Faces Of The Next Generation Female Afrobeats Stars
In the current Nigerian creative scene, there are intriguing parallels at play. The Afrobeats global movement, while distinctly modern, echoes the foundational principles that once ushered in our legendary classical age.
These principles serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future showcasing the evolution and continuity within Nigeria’s rich music scene.
Although this has always been a traditionally male-dominated sector, female singers are boldly challenging these industry norms, expectations, and preconceived notions, aiming to reshape the dynamic sphere of Afrobeats.
They are determined to establish themselves alongside the music visionaries, and innovators, contributing to the ongoing transformation of the Afrobeats sound as a whole.
In contrast to Afrobeats’ female creative pioneers of the past like Sade Adu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Onyeka Onwenu amongst others who incorporated elements from Disco, Funk, Rock & Roll, and Soul into their local fusions, today’s Nigerian female singers have propelled us into a new era. Their approach is inclusive, seamlessly blending influences from, Pop, R&B, Alternative, and beyond. This fusion reflects a new-age, diverse sound that resonates globally.
The unique thing about these newbies is the styles and narratives they bring on board. Each artist often brings her cultural influences, personal experiences, and musical insights. Thus, the surge of new female voices enriches the Afrobeats’ momentum with diverse sounds, themes, and storytelling, making it more reflective of the broader culture.
It is essential to acknowledge the support systems, both within and outside the Afrobeats community, that contribute to the rise of these female artists. This may include supportive record labels, collaborations with established artists, and an audience eager to embrace fresh perspectives.
In the course of this editorial piece, we’ll focus our attention on a select group of emerging female artists who are making solid impression on Afro culture.
5 Faces of Leading Next Generation Female Afrobeats
Qing Madi
Qing Madi‘s rise in the music industry is indeed remarkable, and blissful to witness, especially considering her young age.
At 17, she has won the hearts of many with her track Ole and its remix featuring BNXN.
Her talent positions her to potentially achieve even greater success in 2024 and beyond, making her a gem to look out for in the leading generation of female Afro stars.
Guchi
Let’s dive into Guchi’s abode, whose name is Ugochi Lydia Onuoha. Leaned towards the pop sound, she has popularized her songs, and she’s seen as one of the top emerging female artists in the country. She went viral with tracks like All Over You last year and doubled down with Feeling Good featuring Bayanni. Her sound is simple yet truly characteristic of influentials like Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage. She is definitely an artist to watch.
Bloody Civilian
Bloody Civilian, known as the “Man Killa” herself, emerges as a genre-defying artist, determined to break free from any constraints. Throughout 2023, she vigorously sold her talents on every track she graced. However, it was her unforgettable verse on ODUMODU’s “Blood on the Dance Floor” that truly stood out, making it one of the most recognizable and impactful verses of the entire year.
Lifesize Teddy
Lifesize Teddy is a rap diva hailing from Port Harcourt City, who boasts of a distinctive musical style that blends Pidgin and Queen’s English in her delivery. This approach lends her a cadence that easily taps into an Afrobeat-infused rap vibe. As a newly signed artist to the renowned record label, Mavin Records, Treasure Apiafi Banigo is set to go against industry norms and make a clear impact on the music industry with her talent.
Morravey
With only a handful of songs to her name, she’s been able to give her fans a peek into her musical ability, which has been described by many as ‘angelic’. She gained attention by delivering a memorable chorus on the track ‘In The Garden’ off Davido’s ‘Timeless’ album.
In conclusion, the wave of new female Afrobeats singers is a positive and transformative force within the creative movement. It not only signifies a shift in gender dynamics but also brings forth a wealth of uniqueness, fresh breath of music taste, richness and culture, contributing to the continued global success and relevance of Afrobeats.
RELATED:
- Afrobeats Collaborations We Look Forward To In 2024
- 5 Unforgettable Moments In The 2023 Nigerian Music Landscape