In 2023, the music industry witnessed the emergence of several new talents, making a fresh and immediate impact, while others solidified their lasting legacy. The year marked meteoric successes for artists such as Omah Lay, Asake, and ODUMODUBLVCK, among others. As we transition into the new year, it is a natural progression for certain names to rise and dominate the spotlight. In anticipation of the upcoming trends, we are poised to shine a spotlight on ten individuals whom we project to take the reins in the industry this year. These rising stars are expected to bring fresh perspectives, innovative sounds, and undeniable talent, contributing to the dynamic landscape of the music scene in the coming months.
MOJO AF
Mojo, though not a newcomer in the industry, has not yet experienced his major breakthrough despite his consistent presence in the underground Alté scene for over half a decade. He made his debut in 2019 as part of the Chop Life Crew collective, alongside Roheni and Tim Lyre, and has garnered attention with hit singles, the most recent being “No Excuses” with Eeskay.
Renowned for his unique style and remarkable rap skills, Mojo stands out with immaculate flows, hard-hitting lyrics, and elite wordmanship. In the current era witnessing the resurgence of Hip-Hop and rap, led by trailblazers like ODUMODUBLVCK and Blaqbonez, Mojo’s prowess is set to shine through, marking a potential turning point in his musical journey.
YKB
Artists brimming with creativity and talent, such as YKB, are indeed rare and hard to come by. Despite having achieved a commendable level of commercial success, one can technically argue that YKB, given his caliber, is merely at the inception of his journey.
Commencing his musical odyssey in 2019 under the alias YusufKanbai, YKB swiftly captured attention when he was shortlisted for Mr Eazi’s accelerator programme, “Empawa Africa.” In that transformative year, he introduced a new project titled “Hear Me Out.” In a matter of weeks, YKB exhibited his versatility by contributing to four out of twelve songs released as part of the “Ejoya Class Of 20 project.”
Fast forward to 2023, post-San Siro and the remix, with two EPs under his belt, and even gaining recognition from American rapper Lil Yachty, YKB’s trajectory in 2024 seems poised for significant projection and expansion.
Qing Madi
Qing Madi emerged as a promising newcomer in the music industry, experiencing instant success with her debut track “See Finish” in 2022, largely propelled by the platform TikTok.
However, in 2023, she elevated her career to unprecedented heights. Notably, her single “Ole” gained immense traction after featuring BNXN, catapulting her into the spotlight. The release of her stunning eponymous EP further solidified her place in the industry, making a resounding and solid introductory statement.
To cap off an impressive year, Qing Madi collaborated with Wizkid on his S2 EP, showcasing her versatility and widespread appeal. Considering her remarkable achievements in 2023, coupled with her youthful age and evident potential, it is highly anticipated that she will seize the reins and continue her upward trajectory in 2024, progressing even further in her burgeoning career.
Bloody Civilian
Bloody Civilian’s career trajectory parallels that of Qing Madi, both making their debut in 2022 and achieving instant hits. She transitioned from her initial role as a music producer to premiering her track “How To Kill A Man” in 2022, marking her entry into the recording artist realm.
Subsequently, Bloody Civilian has continued to make significant strides, unveiling an EP titled “Anger Management” and a star-studded deluxe version. Notably, she featured on ODUMODUBLVCK’s Mixtape with the single “Blood On The Dancefloor,” showcasing her prowess both as an artist and a producer.
Additionally, her contributions extend to the acclaimed Black Panther album, where she worked on Rema’s single “Wake Up”. She is making a steadfastly lasting impact on the music scene, demonstrating versatility and skill across various aspects of music production and performance and with that pace, she is poised for a more fulfilling 2024.
Eeskay
Eeskay is on the cusp of a breakthrough in the industry, awaiting that defining moment that propels his career to new heights. A pivotal figure in the thriving Abuja Hip Hop scene, he boasts a career spanning approximately six years. His official debut in 2018 with “Bus Go Move” followed a period of notable success during his time at Afe Babalola University.
Since then, Eeskay has consistently delivered hit singles, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in the ABJ music scene. With a growing momentum and a spark that appears to intensify with each passing day, Eeskay is undoubtedly positioned to emerge as the next big name in the music industry. His journey thus far reflects not only talent but also a relentless dedication to his craft, making him a promising artist poised for a significant breakthrough.
Zerry DL
Zerrydl, primarily recognized for his single “Puff & Pass” and often acknowledged as the protégé or, more significantly, the younger brother of the more renowned Shallipopi, gained prominence in the mid-2023 music scene. His musical style closely mirrors that of his brother, featuring catchy monotonous flows, a distinctive and strong Benin accent and lingua, and thematic references that resonate with the younger generation. Zerrydl further solidified his presence with the release of an EP that achieved commendable success.
Observing the trajectory of Shallipopi’s successful career and recognizing the striking similarities in their artistic styles, especially with Shallipopi intentionally guiding him under his wings, it is plausible to anticipate a formidable domination from Zerrydl in 2024. The combination of shared influences, familial mentorship, and Zerrydl’s individual talent suggests a promising and impactful year ahead, with the potential for him to carve out his own niche in the music industry.
Oladapo
Oladapo’s ascent to prominence traces back to 2018 when he initially gained attention through his freestyle videos. Since then, he has navigated a remarkable journey to achieve the current level of success he enjoys. The turning point in his career came with the debut single “Mango” in 2019, which earned official recognition after being shortlisted by Mr Eazi’s Empawa Africa music project. Subsequently, Oladapo’s talent garnered further acknowledgment as he became a featured artist on the esteemed Ejoya project (’22 Class), and he also successfully premiered two EPs. His gradual yet resolute climb to the summit, coupled with recent breakthroughs and demonstrated potential, positions him as a noteworthy artist to keep an eye on in the coming year.
Gimba
At the forefront of the Alumis from The Sarz Academy, there appears to be a noticeable surge in talent from the producers of the last two classes—STG in 2018 and Tempoe and P. Prime in 2018. However, this recent batch boasts a diverse array of musical talents, and one from this group has particularly caught our attention. Making his debut with a feature alongside DJ Tunez and Wizkid, this introduction set the stage for an impressive resume. Notably, he was also featured on the second edition of the Sarz Academy album, where his tracks stood out prominently. Additionally, he has showcased his prowess through the release of several singles.
With a remarkable introduction and building on the successes of past academy alumni, Gimba appears to be on a promising trajectory that could materialize in this auspicious year. The combination of notable collaborations, standout contributions to the academy album, and a series of impressive solo releases positions Gimba as an artist to watch, suggesting a potential breakthrough in the music industry in the coming months.
Rybeena
While the general populace might be familiar with Rybeena primarily through his single “IDME,” which stands as his most significant work, this young prodigy has been steadily ascending on his journey to the top. He initially gained recognition through freestyle videos shared on Instagram, leading to his first record deal and the release of his debut single in 2018.
Now, armed with a hit under his belt and his debut EP, Rybeena’s path to success is brightly illuminated. His achievements haven’t gone unnoticed, with even Olamide acknowledging and cosigning him, establishing a shared ground of success with several other accomplished artists.
Taves
With introspective, vulnerable, and young-lover-esque sounds, Taves has managed to captivate the hearts of many music enthusiasts. His musical journey began in 2021 with the release of his first single, followed by an EP that further showcased his artistic depth. However, Taves experienced a breakthrough moment last year when BNXN discovered him on Twitter, impressed by Taves’ cover of BNXN’s single “For Days.”
Since signing with BNXN, Taves’ career trajectory has been on a steady upward climb. Notable achievements include dropping the impactful single “Eleyele,” making a feature appearance on BNXN’s album, and most recently, securing an international record deal with Atlantic Records UK. With these significant milestones, Taves’ career is poised for further success, and the trajectory suggests that he is on an upward trajectory, solidifying his position in the music industry.
These ten artists, with their unique sounds, dynamic performances, and promising trajectories, stand out as the ones to watch closely in the coming year. From genre-defying innovators to soulful lyricists, each artist brings a distinctive flavor to the ever-evolving landscape of the music scene. As their stories unfold and melodies resonate, we anticipate witnessing the transformative impact they will undoubtedly have on the global music stage.