Ones to watch 2022
From top left to bottom right: Maud Elka, Nikita Kering’, Young Stunna, Neyna, Titose, Azawi, Chrystel, Tyla, Tayc and Black Sherif
And here we are, a year later, at another moment in time where we bring to you again some of the hottest talents coming out of the African continent and the diaspora. The irony now is that the pool of talent in Africa this year is even deeper, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to sift artists in terms of potential as simply we are unearthing more and more gems than ever. The only beneficiary here is Africa as a continent, and the exposure of the world to new sounds and cultures of countries where very little is known about when it comes to cultural arts.
The Ubunifu Space are back to bring you a cohesive look at 24 artists to look out for in 2022.
Azawi (Uganda)
The Ugandan singer-songwriter has had a phenomenal year, culminating in the release of her debut album African Music. Operating within the realms of feel good, Azawi fuses elements of Afro-pop, Ragga and Dancehall with traditional Ugandan music resulting in a sound perfect for parties, and for all ages. Top hit “Slow Dancing” currently sits on 2.7 million streams on YouTube, and Azawi’s album African Music reached number 1 in the Ugandan charts on Apple Music, demonstrating her appeal within Uganda.
It is clear that Azawi is well on her way to being Uganda’s hottest export, and we await 2022 to see just how far she will spread her wings.
Young Stunna (South Africa)
Step forward Young Stunna, a relative newcomer into the Amapiano scene, who first caught attention with the star studded thumper Bopha. He dropped his debut album Notumato late in 2021, making the transition from Hip Hop to Amapiano, and has not looked back. Notumato, not to mention the hit Adiwele, back the sound of December. Young Stunna is currently signed to record label PianoHub.
Notumato is truly a fantastic album, embroiled with infectious log drums and dazzling beats that simply ignite the groove, particularly Sithi Shwi. What is most notable is Young stunna’s vocals, which are both hypnotic and catchy – a theme carried strongly and consistently throughout the tape. Notumato is an eclectic listen, featuring top talents including Daliwonga, Skroef28, Visca, Nkulee 501 and more. Streaming numbers are well into their millions, and deservedly so, as Young Stunna is one of the most talked about artists in South Africa at present.
It now seems inevitable that Young Stunna is to establish himself as one of South Africa’s finest artists, and have an impact beyond. Let’s see what 2022 is saying!
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ghanaian youth have found a sound that narrates their existence in gritty fashion through Drill, and yet another artist has found their voice. Black Sherif is energetic in his delivery, emphasising his expressionisms are from a place raw and close to the heart. “Second Sermon” is passionate, fusing elements of Hiplife, Rap and Drill showing just what Ghana have to offer.
At just 19, Black Sherif is an artist here with a message, and thus naming songs “Sermons” is not coincidental. He is already amassing views well into the millions on singles alone. So much so that he got Burna Boy on the remix to Second Sermon It’ll be intriguing to see whether a cohesive, story-type project exploring his existence is released in the near future… perhaps in 2022
Buruklyn Boyz (Kenya)
Straight from the streets of Nairobi, Buruklyn Boyz has been making serious waves for a while now. The collective hail from an estate in Nairobi called “Buruburu”, in which their experiences inform the art that they create. Their material provides a mechanism for them to voice their struggles, and intertwine such with spine-tingling metaphors in Nairobian style vernacular, whilst swaying in tandem with heavy 808s, and pulsating troughs, rapping in a fusion of English, Swahili and Sheng. They can too be melodic in nature, though their delivery is rather nonchalant which perhaps provides insight into their culture and overall view of their circumstance.
Their hit Nairobi currently sits on 1.6million views, and showcases the gritty nature Buruklyn Boyz are about. Mr Right and Ajay, who are part of Buruklyn Boyz too show they have a playful side, in their track Billie Jean. Location 58 is perhaps the greatest indication yet that the Buruklyn Boyz are ready for the next step, dropping in December 2021. It is clear we have seen improvement in their craft over time as Location 58 is more polished, and too the artistry within the collective is becoming more profound.
Pongo (Angola/Portugal)
Every now and again an artist comes onto the scene in which you simply cannot ignore. Pongo’s artistic expression is one that combines the energetic choreography of native genre Kuduro (influenced by elements of Zouk, Soca, Techno and House) and vocals that exclaim, professing the celebration of Angolan culture, and too Africa. Notably, UWA showcases how Kuduro lies in freedom of bodily expression, and too preaches diversity, inclusion and self love. Pongo combines her experiences in Portugal as well as Angola in her sound, and is aiming to make an indelible mark on the music scene.
Pongo is an artist not afraid to stand alone, and is non-compliant as she navigates the trauma of Portugal’s racist society, and opts to use art as a muse to uplift her own people. Her stunning COLORS performance and too Wegue Wegue filmed in London demonstrates her immense stage presence, intertwined with her vibrant delivery that is bringing Kuduro to the world.
There is far more to come from Pongo, and we do not say this lightly.
Chrystel (Ivory Coast)
Chrystel has been bubbling for some time featuring on singles, exhibiting an angelic voice suited to both R&B and Soul. It seems she has the prowess to produce melodies that would chart, and songs that have the potential to be in soundtracks of popular TV series. Producer/Arranger Jeune Lio noticed her talent, enlisting her on Test Me in which she largely dominates given her soulful sound. Chrystel is also a talented songwriter, claiming songwriting credits for the Dreamville song ‘Got Me’ featuring Ari Lennox & Ty Dolla $ign.
As we enter 2022, we await for her to step into the shoes of potential and really demonstrate to the world the talent she possesses.
Tayc (Cameroon/France)
One of the most spoken about names in the Francophone nation, Tayc just seems to be exponentially growing. He strongly represents France as one of their main exports, multitalented, possessing the ability to not only be vocally strong but too the ability to play the saxophone. Not afraid to tackle topics surrounding love, vulnerability and the notion that time can heal near all. Le Temps alone has gained 92 million views, incorporating a smooth mixture of R&B and West African sounds that formulate what Tayc encompasses creatively.
It is often the unfortunate case with Francophone artists that the language barrier results in a failure to penetrate the Anglophone dominated market. However, off the back of his second studio album Fleur froide – Second etat: la crystallisation, Tayc has several tour dates booked in Europe, including London on February 12th. Tayc has already developed a core fan base, and only seems a matter of time before more heads begin to turn their attention his way from a global perspective.
The Cavemen (Nigeria)
It is not often these days that we hear Highlife music. It is a sound that was so popular during times of generations gone by, yet it is still a strong fabric of West African culture going on to inform present day popular sounds.
Nigerian band The Cavemen value the contribution of Highlife music to present day music from the African continent, and they seek to showcase that Highlife is a sound still enjoyable to the masses. 2021 came their sophomore studio album Love and Highlife which included the wholesome STRANGER. Nicely choreographed, the music video carries a brownish sepia tint that serves as a reminder of Highlife’s historic origins acting as a time machine, and too exploring themes of protecting a love interest.
The Cavemen. are always a pleasant listen, and whilst to an extent they exist within their own space musically, it will be intriguing to see if they collaborate with more artists who are of the more “modern” sounds in 2022 e.g. Altè Cruz or Afrobeats.
Busta 929 (South Africa)
We feel this is someone who has gone under the radar a little. A top producer in his own right, Busta 929 released Undisputed Vol.1 and Vol. 2 in 2021 including the star-studded thumper Beke Le Beke. Busta 929’s type of Amapiano is gritty and for the former industrial warehouses or to be blasting out of a Golf MK1 in the streets of South Africa – the banging head bopping type that needs a speaker system that can cope.
Busta 929 is no stranger to hours in the studio, and we have earmarked him as one to watch in 2022 in regard to whether he will cement his name in the conversations of South Africa’s best Amapiano producers.
Boohle (South Africa)
Boohle is without doubt one we must keep our eye on. The artist is already well known as one of the best vocalists in South Africa, particularly given her performance on Siyathandana working very well in tandem with Cassper Nyovest and Abidoza. Boohle’s voice carries with it an element of Soul, distinctly strong and emotionally evocative – the type that converges Soul and Dance/Electronica which naturally too works well with Amapiano. The result is a versatility that creates songs for the club or the yacht drifting out to sea.
Despite releasing her EP Sfikile in 2021, featuring Busta 929 and the late Mpura, it seems we’re only scratching the surface in regard to her musical potential. The natural next step for Boohle would likely involve an album, but too perhaps a unique branch of Amapiano that combines her unique qualities.
Rhita Natta (Morocco)
Rhita Natta became the first Moroccan artist to feature on Spotify’s Equal Africa initiative designed to create increased gender equality in music. Rhita sees herself as “a new voice for traditional Moroccan music”, a country in which sounds of their culture are not widely known.
The artist is yet to release a cohesive project, though has successful singles such as “Not The Same” and “Effects of Thoughts” in her repertoire that combine elements of Afro-R&B, Blues and Soul, which is no surprise given that Rhita states Amy Winehouse is one of her artistic inspirations. “Talkin ‘bout Shit” bares elements of traditional Moroccan music, through use of particular string instruments combined with R&B fusing both past and present, but too demonstrating Rhita’s keen eye for unique artistry and representation. 2022 could perhaps be the year Rhita emerges as one of the best in the Northern African region.
Titose (Botswana)
Here is an artist angelic in her sound, and is navigating the genres of R&B and Trapsoul with ease. It is not so often that we come across artists where star quality is immediately distinguishable, and Titose is without doubt in that category. Like observing a purple tinged sky, streaks from distant planes and hushed voices, Titose encourages introspection through her pleasant melodic voices as she circumvents themes of love.
After a hiatus in 2020 following the release of “Drowing”, Titose returned with a few singles including “Put You In Line” before the release of her debut album “Was It Something I Said?” towards the end of 2021. We now look to see how Titose builds on her success in 2022.
Nikita Kering’ (Kenya)
An emPawa Africa graduate, Nikita is a glowing example of a success story as a result of Mr Eazi’s initiative. Nikita featured on BBC Africa as a 16 year old, where she talked about her passion for singing, and so it was clear, even then, that her talent was beginning to turn heads.
Since then, the artist has upped her game releasing singles including “Ex” that appears on countless playlists, nearing 4 million views on YouTube alone. Nikita Kering’ possesses an incredible voice, versatile in its range sitting within the realms of soulful R&B. Nikita has spoken of Beyonce and Adele being her musical inspirations in the past, and such is evident given her vocal style. Nikita’s sound is incredibly moving, and palatable to people of diverse ages and one that has all the potential to delve into popular culture to become one of Kenya’s finest exports.
At only just 19, and off the back of her debut album A Side Of Me, the trajectory of Nikita’s career seems destined to be sharply upward.
Amaria BB (UK)
Amaria BB is without doubt a pea in her own pod. The artist has had a great 2021, showcasing everything she is about. Amaria BB’s sound is a sultry fusion of R&B and Dancehall where she interweaves her melodic tendencies, allowing her playful personality to shine. “Slow Motion” and “Fundz” have been great successes for Amaria BB in 2021, and she too got the chance to support Stonebwoy at YAM Carnival.
2022 promises so much for Amaria BB, who has amassed a fan base and acclaim from reknowned artists and is yet to produce a project of her own. We await to see what 2022 has in store for Amaria BB.
Filah Lah Lah (South Africa)
Filah is producing a sound not so common in South Africa at this moment in time. It is both angelically ethereal and soulful, with dipping into philosophical themes surrounding human significance, or the lack thereof, lyrically. She intriguingly experiments with tone to explore sensory experience whilst simultaneously navigating the volatility of change. “Change or Find Out” is of a tone that is both reassuring, and relaxing, as she deftly harmonises in an introspective manner. There too is a commercial quality to her sound, and such has already been achieved whilst Filah stays true to herself.
Filah cites Nina Simone, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye as the musical inspirations to her tinge of R&B. Lyrically, Filah’s music adopts that of a mirror, posing important questions toward the listener whilst softly navigating a glorious voice incites serenity. Her latest EP “We’re Just Gonna Be Fine” highlights where Filah Lah Lah is at in regard to her journey at present, and she is of the aura that such a journey should not be rushed. And so, the conversation as to how she will progress in 2022 is one that is very intriguing.
AV (Nigeria)
Nigeria continues to produce talent at an alarming rate, and their production line is showing no signs of stopping. Step up AV, another young artist who has cemented himself into the musical consciousness of Africa in 2021. Tik Tok hit “Big Thug Boys” which involved a dance challenge currently sits on 5 million views on YouTube, as AV is continuing to amass a huge fan base across the continent of Africa. AV says he is primarily Afrobeats, though you hear elements of Dancehall and Trap in his sound, which perhaps is more of an indication of how Afrobeats has evolved over the years
His playful personality is also very evident on YouTube, where the artist has vlogs interacting with the public which has no doubt raised his profile. His talent for sound is clear, with musical connections in his family as his father was once a singer and where AV’s inspiration comes from. Late in 2021 came his latest single Confessions, already amassing 1.1 million views on YouTube.
With no extended project or album, it is clear what the potential next steps could be for AV in 2022 as he seeks to further extend his appeal globally.
Fave (Nigeria)
Fave is currently blossoming into her own space, and another talent spotted by Mr Eazi’s emPawa initiative. The artist has previously spoken about her desire find identity in the music industry, and to harness a sound Fave can call her own.
Fave’s latest offering Baby Riddim is a smooth offering of Afro-pop, dropping in November 2021 amassing 1.8 million such a short timeframe. What too is amazing is the direction in the music video, pointing toward well-choreographed artistry. Fave is another who is yet to release a project of any kind, we will see just how Fave shapes her sound in 2022.
Mellow & Sleazy (South Africa)
And yet again we arrive at another music-duo emerging from South Africa, this time it is the uber-talented Mellow & Sleazy. They have making been making waves in South Africa, working with Felo Le Tee, Young Stunna and DJ Maphorisa on smash hit Bopha, and so their abilities were beginning to come to light.
The duo describe their sound as Bacardi, of which Amapiano partially originates, and genre arguably leans more toward its House music influences than Amapiano that lends itself more to Jazz and Kwaito. Mellow & Sleazy’s latest EP Kwa Kwa is said to be Bacardi, and contains intoxicating drum patterns, and whistles – take Possessed Whistles. The pair are no stranger to viral hits, with their track Nkao Tempela creating a dance challenge that has blown up on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter.
Mellow and Sleazy have since been signed by Sony Music South Africa, and look to take their Pretoria-grown exploits global in 2022!
Maud Elka (France)
Maud Elka has been slowly making her way in the scene for a number of years now, having previously performed with renowned French artist Dadju in 2018. Her debut album Seven was received very well in 2020, which included hit single Songi Songi, of which has amassed 6.3 million views on YouTube.
Maud Elka primarily operates within the realms of R&B and Pop, though her sound is heavily influenced by Congolese Lingala music, which particularly shines through in the rhythmic qualities of instrumentals she uses, and her overall tone.
The French artist is clearly well regarded in the Francophone nation, and so we await what big moves she makes in 2022.
Lisa Oduor-Noah (Kenya)
Lisa’s voice captures the imagination. It is both sultry, and heavily jazz influenced fusing elements of R&B and poetry exploring themes of love, knowledge, spiritual healing and overall well-being. There is a wholesomeness to her sound, and one that encourages greater connectivity with self in an intimate sense, possessing qualities often found in neo-soul, and Alive encapsulates this.
The Kenyan is gifted with a natural voice suited to producing harmonies, interweaving between tones of her choice. 2021 was a rather quiet year for the artist, though she featured on fellow Kenyan Sichangi’s album in the single Facts. We have earmarked Lisa as one to watch in 2022, given her considerable talent.
Zuchu (Tanzania)
For Swahili-speaking countries in East Africa, Zuchu is a household name. For someone who made a late entrance into the music scene (late 2020), she amasses views on YouTube well into their millions with Nyumba Ndogo sitting on 17 million views alone. Zuchu’s sound is geared more towards the traditional, influenced by Bongo Flava – which itself is a fusion of Hip Hop and traditional Tanzanian music – Afro-pop and R&B, and involves the celebration of Tanzanian culture through clothing and choreography. Sung mostly in Swahili, Zuchu appeals to a wide audience of all ages, and produces the type of music that can be played in restaurants, functions and weddings.
Sukari, which sits on an astonishing 63 million views, explores themes surrounding love and how sweet it can be. Despite her fame within the continent, questions will always remain as to whether such a sound could ever have global appeal. Zuchu is the first East African female to reach 1 million subscribers demonstrating her fandom.
With such a following, it will be interesting to see what next Zuchu decides to do with her, with an artistic evolution not out of the realms of possibility.
Tyla (South Africa)
If there is an artist currently amalgamating the Amapiano sound with a Pop philosophy then it is Tyla. During the beginnings of the global pandemic and lockdowns in various countries, Tyla’s brand grew and she became a Tik Tok and Instagram sensation. Her spin on Amapiano arguably creates a sound with a greater electronic dance essence and can be pictured in clubs across some of the world’s largest cities.
Getting Late is perhaps the strongest indication as to the potential of Tyla, who combines her pop aura with a sonically delicate voice, fusing such with Amapiano and Gqom. The 19 year old already possesses superstar appeal, and with no significant project of any kind to her name, 2022 may just be the year we see that.
Neyna (Portugual/Cape Verde)
Flying the flag of Cape Verde is Neyna, who takes uses her Latina music-influenced Kizomba sound as a mechanism to showcase Cape Verdean culture. At just 22 years old, Neyna is already grabbing attention across Portugal.
Singing in a mix of Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, Neyna navigates themes of love, growth and anxiety. Na Bo Mon ft Nelson Freitas is Neyna in her element, roaming within sounds of a feel good nature, allowing her personality to shine. Nha Mos is where Neyna comes into her own, bareing the hallmarks of Kizomba, Afropop and R&B of which Neyna seems very much at home in.
The Cape Verdean only has singles in her catalogue, and therefore her next steps are of interest to music fans, particularly those in Lusophone speaking countries.
Sir Trill (South Africa)
A name you may not be too familiar with, but certainly you would have heard his vocals on some of the most prominent Amapiano tracks in 2021 – either in mixes or on the dancefloor. He is very talented vocally, adopting a tone that is extremely distinct, often passionate and works very well with the jazz grooves of Amapiano encouraging dancing, and feeling good. Sir Trill is the man behind the vocals on Emlanjeni, and provides the enchanting vocals on thumper John Wick.
Sir Trill’s latest posts on social media suggests he is cooking up a project of some kind. For a man that only has singles to his name, he has already made significant contributions to Amapiano. Stay tuned!