1.   Rema

Rema is a Gen Z sensation in the Afrobeats music scene. Born on May 1, 2000, in Nigeria, his real name is Divine Ikubor. Rema started gaining attention in 2019 with his hit single “Dumebi,” which quickly became popular. His music blends Afrobeats with other genres like trap and pop, making it appealing to a broad audience.

Rema has been recognized for his talent and success, receiving several awards, including the Next Rated award at the 2019 Headies. He is signed to Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s leading music labels. Rema’s unique style and energetic performances have made him a leader of the new school wave of music lovers, especially among Gen Z.

His songs often top charts in Nigeria and abroad, and he continues to release hits that resonate with young listeners. With his growing international fanbase, Rema is set to become one of the biggest names in Afrobeats.

2.   Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, is a rising Gen Z star in the Afrobeats scene. Hailing from Nigeria, she quickly captured the attention of music lovers with her debut single “Away,” which became a hit. Her self-titled debut EP, released in 2021, showcased her unique voice and style, blending Afrobeats with pop and R&B.

Ayra Starr’s success continued with the release of her debut album, “19 & Dangerous,” featuring popular tracks like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Fashion Killer,” and “Rush,” which gained significant attention and added to her growing popularity.

Globally, Ayra Starr has achieved several notable milestones. She was featured on Spotify’s Radar Africa program, which highlights emerging artists from the continent. Her song “Away” was included in Barack Obama’s 2021 summer playlist, bringing her music to an even wider audience. Additionally, she was nominated for the Best New International Act at the 2021 BET Awards, showcasing her growing influence in the global music scene.

3.   Victony

Victony, born Anthony Victor, is a young Nigerian singer and songwriter making waves in the current Afrobeats scene. As a Gen Z artist, he is part of the new school wave captivating music lovers with his unique sound. Victony first gained attention with his debut EP “Saturn” in 2020, which showcased his talent and versatility.

His collaboration with Mayorkun on the hit single “Holy Father” in 2021 brought him further into the spotlight, earning him praise for his smooth vocals and catchy melodies. Despite facing a

major setback due to a car accident in 2021 that left him wheelchair-bound for a while, Victony has shown resilience and determination.

After healing and walking again, Victony went on to release an EP titled “Outlaw” on May 6, 2022. The EP housed the track “Soweto,” which gained massive international success. In 2024, Victony released his debut album “Stubborn,” which includes several international collaborations and popular songs gaining massive airplay within and outside Nigeria.

Victony’s music resonates with many, and he continues to inspire fans with his positive attitude and dedication to his craft. As a leading Gen Z artist, Victony is a significant part of the new school wave in Afrobeats, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the industry.

4.   Qing Madi

Qing Madi, whose full name is Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma Madichie was born on July 1, 2006. She is a promising young talent in the Afrobeats scene. She is fast making a name for herself with her unique sound and vibrant performances. Qing Madi first gained attention with her debut single “See Finish,” which showcased her vocal ability and rare style.

In 2023, Qing Madi’s influence continued to grow as she was appointed Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador for the month of June. This recognition highlighted her impact and broadened her audience across the continent. Her collaboration with Bnxn on the single “Ole”, released on July 21, 2023, marked another milestone, with the track climbing various music charts, including Apple Music and TurnTable Top 100. These achievements underscored her ability to blend Afrobeat, Pop, Soul, and R&B seamlessly, appealing to a diverse fan base.

As her career progressed into 2024, Qing Madi was honoured as part of Apple Music’s Rising Class of 2024. With the release of her self-titled Debut EP on November 17, 2023, under the JTON Music label, Qing Madi continues to captivate audiences and score yet another hit with the single “American Love”.

5.   Shallipopi

Crown Uzama, known by his stage name Shallipopi, is a standout Gen Z artist making waves in the Nigerian music scene. Born on April 12, 2000, Shallipopi burst onto the scene with his infectious energy and catchy beats. He started his career by sharing freestyles on social media platforms like TikTok, where he gained a loyal following.

In January 2023, Shallipopi achieved breakthrough success with his debut single “Elon Musk,” which quickly became a favourite among fans and music enthusiasts alike. This track not only showcased his talent but also marked his entry into the mainstream music charts. Following this success, he signed with Dvpper Music, a move that propelled him further into the limelight.

His debut album, “Presido La Pluto” (2023), soared to the top of the charts, reaching number one on the TurnTable Top 50 and Apple Music’s top 100 albums. Shallipopi’s music blends

vibrant Afrobeat rhythms with his unique style of rap and singing, appealing to a diverse audience globally.

Continuing his ascent, Shallipopi’s second studio album, “Shakespopi” (2024), continued to dominate the charts with hits like “ASAP,” which topped the TurnTable Top 100. Beyond his musical achievements, Shallipopi’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he founded his own record label, Plutomania Records, in October 2023, signing promising new talents.

6.   Seyi Vibez

Seyi Vibez (born July 12, 2000) is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his emotive music and soulful melodies. Born Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi in Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria, Seyi Vibez grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos State. He first gained recognition in 2019 with his debut single “Anybody,” which marked the beginning of his musical journey.

In 2020, Seyi Vibez captured widespread attention with “Godsent,” a song that resonated deeply with listeners for its heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes. Building on this success, he released his debut studio album “No Seyi No Vibez (NSNV)” in 2021, followed by “Billion Dollar Baby 2.0” in 2022, both of which topped music charts and solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene.

One of Seyi Vibez’s notable achievements came in January 2023 with the release of his debut EP, “Memory Card,” which featured collaborations and garnered millions of streams within its first week. His collaborations with artists like Zlatan on “Let There Be Light” further expanded his reach, while songs like “Jajoo” and features with prominent musicians continued to showcase his versatility. He has since risen to the top of his game and has become one of the most sought-after new acts in the game.

7.   Taves

Toluwanimi Aluko, popularly known as Taves, was born on July 12, 2000. As of now, he is 24 years old. Taves is a rising star in the Nigerian Afrobeat scene known for blending traditional African rhythms with modern music, featuring catchy beats and soulful vocals.

In 2022, Taves gained attention with his cover of BNXN’s “For Days,” impressing the singer who mentored him under his wing. His cover retained BNXN’s easygoing flow while showcasing clean rhymes and skilful songwriting. Recently, Taves released “Eleyele,” his 2023 debut single under BNXN’s indie imprint T.YE, featuring songwriting and vocals from BNXN, solidifying his presence in the music industry.

Born Toluwanimi Aluko, Taves began writing songs at nine and recording on his phone during secondary school. At 16, he delved seriously into music, drawing inspiration from R&B and

Hip-Hop. Projects like ‘The Nest: First Day Out’, ‘17’, and ‘18’ reflected Taves’ personal growth, blending his sound with tales of love and struggles.

8.   Khaid

Khaid was born Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon on December 10, 2004. He is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper signed to Neville Records. He gained widespread recognition with his debut single “With You,” released in January 2022 under Sydney Talker’s label, Neville Records. The song marked his entry into the Nigerian music scene, peaking at number 48 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 chart. Khaid’s music, characterized by vibrant sounds and heartfelt lyrics, quickly garnered millions of views and streams, cementing his status as an emerging talent.

Growing up in Shibiri-Ojo, Khaid’s journey to music stardom began from humble beginnings, working as a roadside mechanic to support his large family and fund his musical aspirations. His breakout moment came in 2021 when a viral freestyle on Instagram caught the attention of Sydney Talker, leading to a recording deal and the launch of his career.

Khaid’s musical evolution continued with the release of his debut EP “Diversity” in May 2022, which showcased a blend of diverse musical influences appealing to a broad audience. Songs like “Ski” and “Amala,” featuring collaborations with industry heavyweights like Zlatan and Rexxie, further solidified his place in the music industry. His subsequent releases, such as “Jolie,” have consistently charted and earned acclaim, making him a standout figure in Nigeria’s vibrant Afrobeat scene.

9.   Zinoleesky

This list will not be complete without mentioning Zinoleesky. Zinoleesky was born Oniyide Azeez on April 21, 2000, and is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, who has emerged as a prominent figure in the Gen Z Afrobeats scene. Raised in Lagos State, Nigeria, Zinoleesky gained early recognition for his freestyle rap skills during his adolescence. His breakthrough came in 2017 when his viral videos garnered significant attention online, propelling him into the limelight.

In 2019, Zinoleesky signed with Marlian Records, founded by Naira Marley, after turning down an offer from Davido’s DMW label to pursue an independent path. His debut studio album, “Chrome Eccentric,” released in 2020, solidified his position with hit tracks like “Ma Pariwo” and “Kilofeshe.” These songs topped charts and garnered millions of views on platforms like Apple Music and YouTube, marking him as a standout in the new wave of Nigerian music.

Zinoleesky’s success continued with the remix of “Kilofeshe,” featuring Mayorkun and South African singer Busiswa, further expanding his fanbase across Africa and beyond. In December 2022, he released his first EP titled “Grit and Lust,” showcasing his growth and versatility as an artist.

As a Gen Z sensation, Zinoleesky’s music resonates with younger audiences, blending infectious beats with lyrical depth that explores themes of love, ambition, and everyday struggles.

10. Ayo Maff

Ayo Maff, a vibrant talent hailing from the bustling streets of Bariga, Lagos, has swiftly established himself as a rising star in the contemporary Afrobeats scene. At just 18 years old, Ayo Maff, born Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele, embodies the spirit of Gen Z creativity and cultural influence through his music. Growing up in the suburbs of Lagos, he has channelled his experiences and observations into a compelling musical narrative that resonates deeply with his audience.

His breakthrough moment arrived with the release of “Dealer,” a collaboration featuring the renowned Fireboy DML, signed under the expert guidance of OCEANSTREET CREATIVE. This track not only showcased his lyrical prowess and knack for infectious melodies but also catapulted him to the forefront of the Nigerian music scene. “Dealer” quickly ascended to the top spot on the Nigerian Apple Music Top 100, cementing Ayo Maff’s status as a new-age sensation and establishing the song as a bona fide street anthem.

Ayo Maff’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of Afrobeats, where young artists like him are reshaping the genre with fresh perspectives and innovative sounds. His music resonates with over 1 million monthly listeners, a testament to his growing influence and appeal.