Africa boasts a rich musical heritage and has produced some of the most talented and renowned artists in the world. These artists have gained widespread recognition for their unique sound, exceptional talent, and ability to captivate audiences across the globe.
If you are curious to learn about the most successful and influential artists in Africa in 2024, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will delve into what sets these artists apart from their peers and examine the factors that have contributed to their success.
Top 10 Biggest Artist in Africa
- Davido
- Wizkid
- Burna Boy
- Angélique Kidjo
- Tiwa Savage
- Diamond Platnumz
- Olamide
- Sarkodie
- Sauti Sol
- Busiswa Gqulu
Biggest Artists in Africa 2024
Our carefully curated list of the top 10 biggest artists in Africa in 2024 is a testament to their exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication to their craft.
Check out the top 10 biggest artists in Africa below.
Davido
Davido is a highly talented singer and music producer from Nigeria who is known for his unique style of music called Afrobeat. He became famous for his hit song ‘Dami Duro’ and started his own music label called Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).
Davido is a popular artist who consistently produces songs that top the charts and contribute to his album sales, streaming revenue, and concert earnings. His latest album features a hit song called “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys, which became a global sensation and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best African Performance.
Wizkid
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter. He gained prominence in 2010 with his debut album, which featured a collection of hit songs that quickly became anthems. His music has earned him a massive fanbase and popularity across the globe.
In 2016, Wizkid collaborated with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance,” which marked a historic moment for Afro beats. It made Wizkid the first Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the song also dominated the music charts in fifteen different countries.
As a result of his involvement in ‘One Dance’, Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to feature in the 2018 Guinness World Records.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damian Ogulu, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has gained widespread recognition in the music industry.
He started his musical journey in Port Harcourt in 2010 and released his first album, Shobeedo, in 2011.
Burna Boy’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, ‘L.I.F.E’, which showcased a unique fusion of afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall.
His success story is truly inspiring, with an estimated net worth of around 22 million dollars, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in Africa.
Angélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo, a renowned singer, songwriter, and activist, was born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin. Her music is a fusion of various styles, including Afrobeat, jazz, and world music.
She has won several Grammy Awards, including Best World Music Album for her albums “Djin Djin” (2008), “Eve” (2015), and “Celia” (2020). Kidjo has also collaborated with famous artists such as Alicia Keys, Carlos Santa, and Ziggy Marley, producing hit songs.
In 2011, Time magazine named her one of the “100 Most Influential People.” She also starred in the 2015 Nollywood movie The CEO and received the 2015 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum of Davos in Switzerland.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a prolific Nigerian artist who has carved a niche for herself as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Her soulful voice and melodious lyrics have garnered her widespread acclaim, and through her impressive net worth, she has become a well-known icon in African music.
From her first breakthrough in 2003, Tiwa has maintained a consistent track record of producing hit albums and singles, earning revenue through sales, royalties, and live performances.
Diamond Platnumz
Diamond Platnumz was born on October 2, 1989, in Tandale, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is a celebrated Tanzanian musician and songwriter known for his hits such as “Number One” and “Kamwambie.”
His unique music style blends Bongo Flava, Afrobeat, and various African influences which have contributed to his success in the industry. He has gained recognition and established himself as one of the most prominent and influential artists in Africa.
Olamide
Olamide, the current president of YBNL Nation, is a highly acclaimed musician in Africa, known for his Yoruba rap and street hip-hop styles. He has produced several artists such as Asake, Fireboy DML, Jayboi, and others, and has an impressive discography of 10 albums and over 40 singles.
Olamide is widely recognized for his collaborations with other artists and has garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. Despite focusing on managing artists under his label, he still releases occasional hits to keep his fans satisfied. He is a true icon of Nigerian music, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.
Sarkodie
Sarkodie, a Ghanaian rapper, is widely known for his hip-hop-style rap and is considered one of the biggest artists in Africa. Born on July 10, 1988, in Tema, Ghana, Sarkodie has come a long way from being a young hustling musician to becoming one of the most prominent hip-hop and hiplife artists in Africa.
He gained recognition with his debut album “Makye” in 2009 and has since won several awards, including the BET Hip Hop Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Ghana Music Awards. Over the past decade, Sarkodie has remained a prominent figure in the music industry, consistently releasing chart-topping hits and paving the way for new artists.
Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol is a Kenyan music group formed in Nairobi in 2005. The band comprises of Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno. Their unique blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and various African music styles have earned them immense popularity. Some of their popular songs include “Sura Yako,” “Kuliko Jana,” and “Melanin.”
Over the years, Sauti Sol has released several successful albums, including “Mwanzo,” “Sol Filosofia,” and “Live and Die in Afrika.” The group has been recognized for their talent and has won numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act and several All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Busiswa Gqulu
Busiswa, whose full name is Busiswa Gqulu, is a renowned South African singer, songwriter, and poet. She was born on November 8th, 1998, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Her exceptional singing talent, literary prowess, and vibrant personality have made her one of Africa’s most prominent musicians.
Busiswa gained widespread recognition after featuring in DJ Zinhle’s hit song, “My Name Is.” Her impressive vocal range and lyrics in the collaboration set her on the path to success across Africa.
Some of Busiswa’s popular hits include “Ngoku” and “Lahla,” and she was also featured on Bhizer’s hit track, “Gobisiqolo.” She has released several albums that have performed well in the music industry. In 2021, she collaborated with 23-time Grammy winner Beyonce on her critically acclaimed music project, Lion King: The Gift. Busiswa has also collaborated with other African artists such as Niniola and Slapdee.
