Afrobeats has become a genre that has grown in popularity over the years. Not many musical genres have grown to mainstream popularity at such a fast pace but Afrobeats has come to prove that it deserves that top spot. What makes this surge even more remarkable is the presence of women at its helm. These fierce and talented women are not only holding their own but blazing trails of their own in this vibrant musical universe. As the world dives into the rhythmic sounds of this longstanding genre, it’s important to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who are infusing their unique artistry into the heart of Afrobeats. These are some of the rising stars and pioneers, as well as the future of a genre that’s taking the world by storm.
Afrobeats Artists To Watch
Uncle Waffles
Lungelihle Zwane, formally known as Uncle Waffles, has become a staple in the Afrobeats scene. Although she is not an artist, her uniqueness as an Afrobeats DJ and producer makes her a prominent person in the space. In an interview with Essence GU, she shared that her growth has been surreal to her.
“It’s an unreal feeling,” she said to the outlet. “It feels like, ‘Maybe this is a dream. Maybe things are going a bit too far in this dream.’”
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage has been in the game for quite some time but has only recently begun to gain heavy mainstream traction. At the young age of 16, she sang backup for names like George Michael, Mary J Blige, Chaka Chan, and Blu Cantrell. She has even written for Babyface, Fantasia, Monica and more. Now she is finding her own spot in the limelight, she has embarked on her first headline tour and is taking the music industry by storm. Her last full-length album, “Celia,” released in 2020, reached No. 15 on Billboard‘s World Albums chart.
Tyla
South African singer, Tyla, has been making her rounds lately as her single “Water” has been going viral. The song has taken TikTok users by storm because of the fun and flirty dance that accompanies it. One scroll down #TylaWaterChallenge search page on the app and you can find thousands of users recreating her move to this song. The song is currently sitting at no. 25 on Billboard’s Viral 50 music chart.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s artistry has become the artist that has been sought after with only a few years in the game. She released her first self-titled EP in 2021 and has not looked back since. Currently, her single, “Rush” has been making waves in the music space. It has already hit platinum status. She is also on her first world tour at the young age of 21.