The top 20 most recognized artistes in Africa at the moment are based on global acceptance with regard to regional credibility.
Africans are doing so well as they are also at the forefront of music globally when it comes to music and here are the top 20 most recognized artistes in Africa.
However, It has been made possible because of many talented artists in different African music industries.
Starting from the 90s, Africans have been recognized in the world music sphere, and since then, they have been waxing stronger.
Who is the most recognized artist in Africa?
When we talk about some well-known African artists who brought African music to the limelight, artists like Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, and other African giants can’t be left out.
Ever since then, Africans have never left the music phase. Let’s check out the top ten best African musicians in 2021 who have represented African music industries worldwide.
Top 20 most recognized artistes in Africa
Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.
He later rose to the limelight after releasing “Holla at Your Boy”, the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar in 2011.
Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is an American-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Davido rose to fame after releasing “Dami Duro”, the second single from his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo (2012).
Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He is one of the biggest and most successful African artists.
He rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing “Like to Party”, the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E (2013).
Nasty C
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer.
After releasing three mixtapes, one being “Undisputed” and two EPs, Ngcobo released his debut album Bad Hair (2016), and Strings and Bling (2018) which was associated and supported by his first tour, The Ivyson Tour
Diamond Platnumz
Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian, bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist, and businessman of Ha heritage.
He became the first Africa-based artiste to reach a combined total of 900 million YouTube views.
Shatta Wale
Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr. is a Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artist. He is known by his stage name Shatta Wale, formerly Bandana.
In 2019 he also had a collaboration with Beyoncé titled “Already” on her album The Lion King: The Gift which was nominated at the Grammy Awards.
Fally Ipupa
Fally Ipupa N’simba known by his stage name Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, guitarist, and producer.
From 1999 until 2006, he was a member of Quartier Latin International, the music band formed in 1986 by Koffi Olomidé.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education.
In 2014, Tiwa Savage was the first female Nigerian artiste to be nominated for BET awards. In this same year (2014), she also won the best female category in the Channel O music awards show.
Sarkodie
Michael Owusu Addo known professionally as Sarkodie is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema.
His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, He has announced the first winner of BET’s Best International Flow artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Eberechi Alade is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress, and activist.
She won the Peak Talent Show in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single “Johnny” in 2014.
Casper Nyovest
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and record producer.
Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa.
Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known by his stage name Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur.
He is a pioneer of Banku Music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns.
Olamide
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, known professionally as Olamide (and also Olamide Baddo, BaddoSneh, or simply Baddo) is a Nigerian hip-hop recording artist.
He records in Yoruba and English, In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes.
Stonebwoy
Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name Stonebwoy, is a Ghanaian Afropop, dance hall, and reggae musician.
He is the CEO of Burniton Music Group. He won the Best International Act: Africa category at the 2015 BET Awards.
Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol are a Kenyan afro-pop band formed in Nairobi, Kenya by vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi in 2005.
Initially, an acappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before they named themselves Sauti Sol.
AKA
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes known professionally as AKA, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Western Cape, Forbes gained significance after releasing his single “Victory Lap” which was released from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011).
Ali Kiba
Ally Saleh Kiba (born 1986), known by his stage name Alikiba is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and footballer.
He is the owner of Kings Music label, Ali Kiba released his album Cinderella which broke the record as the best-selling album in East African countries including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Bobi Wine
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known by his stage name Bobi Wine, is a Ugandan politician, singer, and actor.
He is a former Member of Parliament for Kyadondo County East constituency in Wakiso District, in Uganda’s Central Region.
Bebi Philip
Bebi Philip is an Ivorian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music producer, associated with styles such as Coupé-décalé.
Phillip was born in Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Ckay
Chukwuka Ekweani, better known by his stage name CKay, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer signed to Warner Music South Africa.
He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA.
His international hit single “Love Nwantiti”, also known as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)”, was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.
Special Recognitions
- Angelique Kidjo
- Femi Kuti
- Koffi Olumide,
- Awilo Logomba
- Seun Kuti
- Don Jazzy
- 2Baba
- D’Banj