Mzansi legends go global- Billboard Africa launches with SA icons in the spotlight

by Staff Bona

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:

  1. Miriam Makeba – First African Grammy winner (1966).

  2. Hugh Masekela – First African to top the Billboard Hot 100 (1968).

  3. CKay – First to top Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with “Love Nwantiti” (2022).

  4. Davido – First African to perform at a FIFA World Cup outside Africa (2022).

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