African artists Tems, Ayra Starr and Focalistic have made the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2023.
“We are particularly excited to unravel the treasure trove of talent that these tough times have created,” Forbes Africa managing editor Renuka Methil said. “Success has not been a given for these frontrunners in the pandemic period. Faced with innumerable hiccups and setbacks, they have rolled up their sleeves and made their work matter, also lifting others on their way up.”
The three sensational musicians were named in the annual list alongside other outstanding young achievers and changemakers under the age of 30 from a variety of industries, including business, technology, sport, and health. They are a part of a dynamic group of artists that are reshaping the continent and winning acclaim for their work on a worldwide scale. They join previous honourees such as musicians Mr Eazi, Davido, Wizkid, Sho Madjozi, Nasty C, Kabza De Small and Burna Boy.
Tems have been recently recognized as the new voices championing the global Afrobeats genre. The two-time BET Award winner and nominee for a Grammy, has over 1 billion Spotify listens overall. She brings an urban sound that is undeniably unique, embodying a fusion of alternative RnB and Neo soul genres. Her process involves exploring the reach of her core as a person to create audio-visual expressions of writing.
Focalistic from South Africa is well known as an innovative creator of the amapiano sound. Over the years, his ability to blend honest rap lyrics to viral amapiano instrumentals has endeared him to the music industry of South Africa. He has a sizable discography and has worked with several well-known African artists, most notably Davido.
Mavin records signed artiste, Ayra Starr, who gained mainstream recognition in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP and album 19 & Dangerous respectively, was recently named one of the artists to watch in 2023 by music video network Vevo. Drawing from influences like classic Yoruba and Beninese music & artists like 2Face and Wande Coal, her music speaks for a generation of girls around the world who are finding themselves, united by angst and emojis.
Meanwhile, the second annual Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa has been confirmed for Botswana from 23 to 26 April. The conference seeks to harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism on the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century. Nigerian musicians Davido and Fireboy DML, alongside Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa), among other top executives have been confirmed speakers.
