While major record labels loom over countless social media accounts for the next indie artist to go viral, artists outside of the US seem to garner eminence purely on the slow burn method of patience and persistence. This playlist is an ode to the newcomers,and vets that have yet to break into mainstream success, and are creating cult regional followings through DIY shows, small budget videos, clever marketing, word of mouth, and an abundant amount of EPs, singles, and features.
TAY IWAR – SIDELINES
At 21 years young, this Soulection signee mixes his Lagos alte’ roots with a bit of west coast sunshine.
SANTI – RAPID FIRE FT. SHANE EAGLE & AMAARAE
Formally Ozzy B, Santi used his directorial and musical foresight to enlist South Africa’s Shane Eagle and Ghana’s sultry sweetheart, Amaarae while they were just getting started.
PRETTYBOYDO – PULL UP FT. SANTI
Don’t let the name fool you or the beat mislead you: Depending on where you are this fight anthem will have you rushing for the nearest exit.
ODUNSI (THE ENGINE) – TIPSY FT. RAYE
On a path to become another one of Lagos’ leading voices, Odunsi summons London’s RAYE to top off this tune.
BURNA BOY & DJDS – THUGGIN
This unlikely singer-producer pairing worked better than most people could have imagined. Burna Boy’s trap ballads have become a fan favorite and Thuggin drives that point home.
OKMALUMKOOLKAT – AMAKAMERA ANGSHOOTE
SA’s Zulu-slick-talker is no newbie to the Durban Rap and Gqom scene. His recent effort is long winded in title but quick witted in delivery.
BIGSTAR JOHNSON – SGUBU FT. KWESTA
Hitting it’s peak in the 90’s as Johannesburg’s take on US house music, the Kwaito genre is being revived through artist like Kwesta and his talented set of collaborators.
NASTY C – KING FT. A$AP FERG
Nasty C is outright dangerous. This 22 year old wordsmith simply does his best by blending in and beating others at their own game.
SAFE – PAID IN FULL FT. PLAYBOI CARTI
Born in Abu Dhabi, the Eritrean singer by the name of SAFE hails from the downtown part of Toronto, Canada, where he earned his stripes amongst the likes of other T.dot heavyweights like Puffy L’z and the late Smoke Dawg, SAFE holds his own with Carti on this dark ode to the Rocafella classic.
88GLAM – DROPTOP
Signed to The Weeknd’s XO imprint, 88Glam’s sophomore effort cures any doubts around this duo’s longevity.
ROY WOODS – WORTH IT
Having the luxury of a co-sign from Drake & Noah “40” Shebib on his first single “Jealousy” in 2014, Roy Woods has now lived beyond the freshman class of the ever-growing OVO roster.
SEAN LEON – POSSESSED
The most persistent and promising act of the 6ix, Sean Leon boasts collaborations with Daniel Caesar, River Tiber, & frequent in house producer Wondergurl. “Possessed” speaks to why those big names have yet to cast a shadow over his ubiquitous approach.
MEREBA – BLACK TRUCK (EXTENDED VERSION)
A poet first, singer second, and rapper third, this Ethiopian triple threat by the way of Alabama showcases each of her skills with perfection.
SUNNI COLON – TECHNICOLOR
Fresh off his first US tour and a self directed short film, “Technicolor” hits like a slow ride down the pacific coast highway.
VANJESS – HONEYWHEAT
Raised between Nigeria and California, VanJess have seen great success since their start as a sibling cover-group in 2013.
CHANNEL TRES – BRILLIANT N***A
Compton’s go-to man for house music, Channel Tres carves out a lane of his own with this one-off dance single dedicated to his incarcerated brother.
CHERRIE – OG
First known for an unnerving rap style and sharp Swedish accent, the Somali-decended diva thrives on this fun-loving bop.
