Nine African Female Artists to Watch

Too often, when people think of upcoming or promising artists, women are rarely mentioned. While the music industry on the continent is witnessing unprecedented growth, with artists reaching worldwide acclaim, it’s still skewed, with women often bearing the brunt of the inequality. For every Tiwa Savage and Tems and Tyla, there are a thousand, or I daresay, a million other talented women creating, producing, and pushing well-curated, well-written music on the continent. In honor of Women’s History Month, OkayAfrica has highlighted some of the women you should pay attention to when it comes to creating exceptional sounds.

Central Africa

Andi K (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Congolese songstress Andi K is cementing the archetype of the African Pop Star. Tracks like ‘Ceilings’ and ‘Amour’ showcase the U.S.-based singer’s Congolese heritage, as she plays with sounds to emphasize her diasporic background. With elements of R&B, Coupé-Décalé, and lyrics in English, Lingala, and French, the singer is doing her part to bring the DRC’s unique flavor to the world. 

West Africa

Tower (Ghana)

Ghanaian artist Tower combines soul with sharply drawn lyrics that evoke wistful moments. Her debut song, “Green”, is a folksy, indie-leaning track that rummages through the unshaking memories of a once-happy relationship. Although “Green” is her first release, it has none of the anxieties common with emerging artists. Haunting, moving, and defined in its perspective, Tower’s music has a charming particularity that’s getting rarer and rarer to stumble on these days. 

Fimi with the Flow (Nigeria)

Nigerian rapper Fimi With The Flow first came to many people's attention with her song “Halo”, a narrative-heavy musing on self-possession, unhelpful haters, societal criticism, and floating through life without a care in the world. It was a strong start for a Nigerian rapper, especially at a time when Nigerian rap is living through a slumber season. Fimi’s bright, conversational voice often sweetens the hard-edged core of her rap lines. She manages to keep the gritty in tandem with the beguiling. Expert at infusing a delightful Nigerian-isms to her writing in a way that keeps her relatable yet primed for global explosion. 

North Africa

Nour (Egypt)

Dubbed “Egypt’s indie pop princess” by Dazed MENA, indie artist Nour has carved out her own sonic and aesthetic identity of garage-indie-pop. Her diverse musical inspirations and trend-setting fashion have positioned her as a representative of Egypt’s Gen Z indie wave. Diving into topics of self-reflection and heartbreak, and saying openly that she wants to disrupt the status quo of what it means to be an Arab woman, Nour hopes to inspire other young women to step into the spotlight and experiment without fear. 

Rhita Nattah (Morocco)

Rhita Nattah is an independent Moroccan artist blending traditional Moroccan styles like Ahwach and Aissawa with RnB, Soul, and Hip-Hop. She sings about self-belief and what it means to be a modern Moroccan woman and artist, effortlessly switching between Arabic, Amazigh, and English. The craft is spiritual to her, and she remains closely connected to her audience, regularly letting them into her creative process. Alongside her own projects, she frequently features on tracks by other Moroccan artists, with her ethereal, chant-style vocal lines. In an interview with OkayAfrica, Moroccan rap pioneer Small X called Nattah “one of the best Moroccan artists of all time.” 

Southern Africa

Vuyo Viwe (South Africa)

When Thandiswa Mazwai put out a call for a live music act to perform at her recently-held 50th birthday party celebration, a slew of bands stepped up to be counted. Ultimately, it was Vuyo Viwe who was selected, opening the night to other greats, Somi and Msaki. Known for her arresting voice and virtuosic skill on the flute, the artist and composer, whose inaugural performance as a solo artist took place in 2025, whose range as music director and storyteller we’re still to revel in, is enjoying a steady trajectory, laying the groundwork for a long and fulfilling career. 

Zawadi Yamungu (South Africa)

With “Ngimuhle,” Zawadi Yamungu gifted a self-love mantra, an affirmation to women of all shapes and sizes. Her similarly-titled album, released in June 2025, is still doing the rounds, gaining new ears with each show she does and each interview she is part of. She was also featured on two amapiano songs – De Mthuda’s “Gijima,” as well as Kabza De Small’s “Amakhosi” and “Lawuleka.” She has been honing her talents for a while, presenting a rare blend of voice, umakhweyane, and ugubhu string bow that is rooted in a very Zulu yet Pan-African way of engaging with the world. 

East Africa

We are Nubia (Kenya)

We Are Nubia is part of a rising generation of female artists shaping Nairobi’s urban pop sound. With honey harmonies paired with playful, nightlife-ready storytelling, Maggie Atieno and Gloria Munga have been steadily building momentum since the early 2020s. Their 2025 single “DnD,” featuring Zaituni Wambui, was the song that pushed them on the map. Now, with their newly released Needs EP, they’re showing even more range. “Available,” about the captivating — but short-lived (!) — intoxication of a Nairobi love match, is a must-listen.

Ariel Wayz (Rwanda)

Rwanda's Ariel Wayz is already a well-established name at home and is steadily building her sound and brand beyond her country’s borders. Wayz pairs her expressive voice with emotionally-driven songwriting. Those strengths are on full display in her 2025 debut album, Hear to Stay. Songs like “Urihe” featuring Kivumbi King show just how much she has to offer.