The year 2024 has been transformative for Zambia’s music industry, with a new generation of artists captivating audiences with their distinctive styles and remarkable talents. These emerging stars have made significant strides in their careers, earning widespread recognition and success.
Bloodkid Yvok
BloodKid Yvok has swiftly ascended to fame with his engaging rapping style, high-energy performances, and memorable lyrics, earning a large and dedicated following in Zambia’s music industry. His breakthrough came with the instant hit “Body Machine,” a track that immediately put him on the map. Following this success, he released another popular single, “Chipuba“, featuring Vinchenzo, which introduced him to the commercial market and solidified his presence in the industry.
BloodKid Yvok’s talents have led to high-profile collaborations, further boosting his reputation. Notably, he was featured on Slapdee’s recent album “Black Na White 2” on the song “Dear X,” and on Towela’s track “Zinganti.” His single “Consistency,” featuring Nez Long, has also achieved significant commercial success, showcasing his ability to create hits that resonate widely with audiences.
In addition to his musical achievements, BloodKid Yvok’s popularity has led to lucrative brand ambassador deals, enhancing his influence and visibility in the industry. His rapid rise and continued success underscore his potential to remain a dominant force in Zambian music, making him a star to watch closely in the coming years.
Celeb City
Celeb City has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the Zambian music scene with their innovative sound and strategic collaborations with mainstream artists. Their ability to blend creative vision with a unique style has earned them critical acclaim and solidified their position as a formidable force in the industry.
The duo burst onto the scene with the infectious hit song “Apena Baba,” which quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts and catapulted them into the spotlight. Their distinctive sound and captivating lyrics resonated with audiences, establishing them as a duo to watch closely.
Building on their initial success, Celeb City continued to impress with their follow-up hit “Me More,” featuring Xaven. This collaboration further showcased their versatility and ability to collaborate seamlessly with other artists, expanding their reach and appeal within the music landscape.
Through their innovative approach to music production and their dedication to creating memorable tracks, Celeb City has carved out a niche for themselves in the Zambian music industry. Their consistent delivery of quality music and their ability to connect with listeners on a profound level have cemented their status as trendsetters and trailblazers in the realm of Zambian music.
As Celeb City continues to evolve and push creative boundaries, their contributions to the music scene are sure to leave a lasting impact and inspire aspiring artists to explore new horizons in their musical journeys.
Mikha’el
Mikha’el is rapidly gaining recognition in the Zambian music scene for his distinctive modern-day Kalindula style and impressive collaborations. This talented artist has produced several hit songs that have resonated with fans, showcasing his unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Notable tracks like “Ilomba,” “Black Couch,” and “Vibrations” featuring Chef 187 highlight his versatility and musical prowess. Additionally, “Happy People,” featuring Y Celeb, stands out as a testament to his ability to create infectious and uplifting music.
One of Mikha’el’s most remarkable contributions is his feature on “Butterfly Vibes” alongside T-Low and Chef 187. This track, with its enchanting melody and heartfelt lyrics, delves into themes of love’s resilience amid life’s challenges. Mikha’el’s captivating performance on this song has solidified his reputation as a gifted artist capable of evoking deep emotions through his music.
As an Olijaba Entertainment artist, Mikha’el has frequently collaborated with Y Celeb on recent albums, further expanding his reach and influence within the industry. His dedication to blending modern and traditional sounds has not only set him apart but also enriched the Zambian music landscape. As he continues to rise, Mikha’el is undoubtedly a talent to watch closely in 2024.
76 Drums
76 Drums stands out for his infectious energy and dynamic performances, quickly becoming one of the most promising artists in the Zambian music scene. His electrifying presence and versatile talent have earned him a dedicated fan base and significant attention in the industry.
With hit songs like “Big Machine” and “Through the Darkest Times,” 76 Drums has showcased his ability to create powerful, resonant music that speaks to his audience. These tracks highlight his unique style and commitment to producing high-quality music, cementing his status as a notable talent.
In addition to his solo work, 76 Drums has collaborated with top artists such as Jemax and Slapdee, on Nkonkoloka and Jahman Juice respectively. These collaborations have not only expanded his reach but also enriched the Zambian music landscape with fresh and exciting sounds. As 76 Drums continues to rise, he is undoubtedly a talent to watch closely.
Chewe Superstar
The Zambian music industry is buzzing with new talent, and Chewe is one artist everyone should be on the lookout for. Bursting onto the scene with his hit single “Superstar,” featuring Y Celeb, Chewe quickly made a name for himself. His momentum didn’t stop there. Chewe featured on KB’s track “Kalema,” which became an instant hit, further solidifying his presence in the industry. Following this success, he released “Migraine,” featuring Jae Cash, another track that has captivated audiences.
Chewe’s unique sound and compelling collaborations are making waves in the Zambian music scene. Stay tuned for more hits from this rising star.
Ozone Africa
Ozone Africa is a notable figure in the Afro-pop scene, affiliated with Olijaba Entertainment. He is recognized for his vibrant performances and collaborations with artists like Macky 2 and Y-Celeb. One of his popular tracks, “Wonder Woman,” featuring BloodKid, showcases his musical versatility and energetic style. Originating from Senanga and later moving to Lusaka, Ozone Africa has built a significant following through his engaging music and relatable lyrics.
JC Kalinks
JC Kalinks is known for his dynamic vocal abilities and versatile production skills. His notable tracks include “Nshuma Sangwe,” a collaboration with Celeb City, and “Black Sheep,” which addresses themes of nonconformity and perseverance. He has also worked with prominent artists like Chef 187 and Y Celeb on “Chikalakukalipa” and with D Bwoy on “Ififine Naba,” emphasizing love’s transcendence over boundaries.
Mr Crown
The Zambian music scene is brimming with emerging talent, and Mr Crown is a name you won’t want to miss. His hit song “Don’t Go Away”, featuring Yo Maps, has become an international anthem, resonating deeply with listeners across Africa.
Mr Crown’s impressive rise in the industry has not gone unnoticed. His talent and hard work have earned him a coveted spot with Sony Music Africa, marking a significant milestone in his career.
With his compelling music and recent signing to a major label, Mr Crown is undoubtedly a promising talent to watch in the Zambian music industry.
Kayz Adams
Kayz Adams has gained attention with his energetic and catchy music. His debut single “Chiliye Mwambo,” featuring Vinchenzo Mbale and Nez Long, has been well-received for its infectious energy and humorous lyrics. Kayz Adams has also collaborated with artists like Bobby East and Blood Kid on “Aliko” and contributed to tracks such as “Mpawi” by Jemax and “My Favourite Person” by Vinchenzo.
Y Cool
Y Cool is a prominent figure in the rap and hip-hop scene. Known for his dynamic presence, he has been involved in various collaborations and solo projects. Notable tracks include “Ghetto Story” with Trina South and “Jombo Ilile” with J Mafia. His collaborations with artists like Camstar, Nick Pro, and Alpha Romeo on “Co-Sign” highlight his versatility and ability to blend with different styles.
Xain
XYZ signed artist Xain is another extremely promising artist who has taken the industry by storm since he featured on Slapdee’s song with South African artist Casper Nyovest. He has since been steadily rising to prominence. Xain released his first single under XYZ captioned “Real Me,” which instantly became a fan favorite. Ever since, fans have eagerly anticipated what Xain will put out next. Rumor has it that he is in the studio currently working on his debut EP, which is expected to further solidify his place in the Zambian music industry.
Terry The Vocalist
Another XYZ signed young artist, Terry The Vocalist, has also risen to prominence with trending hit songs like “Lumanda” and “Confidence,” which were recently added to streaming platforms along with her EP “Phases.” Terry’s soulful voice and relatable lyrics have quickly endeared her to a wide audience, making her one of the most exciting young talents to watch this year.
Frank Ro
Frank Ro got people’s attention when he was introduced by KB of K Amy Studios on his “Love & Heartbreaks” album. Frank Ro featured on all the songs, with the standout single being “Ordinary Love,” which also featured Jae Cash. Frank Ro has proven to be a versatile and talented singer, collaborating with a few mainstream artists, including Macky 2 on a song titled “Mutendere” and Mampi on a song captioned “Featuring.” His ability to blend various musical styles has made him a rising star in the Zambian music scene.
Jay Lima
Jay Lima is another rapper that has been pushing and gaining positive attention from listeners. Jay Lima dropped his second body of work tagged “Simplicity Vol,” and a standout track from the album is a song captioned “Tichiliza,” featuring Jorzzi. His unique flow and thoughtful lyrics have resonated with fans, marking him as a significant player in the Zambian rap scene.
Rustar
Rustar is a young and promising artist who has quickly made a name for himself in Zambia’s music scene. His remarkable vocals and Afro-Beat style have garnered attention and acclaim, positioning him as one to watch in 2024. Rustar burst onto the scene with his debut song “Nengu Nengu,” featuring Y Celeb, showcasing his talent and potential from the start. Since then, he has continued to impress without showing any signs of slowing down. One of Rustar’s notable collaborations includes the track “Sugar,” featuring Towela, which further showcased his versatility and ability to collaborate with different artists. His recent single “Wanga” is also gaining traction and generating buzz in the streets, further solidifying his place in the industry and proving his staying power as an artist on the rise.
With his unique style, infectious energy, and consistent delivery of quality music, Rustar is undoubtedly a young talent to keep an eye on as he continues to make waves and establish himself as a prominent figure in Afro-Beat music.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to these standout artists, several other talented individuals are making significant contributions to the Zambian music landscape. These include Ndine Emma, Emily Haakola, Legendson, HDMG, Julai, Zerub Exodus and Swizy Ni Swizy,.
These artists are pushing boundaries and enriching Zambia’s music scene with their unique talents and creative visions. Keep an eye on these names as they continue to rise and redefine the industry.