The margin between male and female artists in the music industry is now being shortened. As more stars emerge, we are presently bearing witness to the notable impact of the ladies and that is something we can’t ignore.
For years, Africa has birthed some of the best artists in the game, and among these, queens have risen above the rest, standing tall and gaining a lot of attention for their contribution to their different genres.
Among these African queens, we focus on three whose works speak for themselves.
QUEEN OF AFROBEAT – TIWA SAVAGE
When she chose to return to the Nigerian music scene in 2012, not many appreciated Tiwa Savage’s music talent and savvy. They were to find out just how much of a titan she is in the next few years.
Tiwa quickly established herself as the real deal when her debut album Once Upon a Time was released in July 2013 as many were introduced to her unique sound and style.
Effectively fusing Afrobeat with pop, and also showing her artistic dexterity by churning out music in R&B, hip hop, and soul, the ‘African Bad Girl’ shot to the stratosphere, taking the Afrobeat throne.
Whether singing in her native Yoruba, English or pidgin, Tiwa doesn’t fail to melt hearts and dazzle the crowd. Her uncanny ability to sway fans with her creativity and sultry lyrics has never been in doubt.
Her musical exploits haven’t gone unnoticed as she has won several accolades, including Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards (becoming the first woman to win the category).
QUEEN OF AFROPOP – YEMI ALADE
When it comes to Afropop, no one does it better than the singer and performer known as Yemi Alade.
Her debut single Johnny in 2014 convinced music enthusiasts that Nigeria had produced another African music icon, this time one whose energy and vibe made her a favorite on the continent.
There is something infectious about Yemi Alade’s Afropop sound that makes everyone want to dance. She uses the enchanting native quality that appeals to all and capitalizing on this fact, Universal Music Africa (UMA) rushed to sign her on September 10, 2019.
Her music resonates so much with the African populace because she goes down deep, bringing out something for the folks in the streets, those in the rural communities, and the people in the cities.
Two of her most notable achievements include making a duet with the legendary singer Angelique Kidjo and getting a call from US diva Beyonce to be a part of the latter’s Black is King visual album.
Even on stage, Yemi Alade always shows her ability as a performer is unrivaled with her non-stop eye-catching dance routines and irresistible vocal renditions.
QUEEN OF AFRO-HOUSE – NINIOLA
Niniola reigns supreme when it comes to the genre known as Afro-house. A singer and songwriter, she embodies everything that makes a complete music artist.
From earning BET and SAMA nominations for her song Maradona to receiving nods from Canadian rapper Drake and American record producer Timbaland, Niniola is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry whose impact will remain for a long time to come.
Her unique sound caught Beyonce’s attention and in 2019, elements of Maradona were sampled in Find Your Way Back, a track off the US singer’s soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift. Niniola is also credited as one of the song’s songwriters and composers.
Describing Afro-house as a blend of Afrobeat and house music, Niniola continues to take her music far beyond the confines of the expected, becoming a Grammy nominee in April 2020 for her work as a composer on Beyonce’s The Lion King: The Gift album.
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