Spotify has published a list of artists to watch in 2023 in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and East Africa, including artists who may break through to fame.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Global music streaming platform Spotify has released a list of the top African artists to watch in 2023, which highlights artists in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and East Africa who are likely to break into the mainstream.
- South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and East Africa are among the African countries predicted to achieve mainstream streaming success in the 2023 list of ‘African artists to watch’ released by the global music streaming platform Spotify.
- Some of the acts on the platform have plans to release new music this year, while others have shown signs of success after previous streaming success.
- Based on streaming data, genre, culture, and perspectives, Spotify says the artists on its ‘African artists to watch in 2023’ list are on the verge of a mainstream breakthrough.
- Spotify’s East Africa African artist to watch in 2023 is dominated by Kenyans such as Wanavokali, Kinoti, Misee Billions, Njeri, and V-BE, followed by Tanzania’s Anjella, Killy and Phina, and Uganda’s Liam Voice.
This list is an attempt to identify and promote up-and-coming African artists at an early stage in their careers, while also providing a platform for them to reach a wider audience. Spotify’s data-driven approach to identifying emerging talent allows the streaming platform to accurately predict which artists are likely to have success in the near future.
According to the platform, which boasts over 456 million users, some acts are preparing to release new music this year, while others appear to be experiencing greater success following previous successes.
In its list of ‘African artists to watch in 2023’, Spotify notes that the artists on the list are on the verge of mainstream success based on streaming data, genre, and culture.
“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.”
In addition, Spotify said:
“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.”
Among the artists on Spotify’s African artists to watch list in 2023, you will find artists from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Axon and Liam Voice of Uganda are ranked as some of the top Spotify African artists to watch in 2023 from the East Africa region. Others in the category include Wanavokali, Kinoti, Misee Billions, Njeri, and V-BE of Kenya. Followed by Tanzania’s Anjella, Killy and Phina.
All of these artists are making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of afrobeat, hip-hop, and reggae. They have all received critical acclaim for their music and have gained a strong following from their East African fans. Their music is sure to captivate more audiences in the coming year.
Also included on Spotify’s 2023 list are South African DJ Uncle Waffles, who has quickly distinguished herself as an important figure in fashion, music, and the African music scene; Nigerian producer Tempoe; and Ghana’s Samsney.
Below is the full list of Spotify African artists to watch in 2023
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)
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