Afrobeats has evolved from underground clubs in Lagos to global stages, fueled by the relentless creativity of its pioneers and torchbearers. As we roll out our definitive Top 20 Afrobeats Stars of the 21st Century, chosen through a painstaking selection process, we celebrate those who shaped the genre’s story with sound, vision, and consistency.
Today, we spotlight numbers 20 through 6—a powerful mix of trailblazers, hitmakers, genre-benders, and cultural icons. Whether they dominated charts, pioneered movements, or carried the sound to new shores, these names have undeniably earned their place.
#20: Flavour
Flavour’s unique Igbo highlife-Afrobeats fusion made him a household name since Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) in 2011. With six studio albums, he’s racked up hits like Ada Ada, Golibe, and Awele each showcasing his warm vocals and vivid lyrics. His longevity—over a decade in the spotlight—comes from heartfelt love songs and festive anthems, making him a go-to at weddings and celebrations.
#19: Omah Lay
Omah Lay made an explosive entrance into the Afrobeats scene in 2020 with his debut EP Get Layd, which instantly captured the attention of both fans and critics alike. Tracks like Bad Influence and You showcased his unique ability to blend Afrobeats with elements of alternative R&B, creating a sound that was as fresh as it was captivating. His rise to fame has been rapid, with his 2020 EP What Have We Done solidifying his position as one of Afrobeats’ brightest young stars.
Known for his raw, emotive delivery and genre-blending style, Omah Lay has continued to push boundaries, experimenting with global sounds while staying true to his African roots. His distinctive voice and introspective lyrics have made him a favorite among a new generation of music lovers.
#18: Timaya
From Dem Mama in 2005 to Cold Outside in 2020, Timaya’s career spans two decades of party anthems. He’s sold-out shows across Africa and Europe, racking up millions of streams with hits like Balance, True Love, and I Can’t Kill Myself, and a Grammy nomination to boot. Timaya’s ability to fuse Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggae sounds into beach-party vibes has kept him relevant across changing trends, making him a reliable hit-maker and festival headliner.
#17: MI Abaga
Dubbed the “Chairman,” M.I. Abaga redefined Nigerian hip-hop, and few can argue against him being the greatest Nigerian rapper of all time. From demonstrating the commercial viability of Nigerian Hip-hop with critically-acclaimed singles and projects to spearheading Chocolate City to prominence and nurturing several rap artists, M.I. has quite literally done it all and has earned his place at the seat of Afrobeat gods.
#16: Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML burst onto the Afrobeats scene in 2019 with his debut album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, which introduced the world to his unique blend of soulful vocals, afropop, and contemporary R&B. The album’s hits like Jealous and What If I Say became anthems for a new generation of listeners, showcasing Fireboy’s gift for crafting deeply emotional songs with catchy melodies. With his distinct voice and ability to seamlessly weave between genres, Fireboy’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. His follow-up album Apollo in 2020 further cemented his place as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting stars, earning him critical acclaim and multiple chart-topping singles.
#15: D’Banj
His debut album No Long Thing kicked off a long string of hits and awards. When Oliver Twist became a UK Top 10 hit in 2012, D’Banj proved Afrobeats could conquer Europe. He sold millions of records and filled stadiums with his vibrant performances, and he was famously signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music in 2011. D’Banj’s charismatic persona and custom-designed outfits made him a cultural symbol of the Afrobeats boom.
#14: Kizz Daniel
Formerly known as Kiss Daniel, this remarkable singer stunned the industry in 2014 with Woju, leading to his debut album New Era two years later. Hardly a year has gone by without Kizz Daniel dominating the airwaves with a smash hit record. Tracks like Mama, Yeba, and Buga stand out in his stellar lineup. With his knack for blending love songs and club bangers and connecting to music listeners with relatable lyrics, Kizz Daniel has cemented his place in Afrobeats folklore.
#13: Asa
With her 2007 debut Asa, she introduced a soulful, jazz-infused side of Nigerian music. Several years later, she’s won numerous accolades and headlined world tours from Paris to Lagos. Her poetic lyrics and rich sonic arrangements, seen in songs like Jailer and Fire on the Mountain, are hallmarks of her artistic uniqueness. Commercially, she’s built a dedicated international fanbase, with gold-certified releases in Europe.
#12: Ayra Starr
Signed at 17 to Mavin Records, Ayra Starr’s 2021 debut EP and album delivered instant classics like Away and Bloody Samaritan. In 2022, Rush propelled her into the global market, and she has cemented her place there with more stellar singles, international collaborations, and a superb sophomore album. Her fashion-forward image and fearless lyrics resonate with Gen Z listeners across the globe.
#11: Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, the undisputed Queen of Afrobeats, broke barriers for female artists in Nigeria and on the continent. Since her debut album Once Upon A Time, the artist has won over countless listeners with her scintillating vocals, remarkable songwriting, and ability to deliver high-quality music across any and every genre. She headlined global festivals and notably performed at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony in 2023, proving her enduring relevance and international appeal.
#10: Wande Coal
Wande Coal’s rise to prominence began with the release of his debut album Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits in 2008, which showcased his unique ability to blend Afrobeat rhythms with smooth R&B and soul. His signature falsetto and effortless vocal delivery made him an instant star. Hits like Bumper to Bumper and Kiss Your Hand earned him widespread acclaim, while his 2015 album Wanted solidified his place in the pantheon of Afrobeats greats.
#9: Asake
On the back of decent commercial performances as an independent artist, Olamide extended a recording contract at YBNL to Asake in 2022. Asake seized the opportunity and started on an unprecedented run that includes three record-breaking studio albums, multiple hit singles, two Grammy nominations, and worldwide acclaim. His blend of Fuji, street pop, and Afro-fusion has endeared him to millions, and the launch of his record label promises even more to come for the superstar musician.
#8: Tems
With her beautiful performance on Wizkid’s Essence, Tems announced herself as a global star in 2020. Her EPs For Broken Ears and If Orange Was a Place highlight her soulful songwriting, and her debut studio album is evidence of her impressive range. She’s since become the most awarded Nigerian at the Grammys with two wins. Tems’s impact goes beyond music: she’s become a symbol of introspection and strength, inspiring a wave of female singer-songwriters across Africa.
#7: P-Square
Twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye dominated the late 2000s with synchronized dance moves and catchy hooks. Hits like Personally, Chop My Money, and Do Me racked up millions of YouTube views and sold-out arenas worldwide. They won multiple MTV and BET awards, influencing a generation of dancers and performers. P-Square’s legacy lives on in every group that drafts choreography into Afrobeats performances.
#6: Rema
Bursting onto the scene at just 18, Rema became the poster child for Gen Z Afrobeats. His early EPs spawned hits like Dumebi and Lady, blending trap, Indian, and Afrobeats influences. He’s racked up billions of streams, scored a spot on TIME’s Next Generation Leaders list, pushed the boundaries of the Afrobeats sound, and achieved the highest peak for an Afrobeats song on the US Billboard charts with Calm Down. And he is only getting started.
These 15 artists helped build the house Afrobeats now thrives in. Each one made an imprint that resonates far beyond the music—through culture, identity, and influence.
But what lies ahead is the summit—the Final Five.
The names who’ve redefined what it means to be an African artist. The boundary-pushers, globe-conquerors, and living legends.
Who made the Top 5?
Stay tuned for the final reveal of The 49th Street’s Top 5 Afrobeats Stars of the 21st Century.
