2021 was such a monumental year for afrobeats in all aspects of it – Grammy wins, Billboard Charts conquest, RIAA Certifications and historic tour outings (Three nights of Afrobeats excellence at the O2 Arena in London won’t be forgotten in a hurry). Although the established acts grabbed a substantial amount of the press, emerging acts crawled out from the crevices with exhilarating sonics and style that were too good to miss.
We were introduced to Lojay’s unique voice and adept lyricism(Tonongo, Monalisa), Ayra Starr’s bold display of feminine celestiality (Cast, Bloody Samaritan) and Ruger’s domineering take on sensuality (Bounce, Snapchat). Other new acts might not have had the immediate impact of the trio mentioned above but we saw glimpses of their abilities.
For this article, we highlight 7 acts we’re cheering on for bigger success in 2022.
- Ria Sean: She first garnered attention with her single, “Lemonade” before being announced as Aristokrat Records’ latest signee. Under Aristokrat, she released her debut project, “Fluid” which is so good that almost every other day, there’s someone tweeting about it (This is facts, You can do a check). It’s Ria Sean’s confident amorosity expressed in a mix of lofi, Afro, RnB & dancehall sounds that makes her music outstanding.
KEY TRACKS: “Pin Me Down”, ” Satisfy My Soul”
- Dai Verse: You’ve probably never seen his face, but you’ve undoubtedly heard him. Released in 2020, His smash hit, “Cocaine” slowly but steadily climbed up the charts (Reaching No. 32 on the Turntable Charts and ended at No. 79 on the Apple Music Top 100 songs of 2021). Apart from his song appearing everywhere on Instagram and twitter, Dai Verse impressively performed at a good number of shows last December opening himself up to a larger audience. It’s Dai Verse’s songwriting chops, especially his ability to craft memorable hooks and melodies that makes his songs resonate so well with listeners.
KEY TRACKS: “Cocaine”, ” Sweet Daddy”
- Seyi Vibez: It’s been coming for Seyi Vibez since 2020 as he managed to gather a loyal cult following on the streets early on. His debut Ep titled, “NSNV” released in 2021 was his proper introduction to the mainstream. The album features Teni &, Reekado Banks. Seyi Vibez already kicked off 2022 appearing alongside Dj 4kerty on Rexxie’s “Wallet”, A record that is fast gaining momentum. Like the biggest Street pop acts, It’s Seyi Vibez’s street-relevant message and ability to create street bangers that will push him further.
KEY TRACKS: ” Waller”, “Professor Peller”
- AV: He is boldly, the crooner of one of the biggest songs of 2021. “Big Thug Boys” was the 3rd most shazamed song in Nigeria last year, finished no. 63 on apple music’s top 100 songs of 2021 and peaked no. 5. on Turntable Charts. His follow up single, “Confession” might not be as huge as the breakout, but is such a beautiful tune – Maybe one of the most underrated songs last year. AV’s earworthy melodies will keep people singing along to his songs for a long while.
KEY TRACKS: “Confession”, ” Big Thug Boys”
- Jaywillz: Introduced to the mainstream audience with his appearance on Olamide’s “Jailer” off the “UY SCUTI” project. Jailer is arguably one of the best tracks off that project, maybe Top 2. However, Jaywillz had plans of his own, “Medicine” off his “Love or The Word” Ep was everywhere on Tiktok & Triller, and peaked at no. 12 on Turntable Charts as well as finishing No. 5 & No 80 respectively on Shazam & Apple Music’s Top songs of 2021.
KEY TRACKS: “Medicine”, “Kind Love”
- Fave: Before appearing twice on Olamide’s “UY SCUTI” on ”Want”` and”Pon Pon”, Fave has amassed a substantial following on social media off freestyles and singles, ” N.B.U” & “Beautifully”. Her big break came with ” Baby Riddim” released last November and peaking No. 2 on Apple Music NG and No. 1 on the Turntable Charts. She’s set to release her debut project titled “Riddim 5” on the 20th of January, 2022 with production credits from Niphkeys, Krizbeats, Saszy Afroshii, Damie & Produca wa.
KEY TRACKS: “N.B.U”, “Baby Riddim.
- Victony: In 2020, he released his debut project “Saturn” to mostly positive reception. Albeit, 2021 would be a more eventful year for the singer. Coming off the heels of an unfortunate accident, he went on an impressive streak of singles and features ( “Pray”, “Rosemary”, ” Holy Father”, “Like Dat”, ” Ego”). Holy Father peaked atop the Apple Music NG Charts and No. 2 on the TurnTable Charts.
KEY TRACKS: “Pray”, “Like Dat”
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