T.I Blaze

Hometown: Ogun, Nigeria

An Olamide co-sign in January 2022 helped propel T.I Blaze’s name way beyond the streets. His famous line “Sometimes food no dey give man joy, but Canadian loud, the feeling is different” had its moment early this year in Nigeria as the Instagram caption of choice and go-to lyric tweet. On “Sometimes,” T.I Blaze recounts the angst and sadness of society’s overlooked, for the millions who can feel authenticity in the soft strain of his voice.

Zuchu

Hometown: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Zuhura Kopa, widely known as Zuchu, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter signed to Diamond Platnumz’ WCB-Wasafi label. She debuted in the Bongo Flava scene in 2020 with her hit song “Wana.” Her 2020 EP I am Zuchu featured collaborations with Tanzanian superstar Mbosso, as well as her mother, the Bongo veteran, Khadija Kopa. “Mwambieni” is her first 2022 release and a return to her Bongo origins.

Kayode

Hometown: Ogun, Nigeria

A skilled pianist and guitarist from his time in the church choir, Kayode’s foray into songwriting began at age 13. These days, he uses rap and Afropop melodies to make exuberant songs. Kayode’s first attempts to make himself known in Nigerian music were in 2019, however, it was his 2020 Playtime Is Over EP that caught early fans' attention. His latest single, “Live Forever,” has been steadily rising for weeks, its bursts of jubilant chants against mortality demand as much as a mosh pit, or a nod of the head at least.

Kofi Mole

Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana

The Asakaa drill scene in Ghana has gained much international attention in the last two years, and the floodgates are open for a flow of young talents from Kumasi and beyond. Kofi Mole is one of the most exciting members of this scene, flowing methodically at times and haphazardly at others. He raps in Twi and English on “How I Like It,” a braggadocious expression of personality and preferences for anyone approaching him to come correct.

Dai Verse

Hometown: Imo, Nigeria

Almost always seen wearing a mask, Dai Verse maintains an air of mystery and lets his music do the talking. The 23-year-old Imo native is responsible for two viral hits that came out of the Nigerian underground in 2021: “Colorado” and “Cocaine.” The latter is a simple blend of Afrobeats and R&B centered on his obsession with a woman whose presence is intoxicating. His 2022 follow-up, “Sweet Daddy” with BNXN, is a tale of the extraordinary things he would do for love.

ST Da Gambian Dream

Hometown: Brikama, Gambia

ST Da Gambian Dream is one of Gambia’s most decorated contemporary artists, and his music speaks to the societal issues of everyday people. Still, he consistently challenges himself artistically, and the versatility keeps his style fresh. His sound encompasses traditional styles, R&B, and more recently drill, sung in Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and English. Drill offering “Pizzum” is a cautionary tale to enemies who try to bring problems his way.

Rowlene

Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa

Rowlene is helping lead South Africa’s R&B renaissance. She introduced herself with “Imposter” in 2015, followed by her The Evolution of a Robot EP two years later. Stellar performances on two chart-topping Nasty C songs, “Phases” and “SMA,” put her face on the map. Her 2020 album 11:11 tapped into pop, Afrobeats, and R&B fusions to express romance in different forms; on bubbly standout “Danger,” she sings about the thrill of living a life on the edge. Rowlene’s latest release “i still miss you” is a solemn rumination over a love lost, but not yet relinquished.

Bensoul

Hometown: Embu, Kenya

One of the most prominent singers in Kenya, Bensoul maintains a slick demeanor in delivery and style, plays the guitar, and writes very direct lyrics. Last year, the 26-year-old artist signed to the popular Kenyan band Sauti Sol’s Sol Generation label, finding the push he sought to reach the top of R&B and soul music in Kenya. “Thick Thighs” with Bien is a playful ode to thick women—Bensoul preaches body positivity while switching between Swahili and English.

Christopher Muneza

Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda

Since the early 2010s, Christopher Muneza has made waves in the Rwandan music scene. He came into the limelight as the youngest contestant on a reality singing contest on national television. His debut Habona was an instant fan favorite, and subsequent releases like “Babyumva,” “Ijuru Rito,” and “Izina Ryanjye,” further raised his profile. On “Nibido,” he commands the Kinyarwanda language with a high register to make a sweet Afropop love song.

Nomfundo Moh

Hometown: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nomfundo Moh is known for her arresting vocals and harmonies. The 20-year-old South African singer debuted in February 2021 with R&B single “Lilizela.” She attributes her biggest influences to fellow South African songstresses Brenda Fassie, Amanda Black, Ami Faku, and Simmy. Loosely translated to “my eternity” in English, “Phakade Lami” is a passionate love song sung in Zulu that features Ami Faku and Sha Sha.

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