Africa’s new music wave, Afrobeats, has been well-received by the rest of the world and has earned its rightful place in the annals of world music and general entertainment following the back-to-back successes the music genre has chalked.
Forebears of the initial version (Afrobeat) which was hugely politically motivated including Fela Kuti, would surely be happy with the trajectory the ‘new cats’ have charted which is throwing light on Africa in the most positive way imaginable.
The more recent and refreshing sound of Afrobeats has seen many top names like WizKid, Davido, Burna Boy gravitating toward cementing ‘household name’ statuses and winning many laurels in the genre’s name.
Following the many successes of the music genre, the floodgates have sprung open for acts to come through to bear the torch that has been lighted over the years so as to tell the African story with their talents. Here are a number of new-generation Afrobeats stars shining the light on the genre and Africa as a whole.
LASMID
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Ghanaian sensation, Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu known by the stage name Lasmid, made a huge statement off the bat when his song, Friday Night took over the airwaves, nightclubs, and all the popular social media platforms. The Takoradi-based act decided to immediately turn his talent into a career after winning the 8th edition of reality music show, MTN Hitmaker. He has never looked back since and has been touted as one of the names to watch in Afrobeats.
OLIVETHEBOY
Another Ghanaian Afrobeats act who is on the lips of many lovers of the genre is OliveTheBoy. Born Joel Ofori Bonsu, the young star rose to fame with his single, Goodsin coming off his Avana album. The 20-year-old managed to get many dancing in viral trends to his song. His talent has also been spoken of and has already earned the ‘new kid on the block’ tag.
AMAARAE
Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter, Amaarae officially known as Ama Serwah Genfi, is in a world of her own. The pretty songstress is noted for blending Pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Alté music to create her unique sound. The 29-year-old born in the Bronx has managed to have the best of both worlds as she has lived her life shuttling between Ghana and the United States. With songs like Reckless & Sweet, Co-Star, and a host of others to her credit, the burgeoning act is set to take over the music space with her talent.
ASAKE
It is early days but trending Nigerian artiste, Ahmed Ololade, known in the world of music as Asake, has already booked a seat at the high table when it comes to Afrobeats music. The Lonely At The Top, Amapiano and Joha hitmaker is a high-flyer and rightly so, would reign in the genre for a long time to come.
FIREBOY DML
Nigeria’s Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan known professionally as Fireboy DML, took the whole world by storm when he dropped his song, Peru. The addictive tune got many people dancing and secured the YBNL Nation record label signee two features: Ed Sheeran and 21 Savage. Peru went on to top charts in the US and was adjudged one of the top Billboard songs for 2022.
