Djembe Music Blog

Written by: Elijah Munkombwe

A radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previous elite world of classical music-with a little help from African folklore, Dark Academia and Fashion. Gen Z’s are comfortable in blending in different sounds making their music be on everybody’s playlist track. From Talé Shezzy, Bobo Wê, Kamoetc, these are a list of Young, African and Changing the face of African music.

Talé Shezzy (ZAMBIA)

Born Mubinga Mutale Chileshe also known as Talé Shezzy in the music spaces is a new wave artist sweeping the previously elite classical music in the Zambian music business. With a strikingly eccentric style approach to his music, fusing in rap, soul and funk, Talé showcases his own unique twist on the sound with his laid back flow and a conscious poetic lyricism. With 4 bodies of work in 2023, Talé represents the new globally connected generation of Zambians and one of the new faces of undiluted, musical and artistic expression in Africa.

Bobo Wê (BENIN)

Second artist on our pick this week is Bobo Wê, a rapper from Benin better known for his singles such as ‘Hustler’, ‘La Jungle’ and ‘Ma Promesse’. Blending traditional music with contemporary urban a sound which he calls ‘gangan Trap’. With HUSTLERS being one of the most streamed songs, this young rapper is surely promising to be Africa’s raw talent to look out for. 

Kamo_ww (SOUTH AFRICA)

With South Africa being the home of Amapiano sounds, it has since introduced us to mega stars with the likes of Uncle Waffles, Tyler ICU and to name a few. This also goes for the 21-year-old content creator who is taking over digital media and branching out to being an Amapiano legend. With over 246K followers on Instagram, he has introduced his followers to ‘ABAFANA’ which serves as his debut single as a recording artist. 

Ariel Wayz (RWANDA)

This 23-year-old Rwandan singer is a true definition of a Gen Z who is not afraid to break taboos and challenge her fans. Since her break out in 2020, Ariel has been a music sensation in the Rwandan music game. With the release of ‘10 Days’, this 23-year-old seems to not be stopping from giving her fans what they want. 

Dato Seiko (BOTSWANA)

Since the release of her much anticipated EP, Grace Effect. Dato has cemented herself to be one female artist to look out for in the music scene. With her sound which she describes as Genre Fluid, this Tswana singer is a must listen to in 2023. 

Ricky G (NAMIBIA)

Namibia’s music industry has become so diverse that every genre is catered for. And this Namibian songstress is one of many to experience the expansion of the industry. After releasing her single titled ‘Trouble’ she has since attracted fans on social media. The song which represents and summarizes the burdens that she has faced in her life so far.

These are our top artists for the week! Stream their songs amongst other African artists via our Spotify playlist