Ayra Starr, Tems and Focalistic make Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

Among an innovative cohort of creatives transforming the continent and gaining global recognition for their art, the trio were named in the annual selection alongside other bright young achievers and changemakers under the age of 30 across various fields including business, technology, sport and health. 

Nigerian stars Tems and Ayra Starr are some of the leading lights of the globally recognised Afrobeats genre. Tems, a two-time BET Award winner and a Grammys nominee, boasts more than 1 billion streams on Spotify across all credits, while Ayra Starr, who shot to mainstream notice in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP and album 19 & Dangerous, was named as an artist to watch in 2023 by music video network Vevo.

South Africa’s Focalistic is widely regarded as an exciting innovator of the amapiano sound. He boasts an extensive catalogue and collaborations with other popular African acts, notably, Davido.

Past musical honourees of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list include musicians Mr Eazi, Davido, Wizkid, Sho Madjozi, Nasty C, Kabza De Small and Burna Boy.

“We are particularly excited to unravel the treasure trove of talent that these tough times have created,” Forbes Africa managing editor Renuka Methil said. “Success has not been a given for these frontrunners in the pandemic period. Faced with innumerable hiccups and setbacks, they have rolled up their sleeves and made their work matter, also lifting others on their way up.”

Meanwhile, the second annual Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa has been confirmed for Botswana from 23 to 26 April. The conference seeks to harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism on the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century. Confirmed speakers include musicians Fireboy DML (Nigeria) and Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa), among others.