African artists to look-out for right now
2022 is upon us we have compiled a comprehensive list of top African rising artists to put on your watch list.
The crop of upcoming artists in Africa continues to rise as the music industry becomes more accessible and welcoming to upcoming and independent artists.
Nciza, Nate, and Natasha Chansa are three of the 6 artists you need to know right now in Africa.
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Natasha Chansa
Natasha is Zambia’s fastest rising star following the releases her highly anticipated double sided EP, The Genesis.
Her star has risen across Southern Africa with a highly acclaimed debut project that has since received much rave reviews and seen her being dubbed by many as the rap star to look out for.
On The Genesis, Natasha’s story unfolds. She has shown a few of her abilities, now she wants to explain what really makes her who she is.
Because of her versatile abilities, Natasha Chansa has allowed her alter ego to be a separate artist because of the difference in narratives & expressions.
She calls her ‘Pro’. Pro is basically the rap side of Natasha Chansa, therefore, The Genesis EP is composed of (2) two sides, Side A: Pro & Side B: Natasha Chansa both consisting of (5) five singles each.
With her highly impeccable penmanship and hunger to continually push the envelope a lot can be expected from the rising rap star going into 2022 as she continues to stake a claim in the music scene in Southern Africa.
Nate
The self-proclaimed King of the Coast, Unathi Mtolo popularly known as Nate has been on the radar for a while.
2021 saw Nate’s star rise to different heights following the release of his single titled Singashona featuring Mlindo The Vocalist and Aubrey Qwana.
Nate has diffused himself all across the urban afro soul scene over the past year, maintaining ubiquity with innumerable appearances on other people’s songs with the notable one being his latest feature on Jamville hit single Ingoma which debuted at number 7 on the radio monitor charts.
2022 will be marked as a notable year for Nate as he gears up to release his long awaited EP.
Nate has brought a unique approach to the music scene and his cross over market appeal will ensure South Africans from all walks of life get to enjoy his music for a long time to come.
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Jst Sako
Daveyton born and bred star Jst Sako describes himself as a young African man that’s passionate about life, music and the experiences that shape him into the man that he aspires to become daily.
Following the release of his latest EP Jst Sako has once again exhibited his versatility as an artist as he continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
A project filled with sensational vocal performances and symphonic instrument arrangements met with the sound of the South African streets’ Amapiano log drum, Jst Sako’s 1Five20 is bringing a lot of heat to your summer playlists.
Stay tuned on Jst Sako’s socials and follow him closely as he gears up to release more music and visuals in 2022.
Lordkez
lordkez a young, emerging musician and multi-disciplinary artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
lordkez’s voice exists on an ethereal plane. In one moment, it can drill into the souls with the strength of a full choir.
In the next, it’s blissfully soothing, sweeping whoever is lucky enough to hear it into a cloud of comfort. It always commands attention.
In 2021 she released her EP titled “midsummer” a beautiful blend of RnB & Soul with some dance and hip-hop notes that brings the impressive diversity out of one of South Africa’s rising voices.
After setting the tone with her midsummer EP a lot can be expected from lordkez in 2022 as she gears up to release her highly awaited debut studio album.
Kahren
Whether weaving her melodies between Spanish guitars, Afrobeats percussion or pop rhythms, Kahren’s enigmatic lyricism invariably leaves listeners with something to ponder.
The Nigerian rising soul singer, dropped her debut EP, “I Think I Know Her” in 2021 predominantly sung over Afrobeat production blended with LoFi piano and guitar instrumentation.
The solid 5-track display of brilliant songwriting transcending fluidly to the sonorous and well composed tracks.
On her debut project, Kahren touches on different subject matter, she finds solace on the intro track “Breathe”, expresses self-worth while reprimanding a lover on “Mistake”, shows her vulnerable side on “Mirror” while still giving listeners the strong-willed enigmatic “Safa” (short for ‘stay away far away’).
Dubbed by many as one of the voices to look out for in 2022 expect more from Kahren in 2022 both visuals and new music.
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Ciza
The son of Mafikizolo lead singer, Nhlanhla Nciza, and SA music mogul, TK Nciza, Ciza grew up surrounded and influenced by some of the country’s biggest artists like DJ Maphorisa, Zahara, DJ Sbu, AKA, Mafikizolo, ProKid, and Robbie Malinga.
Influenced by the new age Afrobeats fusion melodies of Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy, Ciza has prioritized adapting his African-rooted sounds and stories for a Gen Z audience, with the intention of taking them global.
With his debut single “Come Alive” (2020) reaching #1 on the SA Radio Charts, Ciza’s follow up single “Adje”(2020) capitalised on this success, notching up over 1 million views on Youtube and breaking across Europe, featuring on BBC Extra 1’s Afro-pop chart.
Ciza’s debut EP, Golden Boy Pack (2021), was created during lockdown and is intended to bring a sense of joy and relief to those who have suffered during the ongoing pandemic.
Featuring DJ Maphorisa, Marioo, Major League, and Abidoza, Ciza’s intention with his debut EP is to spark a dance party and evoke feelings of joyfulness, while celebrating African pride on a global scale.
After bring named as one of Apple Music’s Up Next artist in South Africa, Nciza is all but set to dominate in 2022 as he aims to continue his impressive run so far.
