The world of music is ever-evolving, and every year new artists emerge, pushing boundaries and shaking up the status quo. The Afrobeats genre, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years and has become one of the most exciting and dynamic musical styles on the planet. As we dive into 2023, there are several artists who are set to make a huge impact in the Afrobeats scene, and in this article, we take a closer look at the stars to watch. From the breakout artists of 2022, to the new and exciting talents of 2023, these are the artists who are shaping the future of Afrobeats. Get ready to discover the sounds and styles that will define the coming year and beyond.
The breakout stars from 2022
The past year has seen the emergence of several new and exciting artists in the Afrobeats scene, with many of them making a big impact in the industry. Two of the standout artists from 2022 were Nigerian singer and songwriter, Kizz Daniel, and Nigerian singer and songwriter, Asake.
Kizz Daniel, also known as Vado D’Great, made a huge impact with his fourth studio album, “King of Love” which was released in June 2020, and his single “Boya” from that album was a hit. But it was his hit single “Buga” (Yoruba for “flaunt it if you’ve got it”) that really grabbed the attention of the music scene (and that of Liberian politician George Weah who performed his Buga moves at a victory rally – see below). With its catchy and upbeat sound and its relatable lyrics and his use of Yoruba phrases, it quickly became one of the most popular and successful songs of the year. The song trended on social media and was loved by music lovers all over the world. “Buga” was a game changer for Kizz Daniel, it brought him a whole new level of fame and cemented his place as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the Afrobeats scene. Have a look at his exceptional body of work here.
Asake is another artist who made a big impact in 2022. The Nigerian singer and songwriter, who is known for his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, released his debut album “Who Is Asake” in 2022 which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured hit songs like “Mr Money” and “Book of Love” which were well received by music lovers. Asake’s unique sound, which combines traditional African rhythms and melodies with contemporary pop and R&B, has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. He has been praised for his ability to blend different styles and influences to create something truly unique and exciting.
The stars to watch in 2023
One of the artists to watch in the Afrobeats scene is Nigerian singer and songwriter, Rema. Rema burst onto the scene in 2019 with his debut EP “Iron Man” which was an instant hit, and since then he has continued to cement his place as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the genre. He has been praised for his ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary pop and R&B, and his unique style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. “Rema is a true innovator in the Afrobeats scene,” says music journalist, Nkiruka Okonkwo. “He has a unique sound and style that sets him apart from the rest of the pack and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.”
Another artist to watch in 2023 is Ghanaian singer,songwriter, and rapper, Amaarae. With her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop and Afrobeats, Amaarae has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the genre. Her music is characterized by its strong, empowering lyrics and her ability to blend different styles and influences to create something truly unique. To date, the best album credited to her is The Angel You Don’t Know. “Amaarae is one of the most exciting artists to come out of the Afrobeats scene in recent years,” says music journalist, Kofi Outlaw. “She has a unique sound and style that sets her apart from the rest of the pack and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.”
One of the artists set to become even bigger in 2023 is Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems. Tems has been winning hearts in the Afrobeats scene with her unique blend of R&B, pop, and Afrobeats. At the time of writing, her best album to date is If Orange Was A Place, which is ranked number 47,529 in the overall greatest album chart. Her style is characterized by its powerful and emotional lyrics, as well as her smooth and soulful vocals.
Tems’ music is known for its ability to blend different styles and influences, from traditional African rhythms and melodies to contemporary pop and R&B, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Her music is deeply personal and often reflects on the struggles of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Her hit single “Try Me” has over 30 Million streams on Spotify, and her popularity has grown exponentially. “Tems is a true force to be reckoned with in the Afrobeats scene,” says music journalist, Adeshola Adeyemo. “She has a unique sound and style that sets her apart from the rest of the pack and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.”
We think 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Afrobeats, and the key artists to watch in this genre are Rema, Amaarae, and Tems. These artists are pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating something truly unique and exciting. With their innovative sounds, powerful lyrics, and ability to blend different styles and influences, these artists are sure to make a big impact in the music scene in the coming year. As music journalist, Nkiruka Okonkwo puts it:
“These artists are not only the stars to watch in 2023, but they are also the future of Afrobeats.”