The 21st century has been a golden era for Afrobeats — a sound that started on street corners and now fills stadiums across continents. As we prepare to roll out our definitive list of the Top 20 Afrobeats Stars of the 21st Century, we must first acknowledge something: the list was incredibly hard to make.
Afrobeats has produced more than 20 deserving legends, and narrowing it down came with difficult conversations, close calls, and passionate debate. But beyond the final cut, there are artists whose work, legacy, or influence deserves to be recognized, and so we present The Special Recognition List:
Yemi Alade
Global hitmaker and one of Africa’s most-traveled performers, Yemi brought high energy and Pan-African appeal with songs like “Johnny.”
Simi
A soulful vocalist and skilled songwriter, Simi’s delicate voice and heartfelt lyrics made her a standout in modern Afropop.
Adekunle Gold
Known for fusing urban highlife with pop, Adekunle Gold’s constant evolution—from “Sade” to “AG Baby”—keeps him ahead of the curve.
CKay
The creator of “Love Nwantiti,” a viral global smash, CKay pioneered the emo-Afrobeats subgenre with emotional lyrics and smooth rhythms.
Falz
Rapper, actor, and social commentator. Falz blends humor, satire, and activism, bringing a unique voice to Nigerian pop culture.
Runtown
With a calm, melodic style, Runtown contributed timeless anthems like “Mad Over You,” showcasing his range and influence.
Joeboy
A breakout star of the alté-influenced new wave, Joeboy’s catchy melodies and romantic themes made him a Gen Z favorite.
Ice Prince
Known for “Oleku,” Ice Prince dominated the Nigerian rap scene in the early 2010s, blending lyricism with commercial appeal.
9ice
Famous for his Yoruba-infused lyrics and deep vocals, 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” remains a landmark moment in Nigerian music history.
Banky W
More than a singer—he’s a mentor and mogul. As head of EME, he helped launch Wizkid while crafting classic R&B-Afrobeats fusions.
Tekno
A hit-making producer and singer, Tekno is behind several major bangers. His sound shaped mid-2010s Afrobeats aesthetics.
Phyno
A fierce representative of Igbo rap, Phyno brought indigenous hip-hop to mainstream success with cultural pride and lyrical strength.
Naeto C
“Ten over Ten” pioneer and Ivy League rapper, Naeto C brought class and polish to Nigerian hip-hop in its early years.
Sound Sultan
Late icon known for conscious music with humor and heart. His storytelling and messages made him a beloved voice of his era.
Reminisce
A rugged rapper fluent in Yoruba and English, Reminisce’s raw street tales made him a mainstay in indigenous hip-hop.
BNXN (fka Buju)
Recognized for his unique vocal tone and melodic range, BNXN is one of the most sought-after collaborators in Afrobeats today.
Dr. Sid
A founding member of Mo’Hits, Dr. Sid played a key role in shaping the genre’s commercial era with hits like “Surulere.”
Jesse Jagz
A lyrical genius and producer, Jesse Jagz blended rap, reggae, and soul into a sound that’s always been one step ahead.
Da Grin
A pioneer of indigenous rap, Da Grin’s gritty Yoruba bars and tragic death immortalized him as a legend gone too soon.
El Dee
A founding father of Afrobeats’ digital age, El Dee was a trailblazer in pushing the genre to international platforms with Trybesmen and solo hits.
These 20 remarkable artists may not have made our final Top 20 list, but their impact on Afrobeats is undeniable.
Now, it’s time to spotlight the very best of the best—the stars whose influence, success, and legacy have elevated Afrobeats to unprecedented heights. Over the next few days, we’ll count down the Top 20 Afrobeats Stars of the 21st Century, starting with numbers 16 to 20. Stay tuned—you don’t want to miss it.
