• Emerging artists
• Check out talent breaking through and find their way.
• Afrobeat, bong rap, Amapiano, trap and more
• Fresh, Bold and confident talent and sound

2024 promises to be a standout year with a wave of exciting African talent, especially for those breaking through and for those finding their way to broader audiences. The global impact of genres such as afrobeats and amapiano continues to soar, evidenced by chart-topping records and sold-out performances. Amidst this dynamic landscape, a diverse array of emerging artists are set to grab attention with their creativity and evolving sounds. Bold in approach and confident in style, these rising musicians are seekingto redefine the musical landscape, making 2024 a year to eagerly anticipate. The WIRE will be keeping a keen eye and ear on these.

Holy Ten – Pressure (Official Video) ft. MrCandy & Michael Magz

There’s been a recent surge in Zimbabwean hip-hop music and a notable name that is contributing greatly to the genre’s proliferation is Holy Ten, a rapper who broke into the mainstream in 2021, particularly after the release of his sophomore album Risky Life. His latest offering, Energy, which is his third studio album, profoundly punctured by gritty and murky sounds, intimately broached his experiences with depression, love and his struggle with peace of mind. 2023 saw 2 drops New Bhundu Boyz  and Book Of Malachi. He dominated Changamire Awards in March 2023.

MAANDY – “BUBBLY BUBBLY” (NA NIKI) (Official Music Video)

Striving to distinguish herself in a male-dominated industry, Maandy is a steadfast Kenyan artist pushing against the grain. Starting her career in the music industry as a DJ, Maandy eventually made the switch to being a rapper, especially as she had a background in poetry . She has consistently put herself in front of her audience by employing social media platforms like Twitter and Tiktok, generating buzz and building a stalwart fanbase with songs like “Sirudi” and “Ka Unaweza.”

Rapcha Ft Young Lunya x Dwin – Unaua Vibe (Official Video)

A child prodigy, Rapcha started thrilling onlookers with his rap verses at a young age of 11. The Tanzanian rapper’s career took off shortly after the release of “Lissa,” a single off his debut album Wanangu 99 which was released to critical acclaim in 2021. His music is heavily rooted in an endearing consciousness that resonates through his lyrics and melodies. A talented and vibrant act, Rapcha is part of the refreshing voices vitalizing the Tanzanian scene. He is galvanizing a devoted following as he injects a renewed energy into Bongo rap, presenting a vigour Africa is ready for.

Kelvin Momo – Fool Me [Ft. Nanette, S.O.N & Jay Sax] (Official Audio)

As far as female amapiano vocalists go, Nanette might just be the most talented. Which is saying a lot when you consider that she is competing against the likes of Ami Faku, Boohle, Msaki and Sha Sha. After her R&B-leaning debut project ‘Bad Weather’ fell on deaf ears early last year, Nanette took amapiano by storm when she featured on ‘Fool Me’ and ‘Imfula’, two of the standout hits from Kelvin Momo’s excellent album, Amukelani. Shortly after the album dropped, Drake DM’d Momo to tell him how much he loved his music. Nanette and her soulful delivery deserves a huge chunk of the credit for the project’s success.

Monalisa (Remix)- Lojay ft Sarz & Chris Brown

Despite a huge continental hit single in the form of ‘Monalisa’ and its Chris Brown-featured remix, Nigerian afrobeats singer Lojay is still a relatively unknown artist. Given just how early into his career the song was released, Lojay has the unenviable distinction of having a song that is, in many ways, bigger than he is. He recently took a major step towards building a name for himself with the release of his debut album, ‘Gangster Romantic’ as well as appearing on Chris Browns afrobeat experiment “Sensational”