Ones to watch 2021
Featuring Focalistic, Midas The Jagaban, Sha Sha and Omah Lay
From top left to bottom right: Nenny, Enny, Omah Lay, Focalisitc, Yaw Tog, Midas The Jagaban, Bawo and Elaine
It is without doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for us, and this has significantly impacted the music industry. Yet amongst the disappointments of cancelled tours and shows, we have still seen the emergence of exciting young stars with the world at their feet. The growth of the African continent and the diaspora creatively continues to be very encouraging, with countries burgeoning unique genres distinct to their experiences alone. We have also seen the emergence of talented rappers and singers alike, each impactful in their own way, in such uncertain times.
The Ubunifu Space thought it is only right that we shed some light on those who have caught our eye, and bring you a cohesive look at 25 artists to look out for in 2021.
*Please note that this selection is in no particular order*
Bawo (UK)
Bawo decided in 2020 to take his pen game to a new level, muscling his way into the UK scene. The rapper of Nigerian descent is growing a reputation for his laid back rapping style, with smooth delivery and metaphor-rich bars. “I Hated My Name” (directed by our very own David Osafo) was a timely and powerful celebration of blackness, capturing the attention of Katy Perry, whilst “Brasileiro” and “Undercover ft Donalee” were bops in their own right, with the former featuring on BBC Radio 1.
Putting together an accomplished inventory in 2020, Bawo isn’t someone who should slip your radar.
Focalistic (South Africa)
A man who has coincided with Amapiano’s meteoric rise during 2020. An unmistakeable voice and fun-loving adlibs (“Ah choo!”) that beckons you to the dance floor, the South African capped off an amazing year with the release of his second album Sghubu Ses Excellent. Despite his links with Hip Hop, Focalistic is driving the Amapiano genre to exciting new realms, managing to amalgamate both scenes into something he can call his own. Rapping in Zulu and Sepitori, a fusion of Tswana, Tsotsitaal and other languages native to townships in Pretoria, Focalistic reps for his own providing a voice in a Zulu and Xhosa dominated industry. High octane hit single “Ke Star ft Vigro Deep” has amassed 2.3 million views on YouTube in three months, which would no doubt have the clubs bouncing.
Two albums in 2020 (Quarantined Tarantino and Sghubu Ses Excellent) more importantly demonstrates the creative work rate of Focalistic, and puts him toward the top as one of the shining spearheads of modern South African music.
Vigro Deep (South Africa)
As far as producers go, Vigro Deep is incredible. At only 19 years old, Vigro Deep has managed to cement his name within the scene as a go-to producer for any artist wanting to make a street thumper. The DJ’s repertoire contains unique riffs, bass, piano, snare and log drum combinations that reverberate in ways that tap into a subconscious appreciation of music. There is then the subsequent and consequential sense of feeling very much alive when a Vigro Deep project is spun, with spell-binding rhythms that risk neck damage. The Pretorian also demonstrates versatile willingness to work with a variety of artists from Bucie on “Mama” to Focalistic on “Blue Monday”, ranging from ambient spiritual to knee-buckling street anthems.
Latest release Rise Of A Baby Boy, which is his fourth album in the Baby Boy saga, dropped before his 19th birthday, here is an artist of so much promise and one who is only just getting started.
Kahu$h (Kenya)
The rapper brings forth a fresh fusion of Hip Hop and Trap in the Kenyan music scene. Often rapping in a mixture of English and Swahili, Kahu$h is charismatic in his approach, nicely incorporating Kenya’s fashion scene within his music. “MaStingo ft Chris Kaiga” and “Symptoms” balance the light-hearted fun aspect of life with the introspective lyricism, under the dazzling influence of instrumentals that lay the fabulous underbelly for his talent on the mic to shine.
Kahu$h’s music videos tend to show an impressive eye for creative video direction, notably in “MaStingo” which embodies a 1970s aerobics commercial aesthetic. His latest project Wanted In Nairobi landed in December 2020, and we await in anticipation what the Kenyan has in store for us all in 2021.
Ocevne (Switzerland)
Switzerland based, and of Congolese and Burundian descent, Ocevne has a voice as angelic as they come. It has been a strong year for the artist, off the back of 2 EP’s Mwanzo & Moyo Wazi and her subsequent promotional “Music Mondays” campaign, releasing a new single every Monday. The singer’s tones exist within ethereal realms through soulful melodies that encourage journeys beyond the physical state and mellow Afrobeat enthused tones – Ocevne by name, ocean by nature so to speak.
She is currently signed to Rec.118, under Warner Music France, who incidentally have the chart-topping Aya Nakamura on their books. Ocevne has also featured on French giants Tayc and Dadju projects (NYXIA. Tome III and Poison Ou Antidote respectively) adding to her growing reputation in France. 2021 is eagerly anticipated in her camp creatively, as we look to see if an extended project or an album is on the horizon.
Enny (UK)
South London’s very own Enny debuted in 2020 in such assured fashion, many would have assumed she has been in the game for many a year. Contributing as part of the music collective “Silhouette Project” that contains exciting emerging UK artists, the rapper’s ability has been bubbling behind the scenes for some time. Enny’s sound is distinctly laced with intricate wordplay that sits effortlessly in tune with silky flows amongst soulful beats. A strong sense of introspection is invigorated, as well as a proudly strong London aesthetic that many would identify with. Enny has previously stated her musical influences include Nas and Lauryn Hill, and that is no surprise given the lyricist’s approach to the art form.
Notable single “Peng Black Girls ft Amia Brave” is a wonderful celebration of Black female identity, with the aims of dismantling white beauty standards and showcasing the multifaceted nature of Black women, regardless of shade, shape, and hairstyle. Phenomenon Jorja Smith combined seamlessly with Enny for a COLORS performance, and subsequent studio remix, which sharpened the reputation of Enny through the lens of music critics and is now signed to Jorja Smith’s label FAMM.
2020 truly has been an exceptional year for Enny, and we look with a keen eye just what 2021 may bring for the smooth operator.
Omah Lay (Nigeria)
The stars seem to have aligned for Omah Lay, as it appears he is destined for musical stardom. Not only does he hail from cultural melting pot Port Harcourt in Nigeria, he is also the grandson of the sensational Celestine Ukwu who was a legendary Highlife artist in the late 1970s. Omah Lay is in good company with renowned artists who are from the same region of Nigeria à la Burna Boy. Originally beginning life as a producer gaining popularity, he transitioned to the mic and is now radiating a sonic fusion of Afrobeats and Altè Cruise.
Ending 2019 with “Do Not Disturb and “Hello Brother”, Omah Lay gave only a snippet of what was to come. Soon came “Bad Influence” before the release of his debut EP “Get Layd” that featured rhythmic “Lo Lo”. His growing reputation earnt him a collaboration with 6LACK on “Damn” featuring on latest EP “What Have We Done”, which embodies an eclectic R&B and Afrobeats enthused sound, with subtle references drawn from Igbo Highlife Music. It is Omah Lay’s dazzling voice that harmonises over delicate melodies resulting in a delightful melange of the cosmic Altè movement, the bouncy rhythms of Afrobeats and too the sultry essence of R&B and Funk.
Emil (UK)
Arriving as an unknown entity in 2020, producer Emil rewinds us back to the famous Jazz era rich in beautiful saxophone and piano chords. The South East Londoner released divinely named tape Ambrosia in 2020. Featuring the London rappers A2 and Knucks, a hotbed of instrumentals full of gorgeous samples that invite you to sit back and soak in its glorious wonder. Furthermore, Ambrosia is wonderfully drizzled in the hazy gloss of Jazz influenced hip-hop beats and graceful keys that arouse the nodes of calmness. It truly is a “Perfect Peace”.
Arlo Parks (UK)
Very few have had a more successful 2020 creatively than Arlo Parks has. The singer-songwriter and Poet is of Chadian, Nigerian and French descent, and has a voice so innocently tender and jaw-dropping. Soothing in a manner than lulls the listener into a state of calmness, as she explores the more uncomfortable facets of human experience in a reassuring manner. Arlo delves into a fusion of Pop and Folk, intertwined with her soft vocals that deftly tackles human vulnerability and self-discovery. Arlo has been on a single’s frenzy in 2020, releasing numerous songs to huge fanfare, with “Eugene” alone attracting 16 million streams on Spotify.
January 29th 2021 will see the release of Arlo Parks’ debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams that promises to be a stellar body of work.
Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
Another young prodigy in the Amapiano scene, Kelvin Momo is a name consistently mentioned in the discussion surrounding talent pushing the genre to the forefront. His joint project with Babalwa titled Bayeke released in August 2020, not long after his debut album Momo’s Private School dropped in July 2020, receiving rave reviews from South Africans alike. Emanating a more ambient sound with the experimental use of enchanting saxophones, soulful xylophone chimes and glossy vocals. The South African beautifully captures the warmth of sandy beaches and the sweet aroma of Pina Colada’s at day parties in the summer sun through wizardry in the studio.
Gaidaa (Netherlands)
Encompassing the sultry smooth is singer-songwriter Gaidaa, educating us on her Sudanese roots through dreamy music. Currently residing in the Netherlands, “Morning Blue” gained over 1 million streams in 2020, forming part of her debut album “Overture”. A stellar COLORS performance roused the audience with her soothing voice of the Neo-Soul variety that serves to cleanse the clutter from your mind. Gaidaa’s lyricism is often evocative and moving, wonderfully enriched by her impressive vocal ability. Through life’s inevitable sinister turns, and darkened narrow paths, Gaidaa somehow manages to embody the light beckoning from its enclaves.
Midas the Jagaban (UK)
Coming into 2020 with a bang was Midas The Jagaban, with her energetic and eclectic anthem “Come We Bill Ehh” and “Party With A Jagaban” during a time of worldwide lockdown and uncertainty. Characterised by grinning teeth and free flow dancing, Midas The Jagaban came through with the vibe we all needed as Covid-19 latched its cancerous self on us all. Her EP, appropriately named Midas Touch featured Gqom sensation Sho Madjozi and South London rapper Ramz, marrying elements of UK Afroswing, Afrobeats, South African keys with a London twang in an eclectic fashion.
Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
You won’t have to stray too far into the world of Amapiano without coming across the seraphic voice of Sha Sha. The Zimbabwean spent 2019 serenading us all “Tender Love”, “Something About You” and her subsequent EP Blossom. A delightful composition of inviting tones that jumble wonderfully to reimagine existing ballads that British UK Garage and Funky House fans will know too well. Irish-English duo Moloko’s - “Sing It Back” was beautifully reconceptualized by Sha Sha in “Sing It Back”, an Amapiano refix.
Sha Sha, through her intoxicatingly brilliant collaborations, is able to showcase the vibrancy shared between Amapiano, UK Garage and UK Funky House. It is without a doubt that 2020 has been quiet for the musician, though she received the prestigious award for BET for Best International Act. A woman of her talents is surely ready to show out in 2021?
Tessellated (Jamaica)
An artist that specialises in fusion, Tessellated has become known for his Jazz, Reggae, Dancehall, and Latin hybrid form of his music. Rather fitting, given the term “Tessellated” means “repeated shapes, especially polygons, that fit together closely without gaps or overlaps”. The artist himself manages to compile differing genres into a pleasant sound decorated by bass riffs, trumpets and saxophones. In 2020, Tessellated released his only project Tropics Vol. 1, rich in sounds that divert your mind to the more equatorial realms, glistened by a Patois tongue.
Xenia Mannaseh (Kenya)
With a name as exotic as her own voice, Xenia Manasseh blends R&B and Neo-Soul with a Swahili twang that is beginning to turn heads. Initially spending time in Berklee College of Music in Boston, before moving to Atlanta to harness her sound, she now finds herself back in native Nairobi ready to reap what she has sown. The songwriter was also a protégé of Mr Eazi’s EmPawa Africa initiative, focusing on harnessing and investing in up and coming talented African musicians.
Xenia Manasseh released an EP in 2019 Falling Apart professing admirable vulnerability, in a world so volatile, often on guitar strung beats with vocals that bring forth a sense of tranquillity. Moreover, singles “Niambie” and “Lowkey” neatly encompass what Xeniah represents as an artist who is introspectively in tune with emotions as one could ever be. She has had her fair share of hardship, including the loss of personal belongings during a fire at Berklee College, though now she looks to turn this tragedy into triumph.
Elaine (South Africa)
At only 21 years old, Elaine has already built a strong reputation in South Africa for her rose golden voice and enigmatic aura. Notably, her vocals more often than not are garnished with a strong sense of self-assurance and confidence whilst simultaneously delving into the tender enclaves of love. “You’re The One” has attracted 4.8 million views on YouTube alone, and counting, which features on her debut EP Elements that delivers a fantastic blend of R&B and Trap-Soul in sensual fashion.
Elaine is now signed to US record label Columbia, and thus her future is one that continues to shine ever bright.
Nenny (Portugal)
The Portuguese Hip-Hop Tuga scene continues to evade Anglophone nations, presumably because of the language barrier. However, someone as charismatic and talented as Nenny certainly has the tools to overcome these stigmas, powering through with her uber-cool demeanor portraying a young woman unphased by the spotlight. The singer-songwriter and rapper enjoyed a spectacular 2020, releasing her EP Aura, featuring the hit “Bùssola” and groovy “+351 (call me)” displaying both wonderful vocal ability and adeptness in dropping bars behind the mic. Blessing our soundwaves with R&B, Dancehall, and Hip Hop vibe in amongst an impressive pen game and delivery with likeable swagger. As 2021 reared its head, so came a stellar COLORS performance. Nenny is an artist that potentially possesses much more within her arsenal, with so much more to come. She is only 18 years old.
Gazo (France)
Drill took the world by storm in 2020, though overshadowed by the horrific death of Brooklyn sensation Pop Smoke. Variants of Drill exist within the UK, USA and Australia, though it can be argued that the UK has established itself at the forefront of the genre.
Enter France, and Gazo, who leads the sound that is currently booming in the French streets. Characterised by French-laden, potent bars and a greazy flow, Gazo would and should be turning up the bass in the clubs of Paris right about now. In similar to MHD’s Afrotrap saga, Gazo has been releasing singles “Drill FR” in parts, with “Drill FR 4 ft Freeze Corleone” attracting 10 million streams alone. Productions are heavy duty and often Gazo comes with raw thumpers in explosive fashion, capturing his energy in artistic ways. Following a bout of singles, we await a full project from Gazo who is simmering at the brim, ready to take the world by storm.
Gambino LaMG (France)
French artists have become synonymous with their unique fusions of established sounds, to create another. Enter Gambino LaMG, who has fused Congolese Lingala rhythms with Drill, elements of Afro-Trap, and even in some circumstances there is experimentation with Grime. What is even more astonishing, is that Gambino LaMG is yet to release a project, relying solely on singles that seem to all be interconnected sagas. Combined with his potent tongue, militarian cadence, harmonising auto-tune and booming riffs, singles such as “Bedo #13”, “Saison #5” and “Pop Smoke #8” are head boppers and party poppers. For sure Gambino LaMG makes you wonder about his potential reception in clubs if not for Covid-19.
With Gambino LaMG, it is simple. An artist with a unique appreciation of sounds with the trajectory that suggests he is well on way to form his own through his gritty lens of French existence.
Kamo Mphela (South Africa)
Dancing and social media influencer extraordinaire, pushing the narrative that dancers too are artists. Another protégé of Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa scheme, Kamo is an astute performer, possesses phenomenal stage presence, and expertly marries two key principles of the South African scene: dance and music.
Kamo skilfully combines feel-good Amapiano melodies and rhythms with a low-tone singing voice that enacts the nodes in your body to move in electric fashion. Often appearing with such poise, the 21 year old lays claim to the talent, show-stealing nature and limitless levels of confidence that for sure will rocket her toward global stardom.
Julinho KSD (Portugal)
From the shores of Portugal comes Julinho KSD, one who cemented his name within the Hip Hop/Rap Tuga scene. Co-signed by the great Richie Campbell in an interview of Ubunifu Radio via No Signal Radio, the Julinho KSD amalgamizes Hip Hop, Reggae, Dancehall and Zouk that has Portugal and Lusophone countries celebrating his name. Operating both in delivering slick rap flows and harmonising vocals, the Portuguese artist is beginning to form a lane of his own. Unsurprisingly, the stir he has caused globally is reciprocated in raw numbers, with singles “Hoji N’Ka To Rola” and “Sentimento Safari” accumulating 19 million views on YouTube collectively.
This is no easy feat, particularly given Julinho KSD is yet to release any kind of project of significance though his influence is clear to see. His nous of finding a unique median in which he half-sings half-raps allows him to deliver scintillating melodies and catchy hooks, regardless of your own tongue. Language barrier breaking, and genre re-defining is his forte, and so here lies an artist who’s potential sits amongst the well-known.
Matata (Norway)
Gengetone continues to cause a ruckus in Kenya, and Matata, a collective of five, are the ones leading the pack. Consisting of five members, stylish in attire and choreography, bringing forth a refreshing sense of enjoyment. Gengetone is a sub-genre that interweaves Dancehall, Reggaeton and Hip Hop resulting in a raw spectacle of energy, broadcasted by Kenya’s transport buses, also known as “Matatu’s”.
Matata are colourful in their expression, exhibiting freedom in lively tones with an added feel-good factor. Their energy is the type that rubs off on the listener, inspiring you to do anything but lounge around when met with their bouncy, bass-laden tracks like the jumpy “Kata”. You can imagine why Matata have become synonymous with Matatu culture – a bus rocking off its suspension hinges as it flies through Nairobi whilst Matata’s braggadocios energy rumbles on. Surprisingly, the group is yet to release a full project so perhaps 2021 may be the year they turn it up.
Yaw Tog (Ghana)
Drill in Ghana? Yes, you read that correctly. “Kumerica” refers to the city of Kumasi, coined by the combination of Kumasi and America, refers to young people of adopt an American aesthetic in their slang, accent and dressing style in Ghana. Born from this scene is Yaw Tog, who released the viral Drill song “SORE”, an intriguing fusion of the Chicago-born genre and Ghanaian colloquialisms. Dressed with the synth riffs and playful adlibs we’ve come to expect from Dill, Yaw Tog also gives us the lowdown of Ghanaian street politics through his charismatic rapping ability without even breaking sweat.
Yaw Tog is as veritable as they come, bearing the Ghanaian Drill scene’s Olympic torch. With no EP or album under his belt and an array of viral singles, Yaw Tog seems primed and ready to grab 2021 by its horns.
Reece Madlisa and Zuma (South Africa)
The pair come like two peas in a pod and have had a tremendous 2020 respectively. Their brand of Amapiano is drizzled with endearing community influence and underground beginnings, often recording music videos in the townships amongst modified cars from where the genre was born. Lively, both in their demeanor, fashion sense and irresistible urge to dance, Reece Madlisa and Zuma truly emphasise the growing popularity of this scene. Working with impressive synergy, and rhythms that sink their teeth into Kwaito, Reece Madlisa and Zuma wonderfully mesh two fabulous exports of South Africa in style.
We truly see just how important dancing, as a form of expression, is to Amapiano in all its authentic glory. Captivating in their delivery, not to mention their playful trademark adlib “Ah ha!”, Reece Madlisa and Zuma capture the tangible sense of gleaming happiness Amapiano embodies.