Nigeria is known for many things, with the fast-growing Afrobeats at the forefront taking its place globally alongside countless talented artists emerging every year. In 2023, we had the likes of Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Bloody Civilian, and Khaid, to mention a few. 2024 has not failed to follow the trend as well, introducing us to new acts with a different vibe, flair, and style, picking up from where their mates left off.
This year’s fast-rising acts include;
LLONA
Breaking into the music industry with his single “Comforter” and following up closely with “HBP” in 2023, which caught the interest of listeners and garnered millions of streams across platforms, the Kano-bred artiste has risen to stardom with the further release of his debut album, “Homeless”. The album chronicles the life of a modern-day youth– which has proven to be one of the best albums of 2024. Through his authenticity and introspective lyrics, Llona brings a fresh perspective with his emotive and conscious music, propelling his artistry and solidifying his stay.
AYO MAFF
Ayo Maff is another burgeoning act contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, focusing on Street-pop music. Released earlier in 2024, his breakthrough single “Dealer”, with a remix featuring Fireboy DML, became an instant hit and put him up as one of Afrobeats’ promising acts. Following the success of his hit song, the street-pop artiste released his debut EP, “MAFFIAN,” a street-themed project that has garnered millions of listeners and cemented his stance in the industry.
TML VIBEZ
Signed to Vibes Inc. is this fast-rising street-pop artiste, TML Vibez, making waves in 2024. TML Vibez, known for his infectious lyrics and catchy melodies, first caught listeners’ ears with his self-titled EP “Timileyin” in 2023. But the young artiste broke out in 2024, having been featured alongside label mates on the Vibez Incorporation Mixtape Vol.1. Taking his artistry further, he released “Timileyin 2.0” and “Xin Mao”, garnering millions of streams and thousands of fans to his discography. Revered for his “Afro-adura” style of music, TML Vibez is undoubtedly a significant act on the rise in the Afrobeats scene.
SMUR LEE
Smur Lee shines as one of the rising artists of 2024 with her hit single, “JuJu”, which features street-hop acts Odumodublvck and Shallipopi. After releasing her debut single, “Fake Alert”, in 2023, she released the heavily-teased uptempo and groovy track, “JuJu”, which has now garnered massive streams and spent weeks at No. 1, putting her up for one of the most promising acts in Afrobeats.
MUYEEZ
One of Afrobeats’ promising and fast-rising acts of 2024 is another Vibez Inc. signee, Muyeez. The young Nigerian artiste first showed his ingenious talent on the Vibez Inc. Mixtape Vol 1, with “Instagram” being an instant hit. Releasing his debut and eponymous EP, “Muyeez”, and the further release of “Hat-Trick”, not only has he drawn listeners to his vocal and lyrical prowess but has garnered massive streams across platforms.
TAVES
The Ibadan-bred artiste Taves broke into the scene with his “Eleyele” single in 2023, and has ingeniously displayed his artistry with further singles. The release of his 2024 EP, “Are You Listening?” which features BNXN. The genre-blending artiste drew listeners to his suave vocals and pen game, setting him for one of the fast-rising acts of the year.
FIDO
While his discography doesn’t extend beyond his first release, Fido is arguably one of the rising artists of 2024. With the release of his debut single, “Awolowo”, which became his breakout song, he brings a refreshing sound with his infectious hooks and striking lyrics, setting him up for one of the most promising acts in the Afrobeats industry.
Which other acts do you have on your watch for this year?
The DIY Collective 
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