The Universal Language of Rhythm
Top Afrobeats artists to jam to this spring.
March 25, 2026
Once an art form relegated to specific ethnic regions, Afrobeats has transcended geographical boundaries to become one of the world’s most influential musical forces—and in a very short period of time. The genre blends traditional African rhythms with hip-hop, jazz, pop, and other global contemporary sounds. The result is music that’s universally uplifting, danceable, and irresistible.
Over the last decade, Afrobeats has become one of the African continent’s most powerful cultural expressions and Nigeria’s most lucrative cultural export. Spotify listeners of the genre increased by 22 percent last year. Between 2017 and 2022, streams surged more than 550 percent. And industry experts predict that listener interest is more than a passing trend. The Grammys, Billboard, and MTV have all introduced Afrobeats award categories, while Burna Boy made history last year as the first Afrobeats act to perform during the Grammys broadcast. Briefings has compiled a list of top Afrobeats artists to jam to this spring as the weather warms.
Ayra Starr
Song: “Rush”
Starr is the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million YouTube views for a single video.
Burna Boy
Song: “Love”
Rolling Stone named Burna Boy one of its 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Rema
Song: “Calm Down”
The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Libianca
Song: “People”
The Cameroonian-American singer, whose music incorporates R&B and soul, competed on NBC’s "The Voice."
Wizkid feat. Tems
Song: “Essence”
The first Nigerian song to make the Billboard Hot 100, with the album reaching No. 1 on the Billboard World Album Chart.
Photo credits: Courtesy of Ayra Starr; Sony; Atlantic Records; Four Eyes Media; Universal; jaouad.K, kirkchai benjarusameeros/Getty Images
