Nigeria’s powerhouse vocalists, Waje and Tiwa Savage have made Channel O’s Africa top 10 female singing sensations. According to Channel O’s press release, “This is by no means an official list, just some divas that we have tracked on our radar”.
Zonke Dikana
Given her very musical background, there was probably no other career that South African songstress Zonke Dikana could have chosen. Her first album “Life,love and music” was released in 2007 but it wasn’t until 2011, when she dropped “Ina ethe” that she gained the recognition due to her. It scooped her a SAMA for Best African adult album. Her follow up project, “Give and take”, saw her take home another SAMA for best live DVD.
Lira
With four albums under her belt, 10 SAMA awards, a BET nomination for best international act in Africa and a biography, Lerato Molapo needs no introduction in the music industry. She has continuously reinvented herself, ensuring her long lasting power.
Tiwa Savage
There is so much that can be said about Tiwatope Savage, who has been singing since the age of 17. Her musical career is so illustrious and includes various accolades including having a song that she co-wrote for Fantasia being nominated for a Grammy. She has also backed up musical giants such as Mary J Blidge and George Michael and last year won her fisrt CHOAMVA for most gifted female.
Moneoa
Moneoa Moshesh burst on to the music scene in mid-2012 to positive reviews. Her debut album “Coming from going to” was nominated for the Channel O Music and Metro FM Music awards, although she did not win. Her latest album, “Ndim Lo”, has scored two Metro FM Music Awards nominations this year.
Lady Jay Wah
She has been described as the Ghanaian It Girl when she burst onto the scene into the scene in 2012. Signed to Pidgen music, her sound combines Neo soul, Afrobeat, Reggae and Pop. She is seen as one of Ghana’s fastest rising stars.
Victoria Kimani
Victoria Kimani, born in LA but originally from Kenya started writing, recording and performing at 16. She lived in Nigeria durig her high school years but moved back to Nairobi, Kenya at 17. She has since been working with top artists and producers, perfecting and developing her musical and visual craft as well as writing for all sorts of signed artists around the world.
Waje
WAJE (an acronym for “Words aren’t just enough”) is a Nigerian singer whose vocal range is famous for its versatility. Born Aituaje Iruobe, she is the lady behind the remake of P-Square’s Omoge Mi and the female voice in the duo’s 2008 hit track do me.
Efya
Her full name is, wait for it: Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor. She is a Ghanaian neo-soul vocalist, songwriter, performer and actress from Kumasi.
Zahara
Loliwe is South African singing sensation’s first album and it broke records by going platinum in 13 days and double platinum after just 17 days, selling over 100,000 copies in South Africa. The music video for her debut single, “Loliwe”, has eclipsed the 2.3 million views mark on YouTube. Her second studio album “Phendula” also went platinum in 7 days after being released.
Naima Kay
Naima Kay, born Lungile Khumalo is a 2014 SAMA Best Newcomer award winner. She describes her 12-track debut album “Umsebenzi” as being about love, life and things that happen around us.