As Afrobeats continues to grow even larger across the globe, fresh new creators of the genre are discovered every day and thanks to the internet and streaming culture, everything is so much easier. It is easier for these artists to be discovered and get the necessary recognition that their music deserves.
Still, the work has to be put in and as one of our special contents for Women’s Month 2023, here is a list of 12 next-gen female musicians who are putting in the needed work and building a legacy for themselves in the scene.
Libianca
All Libianca needed to break the market after years of making beautiful music was one that exuded melancholy. The Cameroonian-American’s 2022 hit single “People” put her on the map, so much that it earned her an Ayra Starr cum Omah Lay remix. We all can’t wait to feed on more music from her in the coming years.
Layzee Ella
Nigeria’s next superstar, Onose Emmanuella Bagudu, better known as Layzee Ella, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Although her journey seems to have started on social media through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Layzee has been writing music since she was 8 years old. You might know her by her trending “Chemical” and “Medusa” featuring Khaid songs, but there’s still so much to come; we believe!
Sofie
Ghana’s Sofie grew up in the United Kingdom and has found a way to create music that is a perfect blend of both cultures. Her strain of Afro-fusion is one that is unique to her with influences from pop, rock, soul and R&B.
Bloody Civilian
Although debuting into the space with her 2022 “How To Kill A Man” single, Bloody Civilian’s acceleration has been nothing short of oomph. In the same year, her “Wake Up” featured Rema and was one of the soundtrack songs for Marvel’s Black Panther Soundtrack Album, “Wakanda Forever”. Real name Emoseh Khamofu, she hails from Taraba state, but gathered early relevance in Abuja and draws inspiration for her name from the heavy military presence in the region.
Qing Madi
She broke the internet in the late months of 2022, but right in time to kickstart a career that promises to be very bright. Her song “See Finish” has been doing incredible numbers for a debut and we really can’t wait to see all that is up her sleeves.
Brazy
Multi-lingual Brazy is making waves through her unique, genre-blending and vibrant sonic style. Her bubbly personality shines through her music as she inevitably gets you up and moving to the diverse beats she incorporates. The combination of her witty lyrics and bratz doll sense of style immediately creates intrigue. “Attends” is her latest single making rounds all over the internet.
Yimeeka
Sound design, music production, songwriting and singing are Yimeeka’s forte. She has been making music since she was only 12, but decided to take the industry by its horns in 2020 and her debut project, ‘Alter Ego’ is nothing short of magical. One of the songs off it called “Smooth Criminal” features Pheelz and has earned the songstress great airing. And it’s only just the beginning.
Somadina
Somadina’s “IHY” from 2018 was her debut and ever since, the songbird hasn’t stopped showing up. Some of her popular records include “Citrus Tears”, “Rolling Loud” and “Small Paradise” with Odunsi (The Engine) and The Cavemen. Somadina has proven her relevance in the scene, especially among lovers of alternative music in Nigeria, but she’s really only just getting started!
Essilfie
Out of Accra to the world, Essilfie makes a living out of writing, singing and performing music. Maame Esi Essilfie is positioned as one of the leading faces in Ghana’s alternative music scene. Her latest solo project is “Tori’s Lounge” from 2022 and we can’t wait to see all that she has planned for the rest of the year.
Yinka
Olayinka Ehi’s “Exclusive” with Adekunle Gold exposed her to an even larger audience and her earlier releases alongside those she made afterwards have been beautiful enough to keep the new people. Her sound is unique and she’s up there when it comes to vocal rendition on all levels. Her latest album “Let’s Get Romantic” is a very sultry one, resplendent to every ear that hears.
Töme
Töme has consistently not relented at making lucid music. The Nigerian-French Canadian singer/songwriter, with real name Michelle Oluwatomi Akanbi, won the 2021 JUNO awards for her song “I Pray” featuring Sean Kingston and is fast gathering attention across North America, West Africa and the world at large.
Deena Ade
Deena became even more popular after her “Popping” single featuring fellow Poppin crooners, Show Dem Camp from late 2022. The new year looks all the way even brighter for Deena and we can’t wait for all that is ahead of her in this space!
Have any names you would love to put us onto? Let us know!
Itty can be caught studying African pop culture, writing about it or hosting a relationship podcast. When he's not doing any of these, then he's definitely at a bar, getting mocktail.
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