African music continues to dominate the global stage, with three of its brightest stars—Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr—earning spots on Rolling Stone’s prestigious Top 100 Albums of 2024. The annual list celebrates albums that defined the year across diverse genres, and these Nigerian artists have proudly represented the continent among global heavyweights.
Tyla’s self-titled album, Tyla, claimed the highest position for an African artist at an impressive sixth place. The album’s vibrant blend of Afro-pop and global influences resonated worldwide, cementing Tyla’s status as a rising star.
Close behind, Rema’s album HEIS took the 11th spot, just shy of the top 10. Known for his innovative approach to Afrobeats, HEIS showcases Rema’s artistic evolution and ability to blend introspective lyrics with infectious rhythms.
Tems also made a powerful impression with her album Born in the Wild, which landed at number 37. The album’s raw, emotive storytelling and genre-bending sound further solidified Tems as one of Africa’s leading voices on the global stage.
ROLLINGSTONE BEST 100 ALBUMS OF 2024
— (@AlbumTalksHQ) December 2, 2024
#6 Tyla — Tyla
#11 Rema — HEIS
#37 Tems — Born in the Wild
#53 Ayra Starr — The Year I Turned 21 pic.twitter.com/3hKYu562jd
Rounding out the African representation is Ayra Starr, whose yet-untitled album earned the 53rd spot. Ayra’s youthful energy and boundary-pushing artistry have endeared her to fans worldwide, making her a standout act in contemporary Afrobeats.
This recognition by Rolling Stone reflects the growing influence of African music, which continues to captivate global audiences. With artists like Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr consistently delivering groundbreaking work, the future of African music on the world stage looks brighter than ever.
