Spotify names African artists to watch in 2023

“Some of these musicians are primed to release their best music in the coming months,” Spotify said. “Many have enjoyed early success on our platform and show many indications of even greater success on the horizon. Others are relatively new elements, developing new takes on familiar sounds that could give rise to major shifts in popular music.”

Spotify added: “African music has consistently unfurled waves of new, fresh talent every year who have propelled the global interest in Afrobeats, amapiano and its many other sub-genres.

“Last year was a breakout year for artists like Buju [BNXN], Costa Titch and Asake, whose success propelled them into Wrapped top lists at the end of 2022. And while these talents took their voices to the main stage, a slew of rising stars was also laying the groundwork for their own breakout year.”

The list features artists from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. They include South African DJ Uncle Waffles, who has quickly established herself as a major driver of fashion, music, and amapiano culture, Atlanta-born Kenyan R&B star Njeri, Nigerian producer Tempoe and new Tanzanian sensation Phina, among many others (see the full list below).

Emerging artists from South Africa

• Pabi Cooper
• Boontle RSA
• Uncle Waffles
• Nkosazana Daughter
• Young Stunna
• Jay Jody
• Blue Tape
• Khanyisa
• Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Will Linley
• Droomsindroom
• Officixl RSA 

Emerging artists from Nigeria

• Khaid
• Tempoe
• Poco Lee
• Bayanni
• Brume
• YKB
• Kaestyle

Emerging artists from Ghana

• Reggie
• Snypa
• Mellissa
• Beeztrap KOTM
• Samsney

Emerging artists from East Africa

• Wanavokali (Kenya)
• Kinoti (Kenya)
• Misee Billions (Kenya)
• Njeri (Kenya)
• V-BE (Kenya)
• Anjella (Tanzania)
• Killy (Tanzania)
• Phina (Tanzania)
• Liam Voice (Uganda)
• Axon (Uganda)