- The Afrobeats genre is arguably male-dominated since its inception
- However, female singers have consistently proved their relevance and talent
- As 2024 comes to a close, TheRadar spotlights 5 female singers who stood out in Afrobeats
In the predominantly male realm of Afrobeats, an empowering wave of female artistes has consistently emerged.
They are skillfully carving out their unique identities and making their voices heard in the raving genre.
These talented women have overcome numerous challenges, showcasing their exceptional skills and creativity to shine brightly amidst a sea of male counterparts.
Analysing their consistency in the music game, they have proved that their contributions are indispensable to the genre’s evolution.
For 2024, TheRadar spotlighted five best Afrobeats female singers who consistently stood out with their milestones, talent and relevance.
5 best Afrobeats female artistes of 2024
The year 2024 saw notable Afrobeats female singers significantly take over the music landscape. They excelled in streaming numbers, global music awards/nominations and impressive performances.
Here are the 5 female singers that stood out for us at TheRadar.
- Ayra Starr
Twenty-one-year-old Ayra Starr is arguably one of the most talented leading Afrobeats stars in Nigeria. Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, is one of the top albums in 2024. The album gained critical acclaim, and Starr was the most streamed female across Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya on Spotify. This year also saw her electrifying performances and international collaborations to solidify her global status.
- Fave
Fave is one female Afrobeats artiste that showcased her prowess in 2024. Her exceptional dynamics as a vocalist is truly underrated. She is one artiste that stood out especially with her collaborations. She continues to place herself as one of the most promising acts in the Nigerian music industry .
- Tems
Tems indeed has a solid year in 2024. She released her most anticipated debut studio album Born in the Wild. The singer continues to make waves beyond the shores of Nigeria with her debut. This earned her multiple nominations ahead of the 2025 Grammy Awards. This year truly reflected her growth and prowess in the music industry.
- Yemi Alade
Another Afrobeats female singer that had a good run is Yemi Alade. The singer is known for her unique stage presence and energetic performances. She is one of the leading exports of traditional cultural music. The Rebel Queen earned her first major nominations for 2025 Grammy Awards—an indication of her enduring relevance.
- Simi
Simi also came through with her Lost But Found album in 2024. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences. Her project makes one of the top albums that defined 2024. She explored the themes of love and identity with a remarkable production style.
Ranking top 10 notable Afrobeats female collaborations
Despite the Afrobeats music scene being male-dominated, who said the female artistes in Nigeria have no place?
Contrary to notions, the Nigerian Afrobeats music space has indeed evolved to create platforms for female artistes to shine and showcase their singing prowess.
TheRadar earlier compiled a list of Notable Afrobeats female collaborations in Nigeria. This is a testament to some of the amazing works female artistes have put out together over the years.
