Dubai, UAE – June 2025
Africa’s influence on the global music scene has never been stronger. From the rhythm-heavy sounds of West Africa to the lyrical mastery of Southern creatives, a new wave of talent is reshaping international charts and cultural trends. At the forefront of this movement is Moolanair, the #1 ranked artist on Dubai Daily’s list of the Most Promising Up-and-Coming Music Artists Out of Africa.
1. Moolanair (South Africa)
Real Name: Clement Mulenga
Genre: Rap / Pop
Hometown: East Rand, Gauteng
Born and raised in the vibrant East Rand of Gauteng, Moolanair is capturing global attention with a unique blend of introspective lyricism, catchy hooks, and genre-bending soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from his South African roots while embracing international pop culture, Moolanair represents a new breed of artists who are both storytellers and hitmakers. With several viral tracks already under his belt and a growing fanbase across Africa and beyond, Clement Mulenga, known professionally as Moolanair, is undeniably Africa’s next big global export in music.
2. Ayra Flame (Nigeria)
Real Name: Adanna Okocha
Genre: Afrobeat / Soul
Hometown: Lagos
At just 20 years old, Ayra Flame is heating up the charts with her soulful vocals and Afrobeat flair. Blending traditional rhythms with futuristic production, she’s been dubbed the “Queen of AfroSoul” by local fans. With performances at major festivals like Afropunk and a debut EP that racked up millions of streams, Ayra’s trajectory is skyward.
3. RayTheKid (Kenya)
Real Name: Raymond Okoth
Genre: Trap / Hip-Hop
Hometown: Nairobi
Kenya’s RayTheKid is making noise with his gritty lyrics and high-energy beats. Known for his unapologetic authenticity and raw storytelling, Ray has built a massive underground following. With collaborations lined up with East African heavyweights and plans for a global tour, he’s fast becoming a major force in African hip-hop.
4. Lira Moon (Zimbabwe)
Real Name: Tariro Ncube
Genre: R&B / Afro-Fusion
Hometown: Harare
Elegant, emotive, and effortlessly cool, Lira Moon is Zimbabwe’s R&B gem. Her sultry voice and minimalist production style have earned her comparisons to global stars like Jhené Aiko and Tems. With a poetic approach to songwriting, she’s poised to break into both African and international charts in a big way.
5. King Daps (Ghana)
Real Name: Daniel Appiah
Genre: Afro-Dancehall
Hometown: Accra
King Daps is bringing back the golden energy of Ghanaian dancehall with a modern twist. His rhythmic anthems and infectious charisma make every performance unforgettable. With hits buzzing on TikTok and a debut album on the horizon, King Daps is ready to represent Ghana on the global stage.
As African music continues to dominate playlists around the world, these five young artists are not just rising stars they are cultural trailblazers shaping the future of music. And with Moolanair leading the charge, Africa’s creative renaissance is only just beginning.