Afrobeats’ infectious sound has captivated audiences worldwide, but it’s the women behind the music who are truly revolutionizing the genre. These trailblazing artists are not only amplifying the sound but also shattering stereotypes, redefining what it means to be a woman in music. With their unapologetic confidence, bold lyrics, and electrifying performances, they are pushing the movement forward, merging African heritage with contemporary influences. These women are rewriting the rules of Afrobeats—and the world is dancing to their rhythm.
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage and often referred to as “The Queen of Afrobeats,” is a trailblazing Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Her powerful vocals and distinctive Afro-pop sound have reshaped the African music landscape. Singing in both English and Yoruba, her music blends Afrobeats, R&B, Afropop, pop, and hip-hop, reflecting her diverse influences. Tiwa’s illustrious career boasts four studio albums, 23 singles, and 10 music videos, making her a dominant force in the industry.
She began her musical journey as a talented teenager, playing trombone in her school orchestra before honing her voice in church choirs. By 16, she was already providing backing vocals for global stars like George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Andrea Bocelli.
Tiwa rose to prominence in Nigeria with her debut album Once Upon a Time (2013), followed by multiple awards and international recognition for her Afro-pop sound. In 2018, she made history as the first African woman to win the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and the first African woman to sell out at London’s Indigo O2.
Tiwa’s musical achievements include hits like “Attention,” “Koroba,” and “Dangerous Love” from her 2020 album Celia, and her 2021 EP Water & Garri, which blends Afrobeats with soulful R&B. She continues to dominate both African and global stages, with numerous accolades, including MTV Africa Music Awards and Channel O Music Video Awards. In July 2022, she was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Kent, further cementing her influence as a cultural and musical icon.
Tiwa Savage is a true queen of Afrobeats. She has shaped the sound of a generation and inspired female artistes across Africa and beyond.
Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, known professionally as Simi, is a singer, songwriter, actress, and one of the reigning queens of Afrobeats. She began her music career as a gospel artiste, releasing her debut album Ogaju in 2008. However, her breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of “Tiff,” a track that earned her a nomination for Best Alternative Song at The Headies and catapulted her into the Nigerian music scene.
Simi signed with X3M Music in 2014, releasing the critically acclaimed albums Simisola (2017) and Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 (2019), both of which solidified her reputation as a masterful vocalist and storyteller. In 2019, she launched her own record label, Studio Brat, emphasizing her independence and control over her artistic vision.
Known for her genre-blending style that incorporates Afropop, soul, alt-rock, and world R&B, Simi’s music resonates deeply with fans worldwide. Her authentic lyrics and captivating voice have earned her numerous accolades, including nominations at The Headies, where she won Best Vocal Performance in 2016, and recognition as Most Promising Act at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
With her distinctive voice, heartfelt storytelling, and entrepreneurial spirit, Simi continues to inspire and lead as a prominent figure in contemporary Nigerian music.
Yemi Eberechi Alade, better known as Yemi Alade, is a singer, songwriter, actress, and activist who has earned her place as one of the queens of Afrobeats. Known for blending Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop, and R&B, Yemi’s music resonates across Africa and beyond. She sings in multiple languages, including English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, and Portuguese, showcasing her versatility.
Alade rose to fame after winning the 2009 Peak Talent Show and quickly became a household name with hit songs like “Johnny,” “Na Gode,” and “Ferrari.” She has collaborated with renowned African artistes, including Sauti Sol and Nyashinski, on songs like “Africa” and “Nakupenda.” Her unique sound, combined with her electrifying performances and bold fashion statements, has made her a standout artiste on the global stage.
Yemi Alade has achieved numerous milestones, including back-to-back wins for Best Female at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2015 and 2016, making her the first female to achieve this feat. She was also the first African female to be nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards and has been nominated for BET’s Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016. She holds the distinction of being the first female Afrobeats artiste to surpass 100 million views for a single video on YouTube, following Davido.
With her dynamic stage presence and a string of accolades, including two consecutive wins for Best Performer at The Headies, Yemi Alade continues to push boundaries and solidify her status as a powerhouse in the Afrobeats genre. Fans fondly refer to her as the Ghen Ghen babe and the Yoruba-Ibo girl, celebrating her cultural diversity and unparalleled talent.
Niniola Apata, known professionally as Niniola, is a trailblazing Nigerian singer and songwriter, widely celebrated as one of the queens of Afrobeats. She gained national recognition after finishing as the third runner-up in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013, where her powerful vocals and dynamic performances earned her widespread acclaim. Following this, she released her debut single, “Ibadi,” which introduced her unique genre, Afro-House, a fusion of Afrobeat and house music. The track became an instant hit, cementing her place in the African music scene.
Niniola’s distinct style blends influence from legends such as Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Beyoncé, while also drawing deeply from her Yoruba roots. Her music, known for its vibrant energy and catchy rhythms, includes chart-topping hits like “Maradona,” “Sicker,” “Soke,” and “Shaba,” all of which have resonated across Africa and beyond.
In addition to her musical success, Niniola has earned numerous accolades, including the 2015 Green Awards for Most Promising Female Artiste, the 2018 Ghana-Naija Showbiz Awards for Best Female Act, and Best Vocal Performance (Female) at The Headies in 2019. Her captivating voice and innovative sound have placed her among the top artistes in the Afrobeats genre.
Beyond music, Niniola is also a philanthropist and founder of the Adopt a Child’s Education initiative, which supports children’s access to quality education across Nigeria. With her impressive achievements, creative evolution, and commitment to giving back, Niniola continues to shine as a powerful figure in African music and culture.
