Top 10 Most Popular African Artists

Who is the Biggest Artist in Africa? Exploring the Stars Shaping the Continent’s Music Scene

LISTEN TO THE BIGGEST AFROBEAT SONGS OF ALL TIME

Africa’s music scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world, with its artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary genres to create a unique and powerful influence on global culture. From Afrobeat to Afrofusion, the continent’s musical landscape is constantly evolving, and as African music continues to dominate international charts, one question looms large: Who is the biggest artist in Africa?

While there may never be a definitive answer, as different artists shine in different areas—be it sales, awards, or global influence—several African musicians stand out as the most impactful in terms of their contributions to the global music scene. Let’s take a look at the top contenders for the title of Africa’s biggest artist.

1. Wizkid: The Best-Selling Afrobeat Artist

When it comes to sales and international recognition, Wizkid is undoubtedly a giant in the African music industry. Often hailed as Africa's best-selling artist, Wizkid has brought Afrobeat to mainstream audiences worldwide. His rise to fame began in the early 2010s with his debut album Superstar, but it was his hit single "Ojuelegba" that made him a household name.

Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake on the song "One Dance" in 2016 was a breakthrough moment, propelling him to the international stage. He followed it up with other successful hits, including “Come Closer” and “Essence”—the latter becoming one of his most globally recognized songs. With a career spanning over a decade, Wizkid has sold millions of records, toured the world, and built a loyal fan base that extends beyond Africa.

As the face of Afrobeat in many ways, Wizkid’s influence cannot be overstated. His ability to cross over into global pop culture, while still staying true to his African roots, has made him a symbol of the genre’s international appeal.

2. Burna Boy: Africa’s Grammy-Winning Artist

A strong contender for Africa's biggest artist is Burna Boy, who has made history not only in Africa but across the world. With a distinctive voice and a unique sound that blends Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop, Burna Boy has earned his spot at the top of the music scene. His 2019 album African Giant garnered international acclaim, and the Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021 solidified his place in the global spotlight.

Known for his activism and bold statements on social issues, Burna Boy's music often carries a powerful message of pride, resilience, and African identity. Tracks like "Anybody", "Gbona", and "Ye" have cemented his position as a leading figure in the Afrofusion genre.

What sets Burna Boy apart is his ability to blend African rhythms with global sounds, attracting fans from all corners of the world. His impact on the international music scene, particularly with his Grammy win, makes him one of the top contenders for the title of Africa’s biggest artist.

3. Tyla: The Rising Star from South Africa

While Tyla is still relatively new on the global stage, her impact has been nothing short of meteoric. The South African singer's viral song "Water" made her the youngest South African artist to ever appear on the Billboard 100 Chart. With a blend of Afrobeat, pop, and dance elements, Tyla’s music is capturing the attention of listeners worldwide.

Her rise has been rapid, with “Water” gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok and streaming services, further boosting her profile. Though still in the early stages of her career, Tyla has already shown that she has the potential to be one of Africa's most significant exports in music. If her trajectory continues on this path, she could soon find herself among the top stars in Africa.

4. Rema: The Young Star Bridging Genres

Rema is one of the most exciting young talents in Africa right now. Hailing from Nigeria, this 23-year-old artist has quickly built a global following with his unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop music. His hit singles like "Dumebi", "Woman", and "Calm Down" have made waves not only across Africa but internationally as well.

Rema’s ability to effortlessly cross over into different genres while still staying true to his African roots has made him a major figure in modern Afrobeats. His collaboration with American singer Selena Gomez on "Calm Down" has further pushed his international recognition, with the track becoming one of the most-streamed Afrobeat songs of all time. Given his youthful energy, innovative approach, and rapid rise to fame, Rema is undoubtedly a rising star in African music.

5. Tems: The Soulful Voice of Africa

Tems, with her ethereal voice and emotive songwriting, has become one of the most powerful forces in African music. The Nigerian singer broke through with her debut single "Try Me" in 2019, and her career has only accelerated since then. In 2022, her collaboration with Wizkid on "Essence" not only became a massive hit across the world but also earned her Grammy nominations.

Tems' soulful voice and introspective lyrics have captivated listeners both in Africa and globally. With hits like "Free Mind" and her contributions to Future’s “Wait For U”, Tems has demonstrated a versatility that positions her as one of Africa’s most important voices of the new generation.

Tems represents the fusion of African sounds with international music, and her ability to transcend genres makes her a key player in the conversation of who is the biggest artist in Africa.

6. Davido: The Pioneer of Afrobeats

No discussion of the biggest African artists would be complete without mentioning Davido, one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats. Since his debut in 2011 with “Dami Duro”, Davido has remained one of the most consistent and influential figures in the genre. His chart-topping hits like "Fall", "If", and "FEM" have earned him a massive following across Africa and the world.

In addition to his musical prowess, Davido has been instrumental in shaping the African music scene, using his platform to collaborate with international artists and bring attention to the Afrobeats genre. His influence goes beyond music, as he is also a philanthropist and businessman. While newer artists have emerged, Davido’s legacy as a trailblazer in Afrobeats and his continued success keeps him firmly in the running for the title of Africa’s biggest artist.

Conclusion: Who is the Biggest Artist in Africa?

The question of who is the biggest artist in Africa does not have a single answer. Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tyla, Rema, Tems, and Davido all represent different facets of African music’s immense power and influence.

• Wizkid may be the best-selling artist with global recognition.

• Burna Boy is a Grammy winner with an undeniable international presence.

• Tyla is a rapidly rising star from South Africa who is already making waves internationally.

• Rema represents the new generation of Afrobeats stars, blending various genres and cultures.

• Tems brings a soulful, emotive voice that resonates globally.

• Davido is one of Afrobeats’ pioneers, constantly pushing boundaries.

In truth, Africa’s biggest artist could be any of these incredible musicians, depending on how you define success—whether through sales, influence, awards, or cultural impact. The beauty of African music lies in its diversity and the way these artists continue to redefine the global soundscape, taking Afrobeat and Afrofusion to the world stage.

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Top Afrobeat Albums on Spotify

Afrobeat isn't just about individual tracks—entire albums are making waves on Spotify too. Here are some of the most-streamed Afrobeat albums as of 2023:

1. Rave & Roses by Rema – 2.6 billion streams
   Rema’s Rave & Roses has set a new benchmark for Afrobeat albums on Spotify, with over 2.6 billion streams. The album has solidified Rema’s place as one of Afrobeat's brightest stars, with tracks like “Calm Down” leading the charge.

2. Tyla by Tyla – 1.4 billion streams
   South African artist Tyla has made a huge impact with her self-titled album, which has amassed over 1.4 billion streams. Her mix of Afrobeat and contemporary pop has resonated with a broad audience.

3. Love, Damini by Burna Boy – 1.2 billion streams
   Burna Boy’s Love, Damini is another Afrobeat juggernaut on Spotify, with over 1.2 billion streams. The album blends Afrobeat with reggae, dancehall, and pop influences, making it a global favorite.

4. African Giant by Burna Boy – 977 million streams
   African Giant, a breakthrough album for Burna Boy, continues to perform well on Spotify. With its mix of Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop, the album helped propel Burna Boy into international stardom.

5. CKay The First by CKay – 921 million streams
   CKay The First introduced the world to CKay’s unique blend of Afrobeat and R&B. With 921 million streams, it’s one of the genre’s top albums on Spotify.

6. Made In Lagos by WizKid – 900 million streams
   WizKid’s Made In Lagos remains a defining Afrobeat album, with tracks like “Essence” continuing to resonate with fans. It has 900 million streams and is widely considered one of the genre’s best works.