Spotify unveils Qing Madi, others as 2024 Africa’s Rising Stars

Global online streaming platform, Spotify has announced Qing Madi, Guchi, YKB, SGaWD, O’Kenneth, and AratheJay as 2024 West Africa’s rising stars. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) disclosed this in a statement in Lagos, on Thursday.

Okumu noted that these artistes from Nigeria and Ghana had been observed to have embraced familiar sounds, while adding their own innovative twists, creating a melting pot of potentials that could shift the musical landscape.

“Spotify has taken notice, unveiling a captivating list of rising stars from Sub-Saharan Africa, poised to make their mark on the local and global music scenes in 2024.

“These fresh voices embrace familiar sounds, while adding their own innovative twists, creating a melting pot of potential that could shift the musical landscape.

“Think Afrobeats infused with jazz improvisation or HipHop spiked with electronic flourishes, resulting in sonically captivating sound blends bound to captivate listeners all over.

“They are woven from across the diverse threads of Nigeria and Ghana, bringing a rich tapestry of styles, cultures, and perspectives to the forefront,” she said.

Chimamanda Chukwuma, better known by her stage name, Qing Madi is a 17-year-old Nigerian prodigy taking the music world by storm.

The Nigerian Afropop singer and a Spotify EQUAL Africa artiste won the hearts of many with her track Ole and its remix featuring a Bnxn.

Ugochi Onuoha, known as Guchi is a vibrant and talented Nigerian Afropop singer making waves in the music scene.

The Nigerian singer and songwriter went viral with tracks like “All Over You” in 2023   and doubled down with “Feeling Good” featuring Bayanni. Her sound is characteristic of Afrobeats singers like Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage.

SGaWD is a Nigerian rapper currently making waves in the industry. The multi hyphenate singer has played in the realms of Alte, Rhymes and Blues and HipHop, the last few years.

Yusuf Gbolaga, known as YKB is making his mark on Nigerian music. Tracks like San Siro and his captivating duet This Must Be Love with King Promise showcased his vibrant Afropop sound and growing talent.

O’Kenneth is a supernova blazing across the Ghanaian music scene. This hip-hop and drill artiste, known for his deep tenor vocals and lyrics, is a leading voice in the Asakaa movement.

While his track LONELY ROAD, with Xlimkid ripped through the final quarter of 2023, his versatile features throughout the year proved his undeniable talent.

Ghanaian music is experiencing a soulful surge with the arrival of Kelvin Black alias AratheJay.

This rising star blends traditional African sounds with contemporary beats, weaving intricate stories through his vocals.

NAN/S.S