Listen
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 |
Listen
DaMi and Thandi Marie Unveil New Collaboration ‘In The Night’

Nigerian musician DaMi has teamed up with Malawian songstress Thandi Marie on a new single titled “In The Night”. This latest track, which was produced by London-based Ian Holmes, was released on March 31, 2023, and promises to delight music lovers. (more…)
Listen
‘Far Gone’ breaks through the Nigerian domination of Ghanaian music charts, thanks to Ground Up Chale’s innovative approach

Ground Up Chale, the Ghanaian music incubator, has been making waves with their latest single, ‘Far Gone’, featuring Albabwoy and Kimati. The song’s success on the Ghana Apple Music charts, climbing to number 8, is a testament to the track’s quality and the artists’ dedication. Stream ‘Far Gone’ here: https://platoon.lnk.to/on-the-road-far-gone
Albabwoy, hailing from the streets of Chorkor in Accra, knows firsthand the challenges of pursuing a music career. In a place where getting your song played on the radio is daunting, Albabwoy’s rise to fame is a testament to his talent and determination. Kimati, from the Tema area, has also faced his share of challenges on the path to success, but his unique blend of Afrobeats and Hip-Hop has allowed him to carve out a space for himself in the crowded Ghanaian music scene.
Albabwoy and Kimati bring a powerful message of perseverance and determination to ‘Far Gone’. The song celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and its success is a testament to the talent and hard work of the artists involved. One impressive factor contributing to the success of ‘Far Gone’ is the domination of Nigerian songs in the Ghanaian music charts. Despite this stiff competition, Ground Up Chale has managed to break through with its latest release, proving that Ghanaian music has plenty to offer the world.
Ground Up Chale’s commitment to promoting music, culture and streetwear has created a unique space that celebrates creativity and individuality. Their unorthodox approach to marketing emerging artists has allowed them to discover and promote exciting new talent across Africa. The success of ‘Far Gone’ on TikTok is a testament to the platform’s power in creating viral hits. However, it’s also a testament to the quality of the song itself. With its uplifting message and catchy beat, ‘Far Gone’ has captured the hearts and minds of fans across Ghana and beyond.
As the only Ghanaian sound in the top 10 of the Ghana Apple Music charts, ‘Far Gone’ is a true standout. It’s a testament to the talent and creativity of the team at Ground Up Chale and a sign of the exciting things to come from the company in the future. As they continue pushing boundaries and promoting emerging artists, we expect to see even more exciting releases from this dynamic and innovative company.
OR
Listen
Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Dadaboy Ehiz this Friday with with Lloyiso

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Lloyiso, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Dadaboy Ehiz’s Favourite Track of the Week!
Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Dadaboy Ehiz this Friday, March 31st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Cover Star Interview
South African soul singer-songwriter Lloyiso—Apple Music’s latest Africa Rising cover star—joins Dadaboy Ehiz via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “Give A Little Kindness.” He also discusses his debut EP, ‘Seasons,’ his gospel influences, and how he hopes to foster connections through music.
The Big 5
Dadaboy Ehiz shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Davido feat. Musa keys, Stonebwoy, Masauti, Mellow & Sleazy & tumelo.za feat. Leemckrazy, TyroneDee & TitoM, and Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin99 feat. Pcee, Eeque & Chley.
Africa Rising
Ugandan singer-songwriter and producer Joshua Baraka is the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features his single, “NANA,” and the Maya Amolo collab “Bend It (feat. La Soulchyld & TANGAZA).” Listen HERE.
Dadaboy’s Song of the Week
Each week, Dadaboy Ehiz chooses his favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week he spotlights Nigerian hip-hop star Odumodublvck and his single “Declan Rice,” from Apple Music’s Alté Cruise playlist. Listen HERE (and find a roundup of all Dadaboy’s selections on Apple Music’s Dadaboy’s Playlist, HERE).
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, March 31st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music About His EP, ‘Seasons’
Embed –
‘Seasons’ is about all the seasons of life, what we go through and what we feel whenever we go through something, and what we go through to get us to a place that is peaceful for us. ‘Seasons’ is all the way from winter to spring to autumn to summer, so it’s all the sadness and all the happiness.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music About his Gospel Influences
Embed –
I feel like coming from a gospel background, and my family going to Church, and me singing in Church, really burned a fire inside of me to do music that is circular enough so the whole world can heal from it, or the whole world can hear it. To be honest, RnB and pop is the most circular music that will spread around all of the world, and I feel like with the voice I have, I would like everyone to hear me singing, I would like people to experience what others have experienced through my voice.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music about the Energy of His Debut EP
Embed –
Big energy. There’s exciting songs, it’s songs that you can bump on your way out to the club – not inside, but maybe just 30 minutes before you go into the club. There’s songs that you listen to when you are alone in your bed, thinking about everything and you’re just trying to soak in everything and you want to cry to something. There’s music for when you’re with your person, you know? Spending that time, driving or down the beach, on a flight… It’s just a whole rollercoaster of feelings that people must be ready to feel, and just know that it’s all going to be intentional and genuine. It comes from a place that I felt and something that people feel all the time.
Listen
Shexy Ayoz’s ‘Balance It’ is Afrobeats’ captivating new dance anthem

The vibrant new song from Shexy Ayoz is one of the hot new songs to keep on rotation this month. Stream or download ‘Balance It’ across all major digital platforms here: https://fanlink.to/ShexyAyozBalanceIt
‘Balance It’ reveals its uniqueness in just thirty seconds. The opening rhythm that builds up to the sleek vocals of Shexy Ayoz is outright engrossing. It paints the image of a timeless Afobeats song whose effervescent melody will grab the attention of anyone almost immediately. This pull, coupled with the Nigerian singer-songwriter’s preferred language, lends some familiarity to ‘Balance It.’ So much so its enticingly delivered refrain: Balance it, balance it/I submit, I submit.. Balance it, balance it/Anoti for body yeh, will get listeners humming along nonstop.
In the words of Shexy Ayoz: “Balance It is an invitation to the dance floor. I want the ladies to rock to this banger all night every weekend because this is the next big jam out there”. There is a lot of sexual tension and energy locked in the singer’s vocals as they effortlessly work their way into ears to recount scenes from what comes off as an intimate encounter.
Since registering his arrival with 2020’s ‘Cinderella’, Shexy Ayoz has occasionally showcased his ability to create catchy songs. Shortly after doing wonders with his first song, the Afrobeats sensation rose to the occasion in 2021 and shared his first extended play, the 6-track “New Vibez” to establish his brand. The following year, the singer won over fans again with the sizzling ‘Jojo’ featuring fellow compatriot, Blaqbonez.
CONNECT WITH SHEXY AYOZ
Instagram: shexyayoz
Twitter: @Iam_Shexy
Facebook: Shexy Ayoz
Listen
Gibrilville, Is Set to Release a New Dancehall-Flavored Masterpiece Dubbed “Homicide.”

A true son of Ghanaian soil who recently returned home after years living in the USA, Gibrilville is generating buzz with his eclectic music that has been influenced by a vast array of cultures and lifestyles from all the places he has visited and lived. Not one to forget his roots, you can always expect that delectable taste of the Ghanaian sound and a flourishing afrobeat vibe in his hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall sounds. On the vocal front, Gibrilville has that voice that holds so much effortless power; – so rich, just like his African heritage, and it is little surprise he has been coined as the King of Melodies!
The musical world witnessed what he is capable of delivering with his emotional and soul-stirring performance in “Long Way,” a reggae-inspired masterpiece that has been an ear candy to listeners from all over the world, and especially Africa, due to the powerful liberating message behind those lyrics. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/gibrilville/light-it-up
Gibrilville is currently working on his new album, which he is set to release soon and that promises to echo the culture, spirit, lifestyle, and beauty of Africa. Before then, he has a new single dubbed “Homicide” that he is set to release.
A dancehall-inspired masterpiece with that afro-cuban percussion flanked by reggae sensibilities, “Homicide” is set to rock the dance floor in every way. He seriously went rogue on those beats, to the benefit of the listener.
The bouncing wave, backed by his equally floating lyricism like some incarnated Wyclef, over some catchy hooks about how living his life should not be any concern of yours, is seriously going to move any listener and make them want to dance with carefree abandon.
“Homicide” is another sensational addition to his repertoire as he seeks to build one of the most impressive discographies in his eclectic musical genre.
The pre-order link for “Homicide” is now out, and you can get it by following his social handles, particularly his Instagram and website.
This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a trailblazing career for Gibrilville, the new African King!
| INSTAGRAM |
Listen
Jeff Tuffour reveals one of the believers most powerful secrets on new single; Okura Yen

Fast-rising Gospel act, Jeff Tuffour reminds us of the motherly affection with which the Heavenly Father cares for his own on this spirit-inspired tune; Okura Yen.
Produced by Makarios Music, the slow tempo 3/4 drum pattern gently massages the intent of the lyrics as attention is solely fixated on the multifaceted workings of God’s grace provision and protection.
You can’t go wrong with this as an early morning reassurance of God’s renewed mercies towards all and sundry! Stream here!
Jeff’s passion for music welled up within him during his early years in church where he served in the choir and other music ventures till the official call and mandate came to bless more lives with his own songs.
Jeff Tuffuor has since his upbringing, marvelled at the mantles operational in the lives of Gospel greats such as; Dr Sonnie Badu , Pas. Derek Wilson, Min. Joe Mettle and Min. Nathaniel Bassey.
He earnestly looks forward to having globally renowned collaborations with the likes of Min Joe Mettle, Pas. Derek Wilson, MOGmusic, Nathaniel Bassey, Akesse Brempong, Travis Greene, Min. Paolo, Min. Phillip Adzale, Min. Elvis Bentil, and other international gospel artistes.
Get interactive with him via his socials and do well to subscribe to his YouTube channel for more edifying contents and songs.
Facebook: Jeff Tuffour Music
Instagram: Jeff Tuffour Music
Twitter: @jefftuffour1
- Buzz1 week ago
Omotola shares selfie with husband to mark 27th wedding anniversary; his tattoo steals the spotlight
- Buzz5 days ago
History proves Chance The Rapper wrong on assertion of hosting the biggest concert ever in Ghana
- Buzz1 week ago
Ghanaian designer Papa Oppong awarded the first Graduate Award by the Fashion Trust U.S.
- Buzz4 days ago
Delete videos defaming my wife or face the law- Mercy Aseidu’s Husband to Kwame Borga
- Buzz2 days ago
Stonebwoy Reveals Album Cover Art And Tracklist For ‘5th Dimension,’ Arriving April 28th Via Def Jam Recordings
- People & Lifestyle6 days ago
Abeiku Santana Bags Another Master’s from University of Ghana Business School
- Gossip1 day ago
Nigerian actor Yul Edochie loses first son
- People & Lifestyle7 days ago
Ghana’s Affluent Experience $3,000 Whisky & More At Exclusive Event in Accra
- Buzz1 week ago
Nigerian senator and wife found guilty of organ trafficking in UK
- People & Lifestyle1 week ago
CEO of Quick Angels, Richard Quaye gifts 10 entrepreneurs with free seed capital on his birthday
- World News7 days ago
Iranian-British HipHop Act 021kid Delivers Gritty Bars As He Opens Season 3 Of The UK’s Biggest Freestyle Session ‘THE COLD ROOM’
- Buzz1 week ago
Fred Nuamah reveals ‘Machiavellian tactic’ by some NDC folks has prevented him from filing his nomination electronically