In 2024, Nigerian artists broke new ground as they continued Afrobeats’ global charge.
While Nigerian pop music might have delivered paltry hits, especially on the global front, the stars who shape the industry leveraged their success to reach new heights.
From notable Grammy moments, sold-out tours, record-breaking venues, and personal career milestones, Nigerian artists maintained their status as the leading creators on the continent.
Whether it’s veteran stars extending their dominance or a new generation of superstars breaking ground, 2024 was a great year for several artists.
Top 10 Hottest Artists of 2024
10. Shallipopi
Rapper Shallipopi continued his run in 2024 with the release of the project ‘Shakespoppi’ which delivered the hit record ‘ASAP’.
He was tapped by Smur Lee for the chart-topper ‘Juju’ OdumoduBlvck whom he also featured on the 2023 smash hit single ‘Cast’.
While Shallipopi might have ended the year with the news of a contractual dispute with his former label Dapper Music, he gave fans quite the show with a successful tour and party-starting singles.
9. Ayo Maff
2024 is a defining year for the rising star Ayo Maff whose hit single ‘Dealer’ featuring Fireboy finished atop the list of the most streamed songs on Spotify Nigeria.
His EP ‘MAFFIAN’ was commercially acclaimed with songs like ‘Are You There’ and ‘7 Days’ becoming street anthems. One of the breakout stars of 2024, Ayo Maff was in demand as he appeared on songs next to Blaqbones and Lil Kesh.
8. Kizz Daniel
Quintessential hitmaker Kizz Daniel continued his superb run of hit singles with the release of the chart-topping records ‘Twe Twe’ and his hit-filled ‘TZA’ EP that holds up his distinction as an artist who knows his way into listeners’ hearts.
In a year where hit songs have been few and far between, Kizz Daniel held down the fort by making captivating music that doesn’t demand much from listeners.
7. BNXN
Singer BNXN didn’t leave the news in 2024 thanks to his collaborative project with Ruger with whom he delivered the hit records ‘POE’ and ‘Ilase’ which were some of the biggest songs of 2024.
He went on a successful tour and collaborated with Rema for another hit single to the hottest acts of 2024.
The award-winning star also butted heads with Davido and members of the 30 BG crew which made him one of the most talked about artists of the year.
6. Tems
Tems is redefining what it means to be an African global star through her sensational music that has made her one of the most coveted artists from Africa.
In 2024, Tems continued to distinguish herself as a global star with the release of her debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ which enjoyed a positive reception.
Tems sold out every venue on her world tour while also making history as the first Nigerian artist to get a solo Grammy nomination outside the global categories.
5. Young Jonn
After announcing himself on the Afrobeats scene as a hitmaker, Young Jonn made it clear that it’s no fluke and he’s here to stay with the release of his hit-filled debut album ‘Jiggy Forever’.
The album inspired a successful tour while also delivering chart-topping records that saw it finish in the top 10 of the most streamed albums on Spotify Nigeria.
4. Seyi Vibez
The indefatigable Seyi Vibez continued his fine form in 2024 with the release of his EP ‘Loseyi Professor’. The hit singles
‘Different Pattern’ and ‘Cana’ released in December 2023 both enjoyed massive success and finished the year in the top 5 of Apple Music Nigeria’s most streamed song of 2024.
The award-winning star reached new heights captured by his successful concerts in the United Kingdom and the unveiling of his label Vibez INC. Under his watch, emerging stars TML Vibez and Muyeez have both garnered mainstream acclaim thanks to their successful releases.
3. Ayra Starr
The incredible Ayra Starr is making a name for herself through hit records, star-studded collaborations, and a captivating personality that defines a pop star.
In 2024, she released her sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ which earned praise for being one of the best Nigerian albums of the year.
In recognition of her success, she toured with global stars Chris Brown and Coldplay while earning multiple nominations for the BET, VMAs, and EMA.
2. Rema
The Crown Prince of Afrobeats who is destined to be King, Rema continues to maintain his position at the summit of the Nigerian music industry through daring talent and a sheer desire to emphatically communicate his supremacy.
It’s this mindset that shaped his sophomore album ‘HEIS’ which is one of the most talked about albums of 2024.
The project delivered the hit records ‘Hehehe’, ‘Azaman’, and ‘Ozeba’ with which Rema led the charge to retake the Afrobeats dancefloor from the grips of Amapiano. The album also earned him his first Grammy nomination to wrap up an incredible year.
1. Asake
Since breaking into the mainstream in 2022, there has not been a hotter Nigerian artist than Asake. Nearly three years later, this fact keeps holding up as the hitmaker continues to dominate the charts while expanding his global audience.
In 2024, Asake released his third album ‘Lungu Boy’ which is his third in three years as he maintained a momentum that made him one of the most sought-after stars from Africa.
The album dominated the charts, inspired a sold-out star, and ‘MMS’ off the album earned him a second consecutive Grammy nomination.
Notable Mentions
Wizkid
Davido
Odumodublvck
Ruger
Victony
Pulse Fan Faves: Top 10 Nigerian Artists of 2024 Read More
