This year promises another roll-call of amazing artists, ready to break through to fame and mainstream streaming success.  This year,  Spotify has announced their list of artists to look out for. African music has propelled global interest in Afrobeats and Amapiano music. In 2022 breakthrough artists included the likes of  Buju, Costa Titch, and Asake, who made it onto the Wrapped top lists at the end of 2022. From South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania to Uganda with a wide array of styles, cultures and perspectives, these artists are, according to Spotify data, the ones to watch in 2023.

THIS YEAR LOOK OUT FOR

Pabi Cooper

With her hit single Waga Bietjie doing numbers on social media, and a feature on the lineup for Afro Nation Portugal- 2023 is shaping up to be Pabi Cooper's best yet. A professional football referee turned dancer and singer- this triple threat is sure to heat up playlists throughout the year.

Boontle RSA

A regular feature on over a dozen of 2022's hottest Amapiano tracks including Wenza Kanjani and Polo this South African artist and songwriter is primed to make 2023 his breakout year. 

Uncle Waffles

Lungelihle Zwane, or Uncle Waffles as she is affectionately known, has quickly established herself as a major driver of fashion, music, and Amapiano culture. Following her social media virality in 2021, she shot into stardom - with her track Tanzania topping charts for months on end.

Nkosazana Daughter

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter Nkosazana Daughter is a fast-rising star in the Amapiano genre. In 2023 she received her first award nomination in the "Best Female MVP" category at the SoundCity MVP Awards Festival, making her a definite artist to watch. 

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Jay Jody

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Phologo Judah Mataboge, popularly known by his stage name Jay Jody, is a rapper singer-songwriter with beginnings as one half of the rap duo B3nchMarQ. Now making a name for himself as a solo artist, we're excited to see where Jay Jody will go from here.

Young Stunna

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With massive hit tracks like Sete and Adiwelem, Young Stunna has made his mark within the Amapiano genre - and he's only going up from here.

Blue Tape

With tracks such as The Confrontation and blvck kidZ, BLUE Tape's fresh, mellow vibe has garnered a dedicated listenership. Having collaborated with other up-and-comers such as A-Reece and Jay Jody, BLUE TAPE's sound is just getting started.

Khanyisa

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Having started out as a social media personality, Khanyisa Jaceni moved to music in 2021 and quickly found her place in the Amapiano genre. Her breakthrough song Bheka Mina Ngedwa together with Lady Du, put her on our radar.

Lwah Ndlunkulu

Vocalist Lwandile Mtshali, better known as Lwah Ndlunkulu, has been on a steady upward trajectory since her debut single, Home in 2021. Lwah Ndlunkulu's prominent feature on the collaborative track Voicemail by Big Zulu has distinguished herself as a voice in the groove scene.

Will Linley

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Will Linley (21) began writing songs at a young age, eventually moving to TikTok to begin his musical journey in 2021. His 2021 debut single Miss me (when you're gone) became a radio hit in South Africa, establishing Will as a rising star in pop music.

Droomsindroom

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Brother duo Droomsindroom has been a trailblazer in the Afrikaans indie pop music scene. With two singles and an EP dropped last year alone, we're sure that Droomsindroom is primed for even greater success. 

Officixl RSA

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Officixl RSA's hypnotic beats, with tracks like Drumonades and Jozi Night make his music a staple for any groove night and we're excited to move to more of his sound in 2023.