The beautiful thing about Afrobeats is that every time it expands, another door opens. Another sound slips through. Another young artist shows up with something fresh — a new tone, a new rhythm, a new kind of hunger.
Earlier this year, we spotlighted names like Ayra Starr, Faceless, Qing Madi, Chocobanti, Darkoo, and Fido—artists rewriting the rules and shaping the culture in real time. But guess what? There’s more heat coming. 2026 already has its own wave forming—bold, promising, and ready to explode.
Below are the names of those leading that next chapter. Five Afrobeats stars to watch out for in 2026
5 Afrobeats Stars to Watch Out for in 2026
Zerrydl
If you know Shallipopi, then you already know his most famous brother—the unofficial member of the Nigerian Migos, or should we say the Migwos—Divine Uzama, better known as Zerrydl. He’s coming straight from Edo with that Benin-bred confidence you simply cannot manufacture.
Yes, he’s Shallipopi’s blood, but Zerry is carving out his own lane inside the Plutomania universe with ease. His sound carries that playful bounce, those catchy, quotable one-liners, and that signature South-South “no stress, just cruise” swagger.
With songs like “Puff & Pass” and “Back to Back,” Zerrydl already has our attention. And honestly? 2026 looks ready to hand him the spotlight he’s been warming up for.
Ayo Maff
Ayo Maff is that guy with the soft voice that just sits well in your chest. His Yoruba-infused music is calm, intentional, and steady. His music doesn’t shout, but it seeps into you.
With tracks like “Dealer,” “7 Days,” and “Wanna Dance,” Maff gives that everyday Lagos-young-boy energy: sweet, reflective, slightly romantic, but always relatable. He’s the type of artist you don’t need to force—once his songs enter your playlist, they don’t leave.
Taves
We honestly don’t know why this young yute isn’t getting all the shine he deserves. Taves is a special kind of Afrobeats artist; he is blending R&B, Afropop, and soul into something effortlessly smooth. He’s a true Lover-Boy with serious depth: sweet vocals, intentional lyrics, and music that feels personal, like he’s speaking directly to you.
We fell in love with “Folake,” his first viral hit—the track made vulnerability feel cute, smooth, and magnetic. Other gems like “in the city” and “Bodija” show why this promising talent is one to watch.
Fola
Fola is so good that we’re not just giving him flowers; we’re giving him a whole garden. Mine! His music is soft, emotional, and full of heart. Don’t be surprised if he snatches the next The Rated award, because you can tell he’s not here for noise—he’s here for melody, feeling, and connection.
We’re vibing hard with his storytelling tracks like “You” and “Lost.” Every song shows that he truly loves the craft, and he’s definitely one to watch in 2026.
Kidd Carder
This list isn’t complete without Kidd Carder. He first went viral with “Calculate,” a track that had all the cute ladies on TikTok using it as background music for their posts. The song got even bigger when he linked up with Young Jonn on the remix, taking it to another level entirely.
From his very first releases, Kidd Carder grabbed our attention—and he’s just getting started. With his talent, vibe, and hustle, we can’t wait to see what he’s cooking up next.
Image Credit: Lyvans Boolaky / Contributor | Getty Images
