Breaking into the global music scene is tough, but for some African artists, one hit is all it takes to become global icons. These artists dared to release defining songs that quickly catapulted them into the spotlight, connecting with audiences across continents. Their journey to fame highlights the power of a single song to launch careers and elevate African music on the world stage.
Let’s revisit the songs that transformed four exceptional artists, Davido, Burna Boy, Black Sherif, and Tyla into global sensations.
Davido – “Dami Duro” (2011)
Do you remember where you were the first time you heard “Dami Duro”? The year was 2011, and a young, energetic Davido was just stepping into the limelight. It was the kind of song you could not sit still to, whether you were in a bustling Lagos club or a quiet house party, it had a way of pulling you to the dancefloor.
Davido’s charisma was undeniable. The visuals for “Dami Duro” showcased his youthful exuberance, a proud declaration of his readiness to take on the world. The lyrics, sung predominantly in Yoruba, carried universal themes of confidence and ambition. For many Nigerian youths, it was a soundtrack to their dreams, their struggles, and their celebrations.
Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018)
The track “Ye” did not just introduce the world to Burna Boy’s Afrofusion genius, it became a cultural phenomenon. Its deep Afrobeat grooves and reflective lyrics painted a vivid picture of resilience, ambition, and the challenges of striving for greatness.
A twist of fate: Kanye West’s album of the same name funneled millions of curious listeners toward Burna Boy’s track. Suddenly, the Nigerian hit was resonating far beyond Africa.
Listening to “Ye” felt like an awakening. Burna’s rich voice, paired with a beat that seemed to carry the weight of generations, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. It was not long before the accolades followed. Burna Boy won the BET Award for Best International Act in 2019, marking the beginning of his reign as a global icon.
Black Sherif – “Second Sermon” (2021)
There is something about a raw, unfiltered story that grabs your soul and does not let go. That is exactly what Black Sherif delivered in “Second Sermon”. In 2021, the Ghanaian artist, with his gritty voice and heartfelt lyrics, told a tale that echoed deeply with young people navigating life’s challenges.
“Second Sermon” became a powerful statement about the challenges and survival tactics of African youth, striking a universal chord. When Burna Boy collaborated on the remix, the song’s reach expanded. It also gained millions of views on YouTube and secured Black Sherif multiple award nominations, placing him at the forefront of Ghana’s evolving drill scene.
Tyla – “Water” (2023)
Fast-forward to 2023, and another African artist was making waves—but this time, the journey started with a TikTok challenge. South Africa’s Tyla dropped “Water”, a song that seemed tailor-made to go viral. It did not take long before its catchy chorus and smooth beats became a global earworm.
For Tyla, the single “Water” was her passport to the world stage. As the song climbed charts across continents, she became the first South African solo artist in over 50 years to break into the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, Tyla collected three awards at the just-ended 2024 MTV European Music Awards, solidifying her place as one of Africa’s icons.
As we celebrate the success of these four global icons, it’s worth asking: which song will be the next to break through, and who will be the artist to take African music even further into the world’s heart?
