PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ HUGH MASEKELA
Billboard has launched Billboard Africa, a platform celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse music scene. To mark the launch, it honoured 11 influential African artists who have made historic global impacts:
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Miriam Makeba – First African Grammy winner (1966).
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Hugh Masekela – First African to top the Billboard Hot 100 (1968).
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CKay – First to top Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with “Love Nwantiti” (2022).
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Davido – First African to perform at a FIFA World Cup outside Africa (2022).
Billboard lists trailblazing achievements by 11 African artists:
1. Miriam Makeba (South Africa) – First African to win a Grammy (1966) for Best Folk Recording with Harry Belafonte.
2. Hugh Masekela (South Africa) – First African to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with… pic.twitter.com/0TyOI0Wu3h— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) June 6, 2025
5. Uncle Waffles – First amapiano artist to perform at Coachella (2023).
6. Burna Boy – First Nigerian to headline and sell out a U.S. stadium (2023).
7. Rema – First African artist-led song (“Calm Down”) to hit one billion Spotify streams (2023).
8. Black Coffee – First South African DJ to headline and sell out Madison Square Garden (2023).
9. Tyla – First winner of Grammy’s Best African Music Performance category (2024).
10. Tems – First African-born woman to co-own an MLS team (San Diego FC, 2025).
11. Aya Nakamura – First African female artist with a billion-view YouTube video (“Djadja”, 2025).
These milestones highlight Africa’s growing global influence in music and culture.
“We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognising Africa’s profound contributions to global music culture,” said Josh Wilson, managing director at Global Venture Partners. “African music is not only rich and diverse but a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends. Billboard Africa will create a space where these voices are amplified, where artists connect with new audiences, and where fans and industry professionals alike can witness the full impact of Africa’s creative energy,” Billboard said.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
Also see: Tyla announced as the host for Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
