BBC Sound of 2024: Tyla, Last Dinner Party, and Kenya Grace Poised for Success
The BBC’s Sound of 2024 has unveiled a list showcasing the music industry’s rising stars, indicating that the next year will be marked by the dominance of dance and Afrobeats genres. Among the ten nominees are chart-topping drum and bass artist Kenya Grace and South Korean house DJ Peggy Gou. South Africa’s Tyla, riding high on the success of her hit single “Water,” and Nigeria’s Ayra Starr are also notable inclusions.
In its 22nd year, the list has a history of accurately predicting success for artists such as Adele, Stormzy, Wet Leg, Fred Again, and PinkPantheress. The winner and the top five from the list will be announced in early January.
The full longlist for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 is as follows:
The longlist implies that African artists will continue to make strides in the UK, following the successes of Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Tems, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage. Tyla, a Johannesburg native, is already gaining recognition with her Grammy-nominated single “Water,” currently ranking in the top 10 in both the UK and the US. The song, characterized by its sun-kissed and sensual vibes, reflects her unique interpretation of Amapiano, a popular South African genre combining Afrobeats, deep house, and kwaito music.
Ayra Starr, who garnered mainstream attention in 2022 with her song “Rush,” has been hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices.” Singing in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, she has achieved three number one singles in Nigeria. Collaborations with WizKid and David Guetta position her for global success, solidifying her status as a rising star on the international music scene.