Top 15 African Music Chart-Toppers

Top 15 African Music Chart-Toppers – Music is a universal language that connects people across countries and cultures. Africa is home to a rich musical heritage and many talented artists who have made their mark both locally and globally. From Afrobeats to Afropop, African music continues to evolve with new sounds and rhythms that get people dancing. Let’s look at 15 of the biggest African music chart-toppers who have defined the continent’s music scene.Top 15 African Music Chart-Toppers

The Top 15 African Music Chart-Toppers Are :

1. Wizkid (Nigeria)

With real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid hails from Lagos, Nigeria and is one of the leading forces behind the Afrobeats movement. He shot to fame with his smash hit “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010 and has since collaborated with major international acts like Drake, Chris Brown and Beyoncé. Wizkid is known for blending different music styles like reggae, R&B, and dancehall into his Afrobeats sound. His award-winning album ‘Made in Lagos’ and its megahit “Essence” featuring Tems cemented his status as one of Africa’s most successful crossover music exports.

Read Also: 15 Best Free Theology Degrees for Seniors

2. Davido (Nigeria)

Born David Adeleke in Atlanta in the US, Davido has leveraged his Nigerian-American background to become a global Afrobeats sensation. The singer, songwriter and record producer founded his own label DMW (David Music Worldwide) through which he has promoted African music globally. Hits like “Fall”, “If” and “Fem” have earned him international recognition with appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. In 2021, he became the most viewed Nigerian artist on YouTube.

3. Sauti Sol (Kenya)

This award-winning Kenyan Afro-pop band is made up of vocalists Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano, Polycarp Otieno and guitarist Savara Mudigi. Sauti Sol, meaning ‘Voices of Melody’ in Swahili has received accolades for their soulful vocals and poetic lyrics sung in Swahili. Their style blends jazz, afro-soul and RnB influences. Chart-topping numbers like “Sura Yako”, “Afrikan Star” and “Extravaganza” have earned them millions of views on YouTube.

4. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Bongo Flava star Naseeb Abdul Juma, known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz, is a chart-topping Tanzanian singer, songwriter and dancer. Mixing Swahili lyrics with rapid-fire dancehall, reggae, R&B and hip-hop beats, he has become one of East Africa’s biggest musicians. His hit song “Number One” spent over a year at the top of the charts. Diamond Platnumz has performed across the continent and collaborated with other African music heavyweights.Good morning My Love Message

Read Also: Top 15 Countries for Oil and Gas Reserves in Europe

5. Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

With a discography spanning over a decade, Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa has established himself as a contemporary African music icon. From his early days with the music group Quartier Latin International to his solo career, his rhumba-influenced sound integrating Congolese rumba, R&B, and world music has won him legions of fans. His 2017 smash hit “Eloko” among other songs has Ipupa’s YouTube views numbering over 150 million.

6. Mr Eazi (Nigeria)

Pioneer of Banku music, Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, found global fame with his unique sound fusing Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. The mélange of sounds in hits like “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over” has Mr Eazi taking African music to wider audiences both at home and internationally. He received a nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards 2018.

7. AKA (South Africa)

One of South Africa’s most successful rappers, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes known as AKA has garnered both critical and commercial success. The award-winning hip-hop star is known for his flashy lyrics, signature sound, and hits like “Congratulations” and “Fela In Versace.” Collaborations with other African greats like Cassper Nyovest, Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Ghana’s Da Les have expanded his continental appeal.NYSC Portal

8. Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

The Afro-pop diva is one of the most recognizable female artists out of Nigeria. Yemi Alade made a splash with the dance track “Johnny” which spent weeks at #1 on the charts. Her fashionable music videos and collaborations with artists across Africa and the Caribbean like Angelique Kidjo further cemented her pan-African appeal. Hits like “Oh My Gosh” and “Tumbum” have had YouTube views soaring past the hundred million mark.JAMB portal

Read Also: Top 15 Polo Shirt Brands in Nigeria

9. Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Referred to as the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage is one of the genre’s leading ladies representing Nigeria. The singer-songwriter first found fame as a songwriter for major stars before embarking on her own solo career. Her R&B-influenced Afrobeats songs like “All Over”, “Ma Lo” and “Koroba” feature her incredible vocal range and have won her African music awards. Savage even earned a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2016.

10. Nasty C (South Africa)

Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo or Nasty C is one of the most influential rappers and record producers coming out of the new generation of South African hip-hop artists. He broke onto the scene as a teen with his mixtape “One Kid a Thousand Coffins” followed by his critically praised album “Bad Hair.” The Durban native has been praised for his skilled lyricism and dynamic flow in hits like “Juice Back” and “SMA” featuring Rowlene.

11. Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Nigerian singer-songwriter Damini Ogulu better known by his stage name Burna Boy kickstarted the Afro-fusion movement combining Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and hip-hop. His 2018 breakout album “Outside” featuring the smash hit “Ye” established his distinctive style. The Grammy-nominated artist continues to make global waves with mashups like “On the Low” and collabs with stars like Beyoncé. Burna Boy’s album Twice as Tall won Best Global Music Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards.Information guide Nigeria

12. Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

Rapper and record producer Refiloe Maele Phoolo goes by the stage name Cassper Nyovest. Hailing from Mahikeng, South Africa, Nyovest pioneered the growing Motswako hip-hop scene through his lyricism in the local Setswana language. Hits like “Doc Shebeleza” and “Kush Kush” off his debut album “Tsholofelo” launched him into one of the country’s most sought-after hip-hop acts. His high energy performances and trendsetting style have earned him endorsement deals and business ventures.Romantic love message

Read Also: Top 15 Countries with Extensive Metal Resources

13. 2Baba (Nigeria)

Nigerian music veteran Innocent Ujah Idibia, better known as 2Baba, first rose to fame as a member of the band Plantashun Boiz before a phenomenally successful solo career. His R&B and pop influenced Afropop sound has solidified his pan-African appeal and status as an African music legend. Chart-topping numbers like “African Queen” and more recently “Amaka” featuring Peruzzi became pan-African anthems. 2Baba is also known for using his music as social commentary and activism for causes like #EndSARS protests.

14. Sarkodie (Ghana)

Ghanaian hip-hop heavyweight Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, has been a pioneer of hiplife music combining hip-hop and Akan influences. Known for his fast rapping style and award-winning hits, he was the first Ghanaian artist to win the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2012. His hiplife anthems like “Adonai”, “You Go Kill Me” and “No Kissing Baby” featuring Patoranking have earned him millions of Youtube views and collaborations across the continent cementing his continental dominance.

15. Busiswa (South Africa)

Busiswa Gqulu is a singer, songwriter and poet introducing her own twist into the African music landscape. Mixing Zulu, tsotsitaal, and even Indian influences, her house music and Gqom hits have refreshing and eclectic African rhythms. The poet turned musician had breakout hits with popular numbers like “My Name Is”, “Hamba Wena”, “Ngoku” and collabs with Major Lazor and DJ Ganyani. Her empowering and thought-provoking lyrics about womanhood made her one of South Africa’s most unique female vocalists.

Read Also: Top 15 Countries with Extensive Metal Resources

Conclusion

Africa has no shortage of musical talent constantly pushing boundaries and making their mark locally and globally. Just a sample of the diverse range of artists pioneering new styles like Afrobeats and Afro-fusion while paying homage to their roots through native languages and African musical influences. Collaborations and crossover international audiences are also growing Africa’s music footprint in the global mainstream. The future certainly looks bright as more African artists gain worldwide recognition and change perceptions of the continent’s music.

Check JAMB RESULT

Check and Confirm: How much is Dollar to Naira

📢 We are hiring writers!