Showbiz
These Breakout Stars Could Push African Music Boundaries in 2025
African artists always capture hearts, souls and playlists and 2024 was no different for the continent’s culture-making, record-breaking stars. Shining bright from Afrobeats to Amapiano and beyond, Spotify Wrapped2024 looks at African artists who made magic and those you need to add to your library in 2025.
Afrobeats to Amapiano hitmakers to look out for
The Amapiano movement saw new acts like Scotts Maphuma and singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo shine bright, with respective hits Yebo Lapho and Thula Mabota. These tunes stood out for fans and brought the pair to the top two spots on their local breakout artists lists.
DJ duo Shakes & Les follow thanks to their electro-amapiano-infused debut album MKHAYA, which attracted new fans and propelled them to be the third most discovered artists in South Africa according to Spotify data. Soweto-born vocalist Lee McKrazy was one of the most featured artists of 2024, making him a hitmaker to look out for this year.
Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano could see even more collaborations in the new year. As the second-highest Amapiano consumer with over 50 billion streams, Nigeria’s artists are giving local fans what they want by working Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats. Songs like Are You There, by leading breakout artist Ayo Maff are further signs of this trend. The self-proclaimed Prince of the Street is a performer to watch out for in 2025.
Tml Vibez’s piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies took second place in Nigeria’s breakout artists list. BoyPee won hearts and feet and the third breakout artist position with his infectious mix of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds. Tracks like Ogechi with Davido, illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artist to look out for this year.
Afrobeats star KAESTYLE is Nigeria’s fourth-ranking new musician, thanks to his feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity and resilience. And Llona’s passionate Afropop songs, like Cold War with compatriot FAVE, reflected the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase – earning him fifth place on Spotify’s breakout artists charts.
Gospel, Rap and Arbantone hitmakers to know
Beyond Amapiano and Afrobeats sounds, Durban-born rapper Usimamane got South Africa’s hip-hop heads saying his name with his breakthrough single Cheque. Getting together with familiar names like YoungstaCPT, ANATII and K.O made sure his debut album would turn heads and establish Usimamane as an exciting prospect for the continent’s rap scene.
Rapper and producer King Paluta’s dynamic blend of traditional rhythms and hiplife made him a name to be reckoned with. Fans have gravitated to his bumping beats and confessional loverboy lyrics on songs like Makoma. At the end of 2024, he dropped his debut album, Give Time Some Time, giving fans more Reggae, Afrobeat, and Gospel-inspired sounds to sink into in the new year.
Gospel sounds continue to prosper on the continent as groups like Team Eternity Ghana reached the masses in 2024. Starting as a fellowship of school students, they combine enchanting melodies with evangelical messages that resonate with spiritual song seekers. Tracks like Defe Defe which put them on the map, were remixed for genres like Drill, thus attracting younger fans who found the group through viral dance challenges.
Kweku Smoke uses religious metaphors and imagery on his Kewku Jesus and Born in Hell albums. His vibrant rap with lyrics in Twi, Pidgin and English made him a standout artist in 2024. He took on themes like the struggle between authenticity and a new identity as one rises to stardom. Asakaa and Drill-inspired singer-songwriter, Xlimkid, made a name for himself with party bangers like Valley of Trappers and the emotionally loaded Lonely Road. Goodsin hitmaker Olivetheboy continued to ride the wave from his debut project Avanna, shaking up Ghana’s music scene in 2024 with the Deluxe release of the album. Being tapped for a feature on King Promise’s True To Self album allowed new listeners to discover Olivetheboy.
Kenya’s Arbantone is expected to continue growing in popularity this year. Singer, dancer, and choreographer Sean MMG was one of the breakout names of the genre and fellow rapper YBW Smith also solidified his breakthrough with viral hits like Pop Like This. Lil Maina’s Genge urban sounds and Swahili, Sheng and English lyrics made him a household Arbantone name and one to keep an eye on this year. Spotify has also supported the growth of the genre through unique playlists showcasing new and established artists.
These up-and-coming artists show the bright future that African music has ahead of it. From Afrobeats and Amapiano blends to linguistic fusions that connect with fans on emotional and spiritual levels, the continent’s sonic identity is more vibrant than ever. These artists should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025.
If you’ve been wondering where all your favourite reality TV shows went after E! Africa went off air, this is for you! Bravo Africa is officially the new plug.
In late August 2025, E! Africa announced it would be discontinuing, with the channel set to go dark on October 7, 2025. For fans who had built their entire reality TV routine around it, the news hit hard. But the gap didn’t stay empty for long.
Bravo Africa stepped in on GOtv Channel 36 with something even better. A fully dedicated space for premium, drama-filled reality television. And if you’re a fan of bold personalities, luxury lifestyles, and unfiltered storytelling, this is one channel you should already have on rotation.
So, what exactly makes Bravo Africa worth your time?
First, the content lineup is stacked. From the iconic Real Housewives franchise, with all its glam, shade, and unforgettable moments, to fan favourites like Below Deck and Married to Medicine, Bravo Africa delivers the kind of addictive TV that keeps you glued episode after episode. It’s the same high-quality reality content E! lovers enjoyed, just more focused and consistently curated.
What also stands out is how the channel leans fully into reality TV culture. This isn’t a mix-and-match entertainment channel; it knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: drama, relationships, ambition, luxury, and real-life chaos (the good kind).
For viewers who loved E! Africa’s blend of lifestyle and celebrity-driven content, Bravo Africa feels like a natural transition. It’s cleaner, more intentional, and built around shows that already have global fanbases and proven engagement.
Access is pretty straightforward, too. If you’re on GOtv Jolli or any higher package, you already have it, no extra stress, no additional subscription needed.
To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Davis Offor, who dazzled many viewers with his role as Clarus in the famous New Masquerade, is dead.
The death of the 83-year-old actor was confirmed on Tuesday by Mr Tony Akposheri, who acted as Zaki in the now-rested comedy sitcom.
“Davis Offor, fondly known as Davis Offor, our own Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.
“Life, as always, had its own plans.
“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space. Knowing you personally was a gift I will always be grateful for.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.
“Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten,” Mr Akposheri wrote on his Facebook page.
If you’ve been sleeping on Africa Magic Originals, consider this your wake-up call. Shows like The Yard, The Low Priest, and Mother of the Brides are racking up nominations at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. From gripping social drama to supernatural chaos and family madness, these homegrown productions are proof that Africa Magic has some of the continent’s most compelling storytelling.
With the awards set to take place on May 9 in Lagos, now is the perfect time to catch up on these standout series. Whether you’re watching for the first time or catching up, Africa Magic Originals are proving why they’re leading the charge in bold, diverse, and unforgettable storytelling.
The Yard
If you love a story where the hero slowly becomes the villain, The Yard was made for you. The series delves into the brutal world of the Ajako bus park, ruled by the ruthless Chief Odafe. It follows Tega, a struggling bus driver, and Odafe Junior, the chairman’s privileged son, who form an unlikely alliance to challenge the system, only to realise that power comes at a dangerous cost.
At AMVCA 12, The Yard is nominated for Best Scripted M-Net Original, Best Series Scripted, and Simileoluwa Hassan is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the series.
Our Husband
Our Husband tells the story of Zara Nnamani, whose seemingly perfect life unravels when she discovers her husband’s infidelity. His sudden fatal heart attack leaves her with a devastating secret, forcing an unlikely alliance with his mistress, Ololade, bound together by a truth that could destroy them both.
The writing is just as sharp as the drama, as the series earned a Best Scripted M-Net Original and Best Writing TV Series nomination for this series, proving that the storytelling is as compelling as the plot itself.
Mother of the Bride
Imagine finding out that your entire inheritance depends on marrying off one of your daughters in 45 days. That’s the premise of Mother of the Brides, and it is as chaotic and delightful as it sounds.
The series is a family drama about a Lagos matriarch who, after her husband’s death, discovers she has 45 days to marry off one of her four daughters or lose her inheritance to tradition. Every episode is basically a masterclass in family pressure, wedding drama, and the very specific madness of Nigerian matchmaking culture.
Gloria Anozie-Young is nominated for Best Lead Actress, alongside a Best Scripted M-Net Original nod for the show itself.
The Low Priest
This one is for everyone who loves their drama laced with supernatural twists. The Low Priest follows two rivals who trespass into a sacred shrine, triggering a fate where one is chosen by the gods and the other is cursed. Directed by Femi Ogunsanwo, the series spans 130 episodes packed with ancient forces, mortal grudges, and moral dilemmas that keep you hooked.
The Low Priest is nominated for Best Scripted M-net Movie.
Cast Your Votes and Catch Up
Public voting is underway and closes on April 26, 2026. Head to africamagic.tv/amvca to cast your votes.
You can also catch these shows on the DStv / GOtv Stream app.
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