Qing Madi named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list for 2024.

• Qing Madi Makes Billboard’s 21 Under 21 Most Innovative & Influential Young Artists 2024 List

Billboard magazine’s annual 21 Under 21 list highlights the music industry’s brightest young stars, and this year, seventeen-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi joins the ranks alongside talents like Tate McRae, NewJeans, and 4batz.

This diverse group of artists, representing various genres and career stages, share a common thread: they are primed for breakout success. Many have already begun making waves online and pushing the boundaries of their respective styles.

Qing Madi broke out in 2023 with her debut self-titled EP and first U.S. tour as part of fellow Nigerian artist BNXN’s “Sincerely BNXNTour.” Along the way, she earned co-signs from Ayra Starr and Wizkid. In May, she collaborated with Chlöe for a remix of her standout track “Vision,” which was accompanied by a self-co-directed music video.

While Kendrick Lamar has significantly influenced her songwriting approach—“he basically taught me how to write”—Qing Madi holds special admiration for Burna Boy and Wizkid, both of whom she grew up listening to. She acknowledges them for pushing the Afrobeats culture and opening doors, allowing her to dream and aspire beyond her surroundings.