There had never been a time when the future of our precious, sacred afrobeats culture was questioned like it was in 2024. It has been the only year since the pandemic without one major, undeniable breakout star. In the same year, there were countless conversations about the genre losing its magical hold over other regions of the world, like it has had since 2021. The future is being heavily questioned.
However, in recent times, there have been some TikTok sonic underdogs with sounds that only spell hope for the afrobeats scene. These artistes have been described to sound like a mix of Wande Coal, Oxlade, Omah Lay and Victony – each marker pointing at the fact that their sounds are heavily falsetto-based and “feel like Port Harcourt”. Perhaps, this is because of how much musical storytelling underdogs from the region infuse into their songwriting.
For most people, the routine scroll on the streets of the TikTok app called “FYP” led them to a silhouette video by a fine-dressed young man, walking past pillars and switching emotions after every pillar he walked past. His music, captivating, and his name accurately capturing the feelings of the listener.
His name is Serotonin.
Serotonin
Serotonin has co-signs from some of the biggest names in the industry in his bag, like Tems and Swizz Beatz. His music gained traction in 2024 and has a sound most people have described to be “relaxing and happiness-inducing”. “May 10th” and “Venus” seem to be the public’s favourites of his discography.
Dxtiny
Serendipity happened to Dxtiny. With his first ever releases being ‘Uncle Pele’ and ‘Sew-Tape’, the former has gone on to do millions on digital streaming platforms and TikTok. ‘Uncle Pele’ has a retro feel that draws in every ear that listens. His is a different aura, and he is definitely a potential afrobeats leading name; with the number one viral Spotify song at the moment and second most Shazamed in the country. Our fingers are crossed for what destiny has in store, pun intended.
Vicoka
Like Omah Lay and Burna, with a melancholic voice out of Port Harcourt city, Vicoka’s city-titled song has been trending on TikTok for a minute and his vocal dexterity makes him a talent of interest. Also how many seem to be able to relate to his storytelling, as expressed in the same song.
Tiimie
This 23 year-old is popular for his social media covers and how his vocals make him stand out from the rest. In the fashion of Wande Coal and Victony, Tiimie has been able to carve out some space for himself in the mainstream, through collaborations with acts like Ktizo and Taves. His cover of Victony’s “Soweto” got the attention of the artiste, so much so that it was uploaded on DSPs as an official remix of the song. He released a body of work in 2024 titled “Sounds Like Tiimie” which features 8 incredible Afro-fusion tracks.
These fantastic four spell nothing but hope for the culture, amidst all the doubtful and insecure conversations being had. They postulate that talent still exists at the grassroot, and that the culture has not simply been consumed by hype without substance.
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.