Artists come and go, but the exceptional ones stick around to build name and relevance. As we wave 2023 goodbye, we’ve marked out ten new cats we believe will seize 2024.
These artists made our list because of their talent, uniqueness, consistency and quality of the music they put out this year.
Pop
Kold AF
The light has been on Kold AF, born Aninooritsewarami Alero Oritsesesan, since she and French music producer, BGRZ, put out the six-track EP, KOLLIDED, in October 2023. Almost every stage that gave space to upcoming stars this year — The Future Award Africa 2023, Jameson Distillery On Tour and Indie Vibe House Party — has seen her in action. She was one of the highlights of Aristokrat Records’ Open House Volume One album, which showcased some artists on the come-up in December 2022. In the same month, Kold AF released a two-song pack called Kold Szn. Influenced by Burna Boy and Cynthia Morgan, her voice and vivid storytelling distinguish her from the crowd.
Morravey
Morravey is more than just Davido’s latest signee. She’s one of the brightest talents out of one of Nigeria’s biggest breeding grounds for talent, Port Harcourt (PH). With a catchy delivery and vocal range, her impressive performance on Davido’s IN THE GARDEN introduced her to a wider audience. In November 2023, Morravey released an introductory album called RAVI, and with her label’s backing, she may be everywhere in 2024. Based on the project and with her PH background, the singer-songwriter is set to tell Afropop stories in new and interesting ways.
Qing Madi
Qing Madi’s See Finish (2022) enjoyed some viral moments this year and earned her a position as Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador in June 2023. Madi has since released other singles like Why, Ole with BNXN and Journey, and finally, her self-titled debut EP. At just 17 years old, Qing Madi’s music has peaked on popular charts like Apple Music chart, Turntable Official Nigeria Top 100 and Official Charts Afrobeats. With this trajectory, she’ll only get bigger in 2024.
Rap
OluwaMillar
Favour Joshua Oparemi, AKA OluwaMillar, penetrated the underground rap scene in 2022 with a series of songs and features. He was on For Her (Voice2Rep’s compilation album), Menu with Droxx, Kokoka with VRSD, Fake Heads with Blvck Oreo and a remix of Menu with Emaxee, O’Shea and PayBac iBoro. In 2023, he came out with a two-song pack titled Agba Beef, which featured the songs AGBALAGBI and Beef Dey. The beautifully unique delivery of Yorùbá language in his music sets him apart from the many rappers springing up these days.
Jeriq the Hustler
On December 10, 2023, Jeriq the Hustler filled the 15,000 capacity Okpara Square in Enugu for a concert. The Igbo-speaking rapper’s catalogue goes back to 2018 with releases every year till date. With upcoming features and co-signs from top industry people, Jeriq is about to be in our faces in 2024.
Droxx
Only a few artists can boast a solid streak of up to 20 guest features in a year. Droxx, AKA African Chief, has long proved himself as one of the pioneers of Drill music in Nigeria and a top contender for most revered new rapper in the country. He opened for Davido’s “Timeless Concert” alongside Rebelwav in Abuja on December 15, 2023. With every performance, Droxx showcases true passion, consistency and his charisma places him as one of the coolest young emcees who’ll make 2024 a year to remember in Nigerian Hip-Hop.
R&B
Brum3h
Brumeh Oghenekaro is a singer-songwriter, record and vocal producer and sound engineer who calls himself “Emo Boy”. The name accurately describes the deep feelings Brum3h expresses on his songs. As the R&B scene returns to its purest form in Nigeria, you’ll find acts like Brum3h in the frontline, uncompromising and passionate with his rhythm and blues. In September, he released Typewrit3R Volume One — a set of love letters to a difficult lover.
Rukmani
Rukmani is managed by Cokoon Records (sister company to Aristokrat Records). Straight out of Port Harcourt, Rukmani masterfully renders intimacy, vulnerability and youth onto her soul-searching audio material. And her debut album, Angel On the Run (2023), encompasses these elements perfectly.
RnB Princess
Staking her claim as a singer and storyteller capable of deep emotion and soulful melodies, RnB Princess’ voice carries a warm appeal. Her dear diary EP, produced by Beezyx, proves this point.
Alternative
DoTTi the Deity
Forever Sweet (2022), a neo-folklore jam that’s been reigning at wedding parties all year, has solidified DoTTi the Deity as an amazing songwriter, singer and performer. More than that, his lyrics showcase him as a Yorùbá language custodian for the new generation. In 2023, DoTTi released another EP titled For You Knew Me, giving us a peep into the greatness the singer will unleash in the coming year.
Bizzonthetrack
With Bizzonthetrack, you’ll get a mix of pop, R&B and lo-fi influences. You’ll also get simple lyrics that cover hustle culture, good life and sensuality. If you want to relax and have a good time or marinate in your feelings, Bizz is the guy. Start with his latest, Sir Jaiye Kuti, or attend his concert in Ibadan on December 23 to experience him live.
Ravington
Sitting at the intersection of rap, singing and music production, Ravington has conveniently designed his own brand of alternative music. Borrowing from Cruel Santino, Odunsi the Engine and Black Magic, Ravington adds in his abstract style of production to go with his deep vocals. After his Retrograde Blues EP dropped in 2022, he put out five songs and produced for fellow up-and-comers in 2023. We look forward to his 2024 offerings.
Production
Afroselekta-BBK
An Abuja-based music producer and artist, Afroselekta-BBK has collaborated with EESKAY, Zilla Oaks, Reeplay, Laxy-BBK and more of the city’s finests. His expertise is an alternative blend of Afropop, Amapiano, EDM and Hip-Hop sounds like drill, grime and trap. His music projects like AED & AMAPIANO (2023), DRILLER & VANILLA (2022), Dangerous (2021) and AED (2019) helped establish him as an expert on these sounds. We can’t wait for what he’ll bring in 2024. He’s also carved a dynamic spot for himself as an animator, writing scripts and animating videos for his music releases.
Kemena
Some may recognise Kemena as a recording artist, songwriter and sound engineer, but he’s also a music producer with credit on all the tracks off his projects, Bond (2020) and Guitars and Malaria (2023). He creates and arranges his music from scratch and has produced for Joeboy (The Best For You), Badboywilz (Agbalagba) and Music Business Africa 2022 finalist, Jola Bello (Rain). His style swings between Afropop, R&B and alternative rock music.
NYRP
NYRP is an Afrobeats music producer making his name underground after he left the Sarz Academy in 2022. His soft popping beats have earned him production credit on songs like Jimni Abdul’s Royal Rumble, Söulaar’s Balance, Muis’ Saati Ramoni and The Lemon Vinyl’s Majo and Tomorrow.
DJing
WEAREALLCHEMICALS
When she’s not modelling or working on Dencity, her skateboard collective focuses on empowering women, Blessing Ewona AKA WEAREALLCHEMICALS, DJs. She has Gen-Zs spellbound with her Afrobeats, electronic dance (EDM) and House music mixes. You can catch her performances at every cool youth party in Lagos, such as Activ.Yard, Science Club and MELT. She’s on to something incredible with her unique mix style, and the mainstream will soon get fixed on her chemical doses. It’s only a matter of time.
DJ Kiss
Anyone who’s paid attention to DJ Kiss since her Unilorin days circa 2018 knows she’s cut from a different fabric. She never misses with her selection of romantic early 2000 pop hits, both local and foreign. She also works with afropop and rap jams of the 2010s, and a slew of current Afropop, Amapiano, House and Hip-hop hits. Kiss has worked stages like the Jameson City Takeover, Afrobeats in the City and even her very own U.K. Summer Tour from August to October 2023. But no matter the size of the venue she plays, her set always brings the crowd alive.
DJ 212
DJ 212 is popular in the NYSC orientation camp and corporate events in Lagos for hot playlists of Afrobeats and Amapiano mashups. He’s the guy for anyone who needs twedding turn-ups and themed parties. After his Press Play Party 2.0 featured Asake and YhemoLee in February 2023, he’s set to have a blast with parties next year.
