa and Black Sheep
“Cakes Da Killa is a rap icon…” – Mixmag
“Black Sheep stands as one of the emcee’s best works to date, continuing his genre-defying style with renewed panache — jazz, house, R&B and rap all meld into one sound throughout the project — while his writing game reaches yet another career-high.” — Billboard
“[Black Sheep] is a confident compendium of breathless performances, bombastic personality, and thrilling genre collages.” — Pitchfork
“[Black Sheep is] an impressive display of pure rapping ability and irresistible grown and sexy grooves” — Bandcamp
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