African Music Artists To Look Out For In 2023 & Their Songs

African music has leveled up in terms of respect all over the world. Our artists have gained the attention and praise of fans worldwide, and several African projects have gone global. Several African artists recorded significant milestones in 2022 and are expected to do much more in 2023. Here is a list of 15 of them.

Bloody Civilian

Nigerian singer and songwriter Bloody Civilian deserves all the attention she has gotten recently. Once unknown to most, the talented singer bagged a massive feature on the new “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack album. She teamed up with Mavin star Rema on the song “Wake Up.” After the album’s release, Bloody Civilian released the solo single “How To Kill A Man.” She studied music production and self-produced her solo single “How To Kill A Man.” It is evident that she has more plans for 2023. We can’t wait.

Ami Faku

Every Ami Faku fan knows that much more is coming in the future. Yes, that future is next year. It seems like a decade since the singer released her debut album, “iMali.” The successful project featured contributions from the famous duo Blaq Diamond.

She has not been silent since. She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the SA music industry. Ami Faku dominated the Piano scene with Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa. This year, she has worked with Black Coffee, Prince Kaybee, Karyendasoul, and Aymos. We feel that a new album is written into her 2023 plans.

Victony

No one in Africa did not feel the impact of Victony’s dominance this year. The Nigerian star started the year as a featured act in Mayorkun’s hit song “Holy Father,” which he had so much to do with. The success of the song was major.

Next, he dropped the jam-filled “Outlaw EP.” The project housed seven tracks and featured contributions from KTIZO and Tempoe. It produced the hits “Apollo,” “Kolomental,” and “Jolene.” When we least expected it, “Soweto” went viral on social media. We can’t wait to hear a full album from this genius artist.

Young Jonn

We doubt if we are the only ones who were taken unawares by Young Jonn’s switch to singing. It was a shocker for every Nigerian music lover who has always known him as the Wicked Producer.

Young Jonn released “Dada,” and everything else was history. He returned with a remix of the song featuring Davido, which was even bigger. Next, he dominated the charts with “Xtra Cool” and released the EP “Love Is Not Enough Vol 2”. It would be nice to see what he comes up with next year.

Tems

The Queen of the year, Tems, has introduced herself to the world and refused to step away. Nigerians knew Tems for her hits “Mr. Rebel,” “Try Me,” and the “For Broken Ears” EP. However, the world was introduced to Tems after the success of “Essence,” her collaboration with Wizkid.

The Nigerian singer had even more success bagging collaborations with Drake, Future, Beyoncé, and working with Rihanna on the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack album. Her other EP, “If Orange Was A Place,” was successful. Now, we all wait patiently for her debut album. 2023 is going to be major.

Davido

This list would not be complete without OBO on it. You may have noticed how he focused on collaborations this year and still dominated with them. Davido is one of Africa’s most prominent artists, up there with Wizkid and Burna Boy. The Nigerian star sells out venues that people only dream about.

This year, David has been featured in collaborations with Pheelz, Young Jonn, CKay, DaBaby, Focalistic, and more. He released the Gospel-inspired song “Stand Strong” with Sunday Service Choir and contributed to the World Cup soundtrack “Hayya Hayya: Better Together” with Trinidad Cardona and Aisha. We anticipate the follow-up to his album “A Better Time” in 2023.

Sho Madjozi

If you say you made Sho Madjozi, make a copy let’s see. LoL. Sho Madjozi returned to the scene with the hit “Toro” featuring DDG. It marked her first lead entry on the airwaves in a while. She took time off the scene and returned better. She is set to hit the road and open for French artist Stromae at Madison Square Garden. And yes, there is more music coming next year.

Gyakie

She’s definitely got us all in mind. Ghanaian singer and songwriter splashed her beautiful vocals all over the airwaves when her song “Forever” became a massive success. The remix featuring Omah Lay was even bigger. This year, she released the “My Diary EP,” spawned the hit song “Something.” Gyakie has even bigger plans for her music next year. We are hoping it includes a full-length album. She recently collaborated with South African star AKA in his new jam “Paradise.”

AKA

Some would say AKA was late to the party this year, while others would argue that he was on time. After spending most of the year recording for his next album, AKA released the hit song “Lemons (Lemonade)” featuring Nasty C. In our opinion, it is a song for the hustlers. He has announced the forthcoming release of his next album, “Mass Country,” in early 2023. He also released the song “Paradise” featuring Musa Keys and Gyakie.

Black Sherif

Ghana gave us the best music this year. If you sang along to Black Sherif’s “Kwaku The Traveller” this year, then you certainly agree. The Ghanaian star was a revelation on the airwaves. He not only thrilled fans with the hit song, but he also released the album “The Villain I Never Was,” and Africa could not ignore him. With hits like “Soja,” “Second Sermon Remix,” and “45”, Black Sherif reigned supreme. We can’t wait to see what he has in store next year.

Crayon

You would not be wrong if you said that Mavin singer Crayon had his most successful year yet in 2022. The Nigerian singer recorded a lot of success with the songs “Ijo (Laba Laba)” and “Overloading (OVERDOSE).” He returned in late November with the “Ijo (Laba Laba) Remix” featuring Camidoh and South African artists Focalistic and Costa Titch. There is certainly more for him next year.

Mayorkun

Are we the only ones who read so much meaning into Mayorkun’s hit “Certified Loner (No Competition)”? We think it summarizes his life, which sees him avoid the public eye and only reappear when he has something new to release. The Nigerian star bagged hits the year with songs like “Sugarcane Remix,” “Bad Boy,” with Oxlade, and more. Someone tell him an album will be well appreciated next year.

Magixx

With all his success this year, Mavin star Magixx is headed toward an even bigger year in 2023. The famous singer debuted with the self-titled EP in September 2022. This year, he released “Love Don’t Cost A Dime (Re-Up)” with Ayra Starr, and it became a success. He has gained more success with the songs “Shaye,” “Slow,” and more. He is one of many hopefuls who could release an album next year.

Oxlade

When listing 2022’s global breakout stars, Nigerian singer and songwriter Oxlade reserves every right to be on the list. The “Away” crooner shocked the world when he tore through the charts and social media with the song “Ku Lo Sa.” It became a massive success and bagged over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. Oxlade also appeared as a contributor on British rapper Stormzy’s 2022 album “This Is What I Mean,” contributing vocals to the song “Hide & Seek.”

Samthing Soweto

There isn’t much to say about the insanely talented guy except that we all want an album next year. Samthing Soweto rose like a phoenix and reclaimed his spot at the top of the charts following the release of his song “Amagents,” written as a message for his daughter. The proud father also performed gigs all over Mzansi and has been doing pretty well for himself. He has more coming next year.

Major League DJz

Are we the only ones waiting for the Major League DJz to release their next album? The duo shared in an interview that the project features some international artists. We also saw them vibing with Nigerian star Burna Boy sometime this year. The duo collaborated with Major Lazer, DJ Maphorisa, Tiwa Savage, Diplo, and Wurld this year. They also set the Guinness World Record with their 75-hour non-stop set.