Within the world of Afrobeats, David Adedeji Adeleke OON, better known by his stage name Davido, is a towering presence. Remarkably, Davido has established himself as one of the most important musicians of the twenty-first century, right up there with Burna Boy and Wizkid. As Davido has made incomparable contributions to the genre of Afrobeats by skillfully fusing hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat components to produce a sound that appeals to listeners all over the world, his captivating tunes, endearing persona on stage, and captivating performances have garnered him a devoted following and extensive recognition. Alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid, Davido has been instrumental in bringing Afrobeats to the forefront of the global music scene. Through collaborations with international artists and relentless promotion of the genre, he has helped Afrobeats gain recognition and appreciation on a global scale.

Davido’s ascent to stardom in the 2010s Afrobeats genre was swift, and it cemented his position as a major force in music. He won over admirers all around the world with his captivating charisma and indisputable brilliance, making a lasting impression on the business. Remarkably, “Dami Duro,” his debut single, made a strong impression by announcing his entry on the scene with its alluring rhythm and contagious intensity. Davido then proceeded to rule the charts with a series of number-one songs, such as “If,” “Fall,” and “FIA.” His ability to create captivating melodies and memorable hooks was demonstrated in these songs, which won him a horde of dedicated admirers. Beyond his musical endeavors, Davido’s influence extends to philanthropy and entrepreneurship. He has used his platform to support various charitable causes and initiatives, while also establishing himself as a successful businessman in industries ranging from fashion to entertainment.

In 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sony Music, a major milestone in his career that signaled his expansion into the global music market. This move not only solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s foremost musical talents but also opened doors to broader international recognition and opportunities. Building on this momentum, Davido further expanded his influence in the music industry by founding Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) a few months later. This record label served as a platform for nurturing and promoting emerging talent in the Nigerian music scene, reflecting Davido’s commitment to supporting and elevating the next generation of artists. Overtime, DMW went on to be considered one of the biggest labels in Africa Under the DMW umbrella, Davido had signed promising acts such as Dremo, Yonda, Mayorkun, and Peruzzi, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and reach new audiences. Through strategic mentorship and guidance, Davido has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of these artists, helping them to achieve success and recognition in their own right.

Davido was showered with accolades for his extraordinary talent and services to the music industry, including a MOBO Award, a BET Award, and an MTV Africa Music Award. These honors confirmed his place among the most important Afrobeats musicians and highlighted his influence on the world music scene. Davido’s history as an industry titan is unrivaled as he continues to push the frontiers of Afrobeats and inspire listeners with his music.  Davido’s journey in the music industry is marked by both artistic triumphs and impactful contributions to African music and culture. After renegotiating his contract with Sony Music due to creative control issues, he took the reins of his career and released a series of hit singles, including the globally acclaimed “If” and “Fall.” “If” sparked widespread social media buzz, while “Fall” made history as the longest-charting Nigerian pop song on the Billboard charts. Continuing his streak of success, Davido released his third studio album, “A Better Time,” on November 13, 2020. The album garnered widespread praise for its eclectic sound and impressive collaborations, further establishing Davido as a trailblazer in the industry. In recognition of his influence and impact, Davido was listed as one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine in 2019. He also graced the Time 100 Next List in February 2021, further cementing his status as a cultural icon and visionary artist.

In November 2023, Davido received three nominations at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his single “Unavailable,” “Feel,” and his album “Timeless,” highlighting his growing influence on the global stage. Additionally, in January 2024, he received three nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards, further underscoring his impact on music and culture. Moreover, as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria and a vocal advocate for human rights in Africa, Davido’s influence extends far beyond music. With a massive following on social media, he continues to use his platform to champion causes close to his heart and inspire millions of fans around the world. Davido’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon continues to evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. Davido continues to enthrall listeners worldwide with his contagious melodies, memorable hooks, and legendary demeanor, creating a lasting impression on the constantly changing Afrobeats genre.

3 Hottest Afrobeats Artistes in the 2020s

Remarkably, few musicians have already started to make a big impact in the 2020s as we navigate the ever-changing Afrobeats scene, pushing the genre’s boundaries and enthralling audiences throughout the globe. The top three hottest Afrobeats musicians of the new generation of this fascinating decade are as follows:

Rema

Born on May 1, 2000, Divine Ikubor, better known by her stage name Rema, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. In 2019, he first became well-known after the publication of his popular song “Dumebi.” Upon the success of “Dumebi,” Rema attracted the attention of the music industry and signed to Jonzing World, D’Prince’s record company – also as a signee to Mavin Records – thereby establishing himself as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Rema’s unique blend of Afrobeats, trap, and R&B has made him one of the most promising artists of the 2020s, capturing the attention of fans. Rema distinguished himself from his contemporaries by showcasing an uncommon musical ability from the beginning of his career. “Dumebi” and “Iron Man,” his breakthrough hits, propelled him to global prominence and brought him praise from all quarters. These songs put Rema on the map and made him a force to be reckoned with in the music business with their catchy hooks and contagious melodies.

Rema’s rise to fame is evidence of both his innate brilliance and unwavering willpower. Alongside Alpha P, he started his musical journey in churches, perfecting his craft and setting the foundation for his future success. In 2018, Rema’s life took a turn for the better after he shared a freestyle on Instagram that went viral to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang.” D’Prince himself took notice of this, saw Rema’s potential, and flew him to Lagos to make a record deal offer. Rema signed with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a division of Mavin Records that is controlled by well-known producer Don Jazzy, and she started an incredible path toward becoming a musical icon. His self-titled debut EP “Rema,” which he published in 2019, shot to the top of Apple Music Nigeria and thrust him into the public eye. The EP featured the breakout song “Dumebi,” whose music video gained an astounding 70 million views on YouTube in a short period of time after it was published in May 2019.

Remarkably Rema’s skill wasn’t overlooked on the global scene either. His reputation as a rising talent was further cemented in 2019 when one of the tracks from the EP was included in former President Barack Obama’s summer playlist. During that same period, he got to perform at the NBA finals. His ability to compose music was further enhanced in September 2020 when his tracks were added to the FIFA 21 video game’s soundtrack. Rema’s rise to prominence continued when he and labelmate Ayra Starr were announced as Pepsi brand ambassadors in September 2021, cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s most significant musical exports. Rema’s path from modest beginnings to international acclaim serves as motivation for young artists worldwide, demonstrating that everything is achievable with skill, diligence, and persistence. Notably, Rema’s extraordinary talent and irresistible personality are evident in his quick ascent to fame. Rema is still a rising star in the world of music thanks to his special combination of rap, singing, and songwriting abilities. He has the ability and vibe to enthrall audiences anywhere.

We can say for a fact that Rema has had an incredible musical career filled with ground-breaking accomplishments and events that broke records. On March 25, 2022, he released his debut album “Rave & Roses,” which cemented his position as a worldwide music phenomenon. With 16 tracks and collaborations with musicians such as AJ Tracey, Chris Brown, Yseult, and 6lack, “Rave & Roses” caused a stir on the charts, with 10 of the album’s tracks placing in the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in just its first week of release. “Calm Down,” one of the album’s highlight tracks, received praise from all around the world, particularly after Selena Gomez created a remix of it. The remix, which was made available on August 26, 2022, topped numerous international charts and rocketed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 after an astounding 57 weeks on the list. Let’s not even forget his successful tour in India, what a brilliant feat.

Rema kept receiving awards, including the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video. Rema reached a noteworthy milestone in November 2022 when his songs topped 1 billion streams globally, gaining him further notoriety and praise. There was more momentum to come. Rema cemented his status as a digital music powerhouse in February 2023 when he won the Soundcity MVP Awards’ Digital Artist of the Year title. With the release of “Rave & Roses Ultra,” an expanded version of his debut album with six new tracks – including a remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez – he kept pushing the envelope. Moreover, his increasing prominence on the global scene was further highlighted on October 30, 2023, when he participated in the renowned Ballon d’Or event in Paris, France. Rema’s journey is evidence of his extraordinary talent, unrelenting dedication to musical quality, and relentless work ethic. His distinctive sound combination and contagious energy continue to enthrall audiences everywhere globally.

Tems

It is very amazing how Tems went from being a digital marketer to becoming a rising star in the music industry. At the beginning of 2018, she was inspired by a message from her daily devotional to follow her passion for music with all of her heart and abandon the security of her day job. Tems set out on a path of self-discovery and creative expression with an unshakeable will and a strong desire to pursue her aspirations. A few years later, her talent and tenacity have carried her to new heights, and she is now regarded as an inspiration and ray of hope for an upcoming generation of artists. Though Tems’ 2018 debut single “Mr. Rebel” helped her acquire popularity, it was her 2020 collaboration with rapper Ladipoe on the song “Know You” that catapulted her into the public. With millions of listens, the song became an enormous hit and demonstrated Tems’ talent for fusing modern R&B vibes with Afrobeat beats. Tems has collaborated with other artists as well as releasing critically acclaimed solo songs. Songs like “Try Me” and “Looku Looku” highlight her flexibility as a performer, fusing soul, R&B, and Afrobeats to create a distinctive sound that appeals to listeners everywhere.

Tems’ career in the world of music has been distinguished by ground-breaking accomplishments and genuine expertise. The Nigerian singer-songwriter, Tems, gained significant recognition after being featured on Wizkid’s hit single “Essence” in 2020. The song achieved great success, especially with the release of a remix featuring Justin Bieber, which helped it climb to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Tems’ contribution to the track earned her widespread acclaim and even a Grammy Award nomination. Additionally, she collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on the song “Fountains” in the same year, further expanding her reach and solidifying her position in the music industry. These collaborations have undoubtedly propelled Tems to international prominence, showcasing her talent and versatility as an artist.

Remarkably, Tems’ captivating lyricism and passionate vocals soon won over audiences. Notably, 2020 saw the release of her debut EP, “For Broken Ears,” which highlighted her unique style and won praise from critics. But it was the publication of her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” in 2021 – following her agreement to RCA Records – that cemented her place as a rising star in the music industry. With her vocals sampled on Future and Drake’s song “Wait for U,” which debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2022, Tems created history. She became the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian musician to top the chart as a result of this incredible accomplishment. When Tems sang a cover of Bob Marley’s iconic song “No Woman, No Cry” for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack album, it demonstrated even more of her flexibility as a musician. Her debut EP’s song “Free Mind” also broke records and won her a lot of praise when it appeared on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems has not only been commercially successful but has also won praise from critics for her skill as a songwriter. Her co-writing credits on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” brought her nominations for Grammy, Academy, and Golden Globe awards, among other notable honors.

In the near future, Tems plans to push limits and surpass expectations. Her debut studio album, “Born in the Wild,” will be released in May 2024. With multiple Grammy Awards and BET Awards under her belt, Tems has an unmistakable impact on the music business. Her future is bright as long as she can continue to enthrall fans with her passionate voice and unquestionable talent. Tems really kindled a fire within herself and set an example for others to follow by eschewing social restraints and embracing her genuine calling. Her appealing appearance and soulful vocals make her an ideal candidate to spearhead a daring new vanguard in the music industry. Tems’ rise to fame is a monument to the strength of self-belief, resiliency, and self-discovery. She went from singing in her classroom to becoming one of the brightest starlets the nation has seen in years. There is little doubt that she will achieve success in the future as she forges forth on her own and encourages others to follow in her footsteps.

Asake

In the Nigerian music scene, Ahmed Ololade, better known by his stage name Asake, has achieved great success in such a short time. With his contagious enthusiasm, catchy melodies, and vivid sound, Asake is becoming an established name in the Afrobeats genre. Asake, while being relatively new to the profession, has already attracted praise and recognition for his distinct look and endearing demeanor. A significant turning point in Asake’s career was the publication of his hit song “Mr Money.” The song gained enormous popularity and millions of streams on various digital platforms because of its lively tempo, humorous lyrics, and catchy chorus. “Mr Money” demonstrated Asake’s ability to blend modern production with classic Afrobeats components, resulting in a sound that is vibrant and new. Apart from “Mr Money,” Asake has penned further hits that have strengthened his standing in the business. Positive reviews for songs like “Omo Ope” and “Don’t Hype Me” have been given by both reviewers and fans, demonstrating Asake’s flexibility as a musician and his talent for writing songs that connect with listeners.

Amazingly, Asake has had an extremely rapid rise to fame in the music business. He left a lasting impression when his debut album “Mr. Money with the Vibe” was released in September 2022, shattering records for the most opening day for an African album on Apple Music. The album’s popularity continued when it made its debut on the esteemed Billboard 200 list, debuting at number 66. This made it the highest-charting debut album from Nigeria in chart history. With the release of his sophomore album “Work of Art” in June 2023, Asake cemented his place in the music industry following the success of his initial album. His debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200 caused waves once more, demonstrating his reliability and durability. Asake has also been recognized for his contribution and talent with multiple nominations and awards. He was nominated for his first international award, Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards in 2022, and won Break Out Artist of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards in 2022. He was further cemented as a rising star in the business the following year when he was ranked number five on Rolling Stone Music’s Future 25, and he received a nomination for the Best New International Act at the BET Awards. Asake’s accomplishments reached new heights when he took home the highly sought-after Next Rated category at the 2023 Headies Awards, which secured his place as one of the most promising talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry and earned him a brand-new automobile. His profile rose further as he was nominated for his first Grammy Award in November 2023 for the song “Amapiano,” which he co-wrote with Olamide and which demonstrated his rising stature in the world of music.

Asake’s path is evidence of his brilliance, commitment, and unshakable faith in his trade. His career is clearly bright as he continues to push boundaries and enthrall listeners with his distinct voice and talent. With every accomplishment and honor, he establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Remarkably, Asake’s infectious charisma and captivating onstage demeanor have added to his growing fame in addition to his music. Whether it be through his music videos, in-person appearances, or social media presence, he possesses an innate charisma that captivates audiences and leaves them wanting more. Asake’s quick rise in the Afrobeats industry is evidence of his ability and promise. He is one of the most exciting young artists to watch, and he is set to make a big effect on the genre in the years to come with his catchy sound and unquestionable star quality.