The first half of 2024 ushered in a surprising but welcome change in the landscape of African music. It’s women — from Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Tems, Ghana’s Wendy Shay, Cote d’Ivoire’s Roseline Layo and many others — who are making some of the most influential music coming out of West Africa today.
This list compiles some of their best work, while not forgetting to highlight the incredible trends from across the region including amapiano-infused pop from Cote d’Ivoire to Ghana’s signature rap drill. The year has also seen…
