In the vibrant world of Afrobeats, two distinct groups often characterize the industry: the “New Cats” and the “Old Cats.” The “New Cats” represent the fresh, upcoming artists who are gradually making their mark and rising in the industry. On the other hand, the “Old Cats” are the seasoned veterans, the OGs, who have established themselves as icons within the industry. Every year, the Afrobeats scene witnesses the emergence of new talent. Artists who are yet to fully step into the limelight or achieve their breakout success. These newcomers bring fresh energy and new sounds, adding to the genre’s rich variety.
The Nigerian music industry is always buzzing with new talents and fresh sounds. With tough competition driving artists to showcase their creativity, it’s an exciting time in the music scene. Here are a few rising stars to watch:
Ayo Maff
Ayorinde Mafoluku, known as Ayo Maff, hails from Bariga, Lagos, and draws inspiration from his challenging upbringing and the vibrant musical culture of his neighborhood, which has produced notable Afrobeats artists like Olamide and 9ice. His early life experiences deeply influence his music, enabling him to create relatable and raw content that resonates with listeners.
Ayo Maff began his career by covering popular songs, which helped him gain initial recognition. In 2024, Ayo Maff had a major moment in his career with the release of his breakout single, Seven Days. The song is a heartfelt tribute to a friend who supported him but tragically passed away. The release of Dealer featuring Fireboy DML further boosted his career, as the single was widely appreciated and broke new boundaries in his career.
He has recently released his debut EP titled Maffian, featuring seven tracks that highlight his streetwise grit and versatility. The EP includes standout tracks like “A BEAUTIFUL SONG,” where he boldly asserts his identity and aspirations. His latest single, “Last Week,” has also received acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a promising and talented artist in the scene.
Moreover, despite his rising fame, Ayo Maff remains grounded. While balancing his music career with philosophy studies, he continues to stay committed to authentic music. Consequently, he aims for international recognition. Ayo Maff refines his sound and expands his reach, positioning himself to make a significant impact in the 2024 music scene and beyond. He stands out with his unique blend of personal storytelling and street-inspired themes.
Llona
Llona emerged as an breakout artist in 2024, captivating audiences with his soulful Afrobeats sound and style of music. Born Michael Ajuma Attah in Kogi State, Nigeria, he began his career as a rapper in Kano before transitioning to a another style that allows him to explore themes of mental health and resilience.
His career truly took off in 2024 with the release of the remix of his song “HBP” featuring Bella Shmurda, originally released in 2023. His recent single, “Another Day,” has gained significant traction, amassing over a million streams on platforms like Spotify. The release of his debut album, Homeless, serves as an audio biopic reflecting his life experiences and the struggles of Nigerian youth, featuring collaborations with artists like Bella Shmurda and Fave. With the release of his debut album, he has begun to gain traction, and audiences are starting to recognize his talent.
As he continues to rise in prominence, He stands out not only for his musical talent but also for his way of addressing important social issues through his music, making him a an artist to watch in the Afrobeats scene.
Kaestyle
The Port Harcourt native, Kaestyle rapidly breakout in 2024, largely due to the success of his hit single “My Dealer,” which featured Omah Lay the Afrobeats star on the song. To further boost the song’s appeal, Kaestyle released a remixed version of “My Dealer” featuring Kizz Daniel, which continues to gain traction on music platforms.
Building on the momentum from “My Dealer,” Kaestyle released his latest project, Another Style(EP), which showcases his versatility by incorporating traditional Afropop influences alongside R&B. Tracks like “Gin & Juice” showcase his blend of gritty rapping and soulful crooning, while collaborations like “Que Sera Sera” with M3LON highlight his ability to elevate his peers.
As he continues to push boundaries and evolve his sound, Kaestyle is poised to become one of the most significant breakout stars of 2024 and beyond.
TML Vibez
Timileyin Sulaimon, known as TML Vibez, is emerging as a breakout artist in 2024. Signed to Seyi Vibez’s label, Vibez Inc. He gained significant attention with popular tracks like “Wellsfargo,” “Where I’m From,” and “Goated,” featuring Seyi Vibez.
His unique sound and engaging performances have positioned him as one of the top artists to watch this year. In addition to his popular tracks, he released two EPs, “Timileyin 2.0” & “Xin Mao” this year, further solidifying his presence in the industry. His growing popularity is attributed to his ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes and catchy melodies.
As this rising artist continues to evolve and expand his discography, he is poised to become a something. His music is capturing the attention of fans both locally and internationally.
Bahdboi OML
Bhadboi OML, born Akinyinka Kuham Oladimeji in Mushin, Lagos, is a rising artist in 2024. Hailing from Ogun State, he’s gained recognition this year with support from well-known artists in the music industry. Bhadboi OML grew up in the lively city of Mushin, Lagos, where the environment influenced his musical identity.
Some of his most popular singles include “Shkran Lak” and the “Only Way” remix featuring Cazulee. This year, he also released a new project titled “Bhadriyun Deluxe.” His music is often characterized as street pop, a genre that blends raw, urban sounds with catchy, relatable lyrics, resonating strongly with everyday life experiences.
Other Breakout Afrobeats Artists in 2024 You Need Know
- Taves
- Muyeez
- Qing Madi
- Yarden
- Shine TTW
- Ameaya
- Kold AF
- Gimba
