Here is a list of the top 12 African music artists in 2020.
If you’ve paid a close attention, then you might have noticed how much African music artists have been taking over the music scene all over the world. Artists from various parts of Africa, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and so on have proven to have as much star power as global musicians.
Like the previous year, 2020 has also been a year when music from this continent has touched various parts of the world. While many artists have gone global with their sound, some have stood out from the rest. A lot of them command massive fan bases within and outside Africa.
Here’s a list of the top 12 music artists in Africa who have made a lot of impact this year.
1. Angelique Kidjo
Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo professionally known as Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese-American singer and songwriter. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and various other prestigious awards. She is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest stars, and has released several hits.
Last year, she appeared on Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated album, African Giant. Earlier in the year, she featured on Yemi Alade’s hit song “Shekere”. Kidjo has been one of Africa’s biggest stars in 2020.
2. Davido
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There is never a dull moment with one of Africa’s biggest stars, Nigerian singer, David Adeleke aka Davido. Davido commands a massive fan base across the continent and the world. His album, “A Good Time” which was released in 2019 has reportedly garnered over a billion streams across all platforms.
Davido is set to drop a followup album titled “A Better Time” soon. He has also released the album’s first single “Fem” which garnered millions of streams in only a few days of release.
3. Burna Boy
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Nigerian singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu aka Burna Boy is currently one of Africa’s biggest stars. Burna achieved massive recognition in 2019 following his performance at Coachella, and with the release of his Grammy-nominated album “African Giant”.
Over a month ago, Burna Boy thrilled fans with the release of his followup album, “Twice As Tall” which became an instant fan favourite. The album birthed the singles, “Odogwu”, “Wonderful”, and “Monsters You Made” featuring Chris Martin.
4. Diamond Platnumz
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Tanzania’s very own, Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack aka Diamond Platnumz is arguably East Africa’s biggest artist. He is also one of Africa’s biggest stars. Just like every other year, 2020 has been a great year for the talented musician.
He has featured on several hit songs and also delivered a few of his. He’s responsible for the massive hit song “Jeje”, which continues to take over the airwaves, “Kachiri” with King 98, “Amaboko”, “Simba”, and more.
5. Wizkid
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We doubt that there is any year, Nigerian Afro beats star, WizKid aka Star Boy doesn’t steal the show. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, the Nigerian star has fans in virtually every part of the world, and has tunes to keep his fame going.
This year, he has featured on DJ Tunez “Cool Me Down” and “Pami” alongside Adekunle Gold & Omah Lay. He has also dropped the first single “Smile” off his upcoming album “Made In Lagos”. The song which features American singer, H.E.R. was included in Barack Obama’s 2020 Summer playlist.
6. Sho Madjozi
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SA’s very own, Sho Madjozi, born Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif continues to take the world by storm with her music and amazing personality. Just like last year, Madjozi has had a great year despite not dropping a lot of hits.
She was nominated for the BET “Best International Act” award, and has performed on some of the biggest virtual events in Africa.
7. DJ Maphorisa
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Lawd Phory himself continues to take Africa to the world with his amazing sound. The South African star has become one of the reasons why Amapiano is spreading its tentacles across Africa and the world.
Like every other year, Maphorisa has put in so much work in 2020. He has dropped several projects, and featured on some huge hits which have made waves across the airwaves. He has also revealed plans to drop more music before the year ends.
8. Sauti Sol
Kenya’s Sauti Sol is one of Africa’s biggest bands. The four-member Afro-pop band has made a lot of noise this year with their amazing music. A few months back, they released the impressive album “Midnight Train” which birthed the singles “Insecure”, “Suzanna”, “Rhumba Japani” and more.
The group has also appeared as a featured act in the song “Time Flies”, a fan favourite on Burna Boy’s hit album “Twice As Tall”.
9. Mr Eazi
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Nigerian Afro-pop star, Mr Eazi continues to prove he is in his own lane as he keeps making amazing deliveries. The “Leg Over” star has managed to re-invent himself both as an artist and also as a business man.
His recent empawa program has helped bring various artists to the limelight across Africa. He is also credited for several hit songs to have hit the airwaves this year including “Nobody” with DJ Neptune & Joeboy, and “Oh My Gawd” with Major Lazer, Nicki Minaj, & K4mo, and more.
10. Fally Ipupa
Popular Congolese star, Fally Ipupa is a man of many talents. He is both a singer, a songwriter and a dancer. The 42 year old star has managed to re-invent himself so well and has achieved longevity on the music scene.
This year, he has made several entries into the airwaves with offerings including “You The Best”, and “Allô Téléphone”. He continues to prove that he is one of Africa’s biggest stars.
11. Tekno Miles
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When talking about the Nigerian music scene, Tekno’s contributions cannot be overlooked. The Nigerian star has a list of hits to his name. He isn’t just a singer and a songwriter, but is also credited for producing some of Africa’s biggest hits.
This year, Tekno has delivered several hits, some of which include “Skeletun”, “Suru” and more. Year in, year out, there is never a shortage of hit songs with him.
12. Rema
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Like he always says, Rema is one of the faces of new age artists out of Africa. His list of credits continue to prove this to be true. 2020 has also been an eventful year for the Nigerian star who bagged a Best New International Act nomination at the 2020 BET Awards.
He has also dropped several hits including “Ginger Me” and “Woman”, both of which have received praise from fans. He’s also bagged several international collabs, and continues to prove he’s got an even brighter future.
