Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 celebrates the exceptional talent of three African artists, namely Tems, Ayra Starr, and Focalistic. These young creatives are part of a groundbreaking group of visionaries who are transforming the continent and making waves globally with their art.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Three African artists, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Focalistic, have been recognized by Forbes Africa as part of the prestigious 30 Under 30 Class of 2023. This annual selection features a cohort of young and innovative creatives who are transforming the continent and gaining global recognition for their art.
- Forbes Africa announced the annual selection of outstanding achievers and changemakers, all under the age of 30, who excel in various fields, including business, technology, sport, and health.
- Tems and Ayra Starr are Nigerian artists who have become notable stars in the Afrobeats genre, recognized worldwide for their music. Tems, a two-time BET Award winner and Grammy nominee, has more than one billion streams on Spotify across all credits.
- Notably, past musical honorees of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list include musicians such as Mr Eazi, Davido, Wizkid, Sho Madjozi, Nasty C, Kabza De Small, and Burna Boy.
Tems and Ayra Starr, both Nigerian stars, are leading lights in the globally recognized Afrobeats genre. Tems, a two-time BET Award winner and a nominee for the Grammys, has over 1 billion streams on Spotify across all credits.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr, who rose to mainstream fame in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP and album “19 & Dangerous,” was named an artist to watch in 2023 by music video network Vevo.
South Africa’s Focalistic is a pioneer of the amapiano sound, known for his creative approach to music. With an extensive catalog and collaborations with popular African acts, including Davido, Focalistic is a celebrated artist in the African music industry.
The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list has previously honored musical greats such as Mr Eazi, Davido, Wizkid, Sho Madjozi, Nasty C, Kabza De Small, and Burna Boy.
Forbes Africa’s Managing Editor, Renuka Methil, expressed excitement in recognizing the treasure trove of talent that emerged during the pandemic period, stating that these frontrunners have overcome countless obstacles and setbacks, creating meaningful work and uplifting others along the way.
“We are particularly excited to unravel the treasure trove of talent that these tough times have created. 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.”
Furthermore, the second annual Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa is scheduled for Botswana from April 23 to 26, seeking to harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism on the continent.
The summit features renowned speakers, including Fireboy DML (Nigeria) and Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa), among others, to explore the growth potential of the African continent and shape the 21st century.
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