9th November, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Afrobeats, the lively music style fusing African musical roots with the contemporary world sound, is now being loaded up onto the global stage. With ties in West African music but inclusive of the world, Afrobeats has shifted the compass of modern pop and hip hop, creating a new crop of stars that are changing the course of the world.
Here are the top 10 Afrobeats artists that can be considered as the stars of 2024 from an international perspective.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy continues to be a powerhouse in Afrobeats. With his unique style that merges Afro-fusion with reggae and dancehall, Burna Boy has captivated audiences globally. Following his Grammy win, Burna’s latest album ‘I Told Them’ has broadened his crew with collaborations from Drake and J Balvin and that just proves he is now a universal figure. His presentation skills as a performer and his lyrical content which are binding on issues of society have continued to place him as an Afrobeats artist.
Wizkid
Wizkid, also known as “Big Wiz,” remains one of Afrobeats’ biggest exports. In particular, his hit track “Essence,” which charted worldwide and garnered international attention, has distinguished him due to his cross-continental popularity. Thanks to his most recent albums and tour, Wizkid has headlined major festivals in the U.S. and Europe in 2024. His music is accessible while maintaining its distinctively African quality thanks to his style, which combines Afrobeat with a Western influence.
Tems
Tems is one of the most interesting artists of the genre, thanks to her angelic and otherworldly vocals. Since her major contribution in international songs such as; “Essence” & “Fountains” Tems has gradually established herself. In 2024 the single projects and featured appearances begin to pick up steam for her. Her style of music duality makes her an international artist as she covers both Afrobeats and neo-soul genre.
Davido
For instance, Davido, one of the pioneers who have been instrumental in promoting Afrobeats in other parts of the world was also part of the list of the biggest stars currently. By 2024 Davido’s music is still generated from the Afrobeats which incorporates parts of hip-hop, and RnB which attracts many people. Recording artist famous for his energetic concerts and memorable rapping and singing hooks, he has worked with many foreign musicians which made his newest album top the international charts. The genre was certainly introduced to the world by Davido, and his music is still a motivation to young musicians.
Rema
Rema represents the new generation of Afrobeats with his “Afro-rave” sound, a fusion of Afrobeats with elements of trap and electronic music. His chart-topping single “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, has broken records and become a worldwide hit. Rema’s unique style has won over young audiences, and in 2024, he continues to explore new sounds and visuals, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and appealing to fans from different cultural backgrounds.
Ayra Starr
Also, with a new song this year, Ayra Starr, under the record label Mavin Record, is one of the best singers, with her songs thrilled in the international markets. Navigating powerful lyrical themes and marking distinct vocals, Ayra is now adding a new shade to the Afrobeats. Some of the albums she released in 2024 will show various styles, and she has been getting popular in European and American scenes. Ayra Starr has been delivering back-to-back hits and strong visuals that have made her cuts across the globe appealing to the young generation.
Asake
Asake has risen to popularity recently and could be considered one of the most interesting newcomers of the recent period, experimenting with Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano. Apart from the energetic and good timing that he exhibits he sings very lively tunes that are loved by his audiences in Africa and from the year 2024 across the world. He has blending and a personal approach as a lyricist to his songs and performing arts that have attracted enthusiasts of music outside the African region, summer attendances at global music festivals and combination with other intercontinental artists.
Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML has risen in the ranks in the list of artists within afrobeat as he brings in melodies to the music, which have attracted many fans all over the world. His lyrical flows have been focused on love and his mellow voice has had a big fan green around the world, especially after he released a 2022 song known as “Peru,” in which he featured Ed Sheeran. By the year 2024, Fireboy further develop his audience reach developed by working with other artists and preparing for the international tour that should also augment his popularity.
Omah Lay
Omah Lay has adopted Afrobeats and fused that with deep lyrics that reflect his mind. Basically, having a more relaxed and thoughtful demeanour is preferable to having that aggressive stance, though fans are sure to appreciate the sentiment. Four years later, Omah Lay is an international artist whose audiences are particularly receptive to a new kind of Afrobeats that he is putting out there. He is paving the way for other introspective singers and his admirers are still growing all over the world.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage has helped promote the genre to the rest of the globe. Her loud voice and constant appearance in music videos have given her many awards. In 2024 she has new albums and singles, and she performs at many world festivals again. Tiwa extends her influence in the musical world, and she simply stands as one of the most important icons of African talent and creativity in the world.
The current developments that have seen Afrobeat artists, particularly from Nigeria, perform on the international market are some of the transformations that have seen the World music market open up to the African music market. It has taken these artists to reinvent the meaning of a global artist advocating for African culture, language, and stories. With the overgrowth of Afrobeats, it can be expected that these artists will influence new generations of musicians and ensure that Africa remains on the map of the world’s cultural community.
Afrobeats in 2024 is so much more than a music genre; it has created a niche for it by unifying cultures, conquering boundaries, and proving that the world needs more music than ever before.