These Breakout Stars Could Push African Music Boundaries in 2025

African artists always capture hearts, souls and playlists and 2024 was no different for the continent’s culture-making, record-breaking stars. Shining bright from Afrobeats to  Amapiano and beyond, Spotify Wrapped 2024 looks at African artists who made magic and those you need to add to your library in 2025.

Afrobeats to Amapiano hitmakers to look out for

The Amapiano movement saw new acts like Scotts Maphuma and singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo shine bright, with respective hits Yebo Lapho and Thula Mabota. These tunes stood out for fans and brought the pair to the top two spots on their local breakout artists lists.

DJ duo Shakes & Les follow thanks to their electro-amapiano-infused debut album MKHAYA, which attracted new fans and propelled them to be the third most discovered artists in South Africa according to Spotify data. Soweto-born vocalist Lee McKrazy was one of the most featured artists of 2024, making him a hitmaker to look out for this year.

Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano could see even more collaborations in the new year. As the second-highest Amapiano consumer with over 50 billion streams, Nigeria’s artists are giving local fans what they want by working Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats. Songs like Are You There, by leading breakout artist Ayo Maff are further signs of this trend. The self-proclaimed Prince of the Street is a performer to watch out for in 2025.

Tml Vibez’s piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies took second place in Nigeria’s breakout artists list. BoyPee won hearts and feet and the third breakout artist position with his infectious mix of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds. Tracks like Ogechi with Davido, illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artist to look out for this year.

Afrobeats star KAESTYLE is Nigeria’s fourth-ranking new musician, thanks to his feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity and resilience. And Llona’s passionate Afropop songs, like Cold War with compatriot FAVE, reflected the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase – earning him fifth place on Spotify’s breakout artists charts.

Gospel, Rap and Arbantone hitmakers to know

Beyond Amapiano and Afrobeats sounds, Durban-born rapper Usimamane got South Africa’s hip-hop heads saying his name with his breakthrough single Cheque. Getting together with familiar names like YoungstaCPT, ANATII and K.O made sure his debut album would turn heads and establish Usimamane as an exciting prospect for the continent’s rap scene.

Rapper and producer King Paluta’s dynamic blend of traditional rhythms and hiplife made him a name to be reckoned with. Fans have gravitated to his bumping beats and confessional loverboy lyrics on songs like Makoma. At the end of 2024, he dropped his debut album, Give Time Some Time, giving fans more Reggae, Afrobeat, and Gospel-inspired sounds to sink into in the new year.

Gospel sounds continue to prosper on the continent as groups like Team Eternity Ghana reached the masses in 2024. Starting as a fellowship of school students, they combine enchanting melodies with evangelical messages that resonate with spiritual song seekers. Tracks like Defe Defe which put them on the map, were remixed for genres like Drill, thus attracting younger fans who found the group through viral dance challenges.

Kweku Smoke uses religious metaphors and imagery on his Kewku Jesus and Born in Hell albums. His vibrant rap with lyrics in Twi, Pidgin and English made him a standout artist in 2024. He took on themes like the struggle between authenticity and a new identity as one rises to stardom. Asakaa and Drill-inspired singer-songwriter, Xlimkid, made a name for himself with party bangers like Valley of Trappers and the emotionally loaded Lonely Road.  Goodsin hitmaker Olivetheboy continued to ride the wave from his debut project Avanna, shaking up Ghana’s music scene in 2024 with the Deluxe release of the album. Being tapped for a feature on King Promise’s True To Self album allowed new listeners to discover Olivetheboy.

Kenya’s Arbantone is expected to continue growing in popularity this year. Singer, dancer, and choreographer Sean MMG was one of the breakout names of the genre and fellow rapper YBW Smith also solidified his breakthrough with viral hits like Pop Like This. Lil Maina’s Genge urban sounds and Swahili, Sheng and English lyrics made him a household Arbantone name and one to keep an eye on this year. Spotify has also supported the growth of the genre through unique playlists showcasing new and established artists.

These up-and-coming artists show the bright future that African music has ahead of it. From Afrobeats and Amapiano blends to linguistic fusions that connect with fans on emotional and spiritual levels, the continent’s sonic identity is more vibrant than ever. These artists should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025.