These 10 artists have earned their mark and are those to watch in 2025.
As has been our tradition, we at the end of every music year attempt to unearth and shine a light on the most outstanding and upcoming music gems with diamond potential that have had a stellar music year. In 2021, our coveted list had stars Ayra Starr, BNXN, Joshua Baraka, Rema, Ckay, and others who have gone on shine in various music spheres. 2022 saw us manifest the success of Fave, Victony, Asake, and others. It is therefore our honor once again to present some of the fast rising artist who have made their mark this musical year 2024.
Read Also: 2022 Wrapped: 8 New Artists Who Have Rocked & Won Our Hearts This Year
Priority has been given to those who presented at least an EP (Extended Play), full length studio album and held a concert or at least had a track/ song that’s crashed the mainstream circuit and had a bubble performance on the charts, radio airplay, and music streaming services and also have potential to stand the test of time.
Either way, we’re acknowledging artists who’ve made considerable strides and earned bigger spots on our radar over the past 12 months.
This year’s list, just like the past years’ is dominated by artists who encompass versatility from the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, pop and African music. Some may not have necessarily started their musical journey this year, and neither is it implied that their debut output dropped within the duration of the last year. Rather, this is a recognition of a bump in their rise in 2024; whether on their first major effort or even after a few years on the scene. Read below to find out more about the artists who Mugibson believes are the ones to watch in 2025.
Aaronx
Born Mukwaya Aaron, professionally known as Aaronx, the emerging Ugandan singer, song writer swept through Tiktok like a wildfire, thanks to his soulful ballad “Njalwala”. Despite being a 2023 release, it gained momentum in 2024, even clinching him an opportunity to perform at the Davido TIMLESS Concert at Kololo. He would later share a remix of the already sizzling track featuring Sheebah.
What makes Aaronx standout from his peers is how he infuses soul into R&B and contemporary Ugandan sounds. His journey to stardom started in lockdown where he used part of his savings to pay for studio sessions.
His persistence, self-belief, spirited vocals and pen prowess as a song writer have since landed him on the brink of stardom at the R&B/ Soul and Afropop front. He is therefore shaping his path to stardom and looking to shake not just the Ugandan but African music scene, come 2025. On this journey, he has also unwrapped another super star collaboration, featuring Winnie Nwagi on the track Masanyalaze , lifted off his debut EP My Love, further showcasing his talent and expanding his reach in the Ugandan music industry. To guide and strengthen his career trajectory, Aaronx has partnered with Joel Peter Banks Wadero, a veteran artist and talent manager, so 2025 should be Aaronx’s year.
Soundlykbb
Soundlykbb has been churning out music for years. In his vault is various freestyle that he has consistently uploaded to his Sound cloud artist profile. With his poignant delivery abilities, BB collaborated with his mate Lagum the Rapper in 2022 and blessed our speakers with a forever ear worm of an anthem that is “Kampala”.
Conjuring at Godspeed-scale, the rising star has this year landed a name in the mainstream, thanks to his collaborative effort with Tai Dai and Kaboo “Thursday”, joint EP with Baru “Proof of Life”, and other standout bodies of work like the Made in Entebbe EP. His poignant sound that blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, lyrics, upbeat rhythmic production and experimental sounds plus innovation when it comes to his output have solidified Soundlykbb’s status as one to watch, in the coming musical year.
Odeal
UK-based Nigerian man of the season Odeal not only emerged as a standout voice in the Afro-RnB scene but has also achieved R&B royalty this 2024.
Backed by his smooth, soulful vocals and seamless fusion of traditional Afrobeats with modern R&B and pop, Odeal has been a fresh breath to the music this 2024. Prior to global acclaim he’s attained this year, his breakout single “Don’t Read Signs” marked the beginning of his rise, but it was his 2024 hit “Soh Soh” that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. The infectious rhythm and playful energy of “Soh Soh” turned it into a summer anthem, celebrating carefree moments and the joy of friendship with its vibrant, party-ready vibe. This track not only went viral like a wild life but also further highlighted Odeal’s knack for blending catchy melodies with evocative storytelling, establishing him as one of the most exciting new talents in Afro-RnB.
In terms of range, Odeal’s distinctive style is often compared to that of Brent Faiyaz for his rich, hypnotic vocals, has garnered widespread praise for its depth and creative production. His ability to weave African cultural elements into global contemporary sounds has earned him a dedicated following, and his success with “Soh Soh” has set the stage for an even brighter future. With his growing influence and undeniable charisma, Odeal’s artistry continues to evolve, and his 2024 achievements signal that he is one of the key new voices to watch in the genre, a journey who’s momentum he has already continued with his freshly released EP “Lustropolis”, a follow up to Sunday At Zuri’s.
Tai Dai
On the surface, Tai Dai looks like one more product of the commercially flourishing but creatively somewhat stagnant Ugandan rap universe. On her 2024 break out Soundlykbb assisted, Daddy Kaboo produced single Thursday, dropped a steady never heard before flow not only setting her apart from her peers but also sound tracking the weekend, as Thursdays lead to Friday which ushers in the weekend. Her style of music is her own style of urban cool, and seems to belong to an entirely different world. The success of Thursday also comes at a time when Ugandan urban music is having a well-deserved moment.
Should the genre blending rapper stay this consistent, she’s on her path to becoming a bonafide star not just in here in her home country but worldwide, thanks to her arsenal that includes her vocals, melodies, and pen game that sees her weave African cultural sounds into contemporary R&B, Afrobeats and rap. She’s a part of the infectious wave of fast rising musicians to raise the Ugandan flag higher this year. It can only go upward and onward for her come 2025.
Acidic Vokoz
His heart break themed electrifying 2024 hit single “It’s Okay” instantly drew in anyone just based off its alarming title and also its melodic intro. Acidic Vokoz (born Mutwahilu Kakaire)’s honeyed vocals and delivery on this one captivated listeners.
The rising star shaped his musical journey with tracks such as “Nkulinako Crush” and “Last Chance” which amassed him a loyal fan base. He this year held his maiden concert “Ndi Musoga” at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, which was well attended. Acidic’s unique fusion of Afropop, R&B and psychedelic music, as well as his daring spirit to be vulnerable while entertaining at the same time has positioned him as a force to be reckoned with and one of the notable young talents we’ve seen pop this year — and he’ll continue shining as one of Uganda’ boldest new voices.
Tungi
What happens when you mix an intoxicating youthful energy with soulful depth with sprinkles of high life hip-hop while blending it with Afro-fusion and R&B elements, tied together with melodically enchanting vocals? One of 2024’s biggest breakthroughs acts: Tungi happens. The sultry talented singer born Mutugi Keith has swiftly made a name for himself in the industry since 2022. In a space of two years, he has captivated audiences with his sound. This coupled with his stellar stage performances have made him one of the most booked acts this year.
He’s not ended there, he’s gone on to release projects, Life of Sound, The Pearl of Africa Vol. 1 and The Pearl of Africa Vol. 2 among other collaborations with his peers Soundlykbb and Lagum the Rapper, Sente, among others; furthering his acclaim both digitally and in music consuming circles, thereby portraying his relentless hunger for growth as an artist. Tungi stands out as undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in East Africa, and his continued evolution is one to watch.
- Sabrina Carpenter
To her name has been hit songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”, among the many that have been a testament to her prowess not only as a vocalist but an introspective songwriter as well. This has built on from the success of her 2022 album emails i can’t send, which earned billions of streams. This year, she also dropped the fruitcake EP, featuring a festive remix of her hit “Nonsense.” Carpenter’s influence extended beyond music, as she earned a Grammy nomination and was included in TIME’s 100 list, underscoring her growing impact on both the music industry and popular culture.
In the simplest form of expression, we would all agree, when it comes to pop, Sabrina Carpenter has been that girl all 2024 long. Sabrina has not only showcased capabilities in ruling the charts but in acting as well. Recognized for her authenticity and musical growth, Carpenter’s rise in 2024 has been marked by significant milestones. Being named Variety’s Rising Star and honored with a Grammy nomination reflect her increasing prominence in the industry. Carpenter’s ability to write deeply personal songs that resonate with a broad audience, coupled with her expanding global fan base, ensures that she remains a standout artist in contemporary pop.
Jenesis
The young man born Genesis Kimera was already a regional phenomenon in the underground urban music circles. The year 2024 is what has been the year that he broke containment and went national, landing the out-of-nowhere viral hit “Co-Driver”. Original Jenesis carries with him an entrancing luxuriant R&B voice, which we can all agree places him among the healthy percentage of most exciting artists to break through this year. Since 2 years ago, Jenesis has burst life and color to his catalogue with various features/ collaborative efforts, plus a whole full length album “Risky Business”, serving as a stepping stone to his guaranteed musical star greatness.
Shallipopi
Plutomania’s Presido has had such a run this 2024! From showcasing his artistic versatility on collaborations including Benin Boys, where he teams up with Rema to celebrate their shared roots and unique styles (since they are both of Benin backgrounds).
Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama has had noteworthy music success and that’s all owing to his vibrant blend of Afropop and hip-hop. He first stepped into the spotlight in 2023 after signing with Dvpper Music and his breakout single Elon Musk becoming a viral sensation, and later dropping a remix to it featuring Fireboy DML and Zlatan Ibile further amplifying its reach.
Building on that momentum, Shallipopi later released his debut album, Presido La Pluto and mid this year followed it up with Shakespopi. It birthed chart topping singles like ASAP and Billion further solidifying his place not just in the contemporary Nigerian music scene but globally too.
Honorary mentions: Sente and Mwami. Who have been the outstanding new acts in the music world on your end? Let me know in the comments or via social.
Related: 2023 Wrapped: 9 New & Unmissable Artists Who Have Rocked & Won Our Hearts This Year
