10 popstars make Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

The list is the fourth by the publication, and is described as an “authentic and most definitive list of Africa’s most promising young change-makers”. Consisting of figures in music, art, media, film and fashion, the 30 Under 30 list has musical artists taking up 10 of the available spots.

Predictably, these 10 recording artists are mostly from Nigeria and South Africa, the dominant countries in African pop music. They are also mostly male, as only two female musicians are included.

Rapper Cassper Nyovest, who has released hit records and performed in venues of increasing capacities, can be said to lead the South African group. Among his accomplishments listed by Forbes is sharing the stage with several international stars including Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, Nas and Wizkid. He also owns the Family Tree record label and has received many awards for his music.

Also representing South Africa is Kwesta, who is referred to as “one of the biggest names in African hip hop”. He is the most awarded male rap act in the history of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). 

Shekhinah, who won three awards at the 2018 SAMAs at the weekend, is the list's sole female act from South Africa. The 23 year old went with her SAMA Album of the Year, Rose Gold. Two singles from the album, ‘Please Mister’ and ‘Suited’, are currently receiving heavy airplay.

Anatii and Nasty C are the other South African musicians on the Forbes list. The latter has signed a deal with Universal Music Group and the former is one of his country’s most in-demand producers.

Sarkodie, who turns 30 in July, is the list’s sole Ghanaian musician. For years, the rapper has received acclaim as one of Africa’s best rappers. A perennial Vodafone Ghana Music Awards favourite, he has won several awards across the continent, launched his own record label and started a clothing line.

Falz, Yemi Alade, Wizkid and Davido represent Nigeria. Falz has released three albums and his recent single 'This Is Nigeria', an adaptation of Childish Gambino’s 'This Is America', is set to cross the 4-million-views mark on YouTube and has been the subject of several commentaries.

Yemi Alade’s 2014 video for ‘Johnny’ has clocked more than 90 million views on YouTube. Her energetic stage performances are in high demand and have led to invitations to several countries including the recent Bassline Fest where she performed with the legendary group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Wizkid and Davido, former rivals-turned-friends, are Africa’s foremost pop musicians. They have achieved fame outside Africa.

For more about the Forbes list, click here.