Ayo Maff, Qing Madi, Wizpec, Zerrydl, and Llona – The Rising Stars Reshaping 2024’s Music Scene

By Rebecca Ejifoma

The music scene in 2024 has been nothing short of electric, with a fresh wave of talent crashing through the noise and staking their claim. Among the brightest stars lighting up the year are Ayo Maff, Qing Madi, Wizpec, Zerrydl, and Llona—artists who aren’t just riding trends but rewriting the playbook. These breakout acts are bringing raw energy, unique sounds, and stories that hit hard, proving that the future of music is as diverse as it is unpredictable.

Ayo Maff: The Street Poet with a Pulse

Ayo Maff burst onto the scene like a firecracker, blending gritty street tales with melodies that stick in your head long after the beat drops. Hailing from Nigeria, his sound is a cocktail of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and a touch of soul that feels both familiar and fresh. Tracks like “Dealer” and “7 Days” have turned heads, with his raspy delivery and unapologetic lyrics painting vivid pictures of hustle and heart. Ayo’s not just making music—he’s telling the story of a generation that’s been overlooked for too long. In 2024, he’s become the voice for those grinding in the shadows, and the streets are chanting his name.

Qing Madi: The Soulful Trailblazer

If there’s an artist who’s rewriting what it means to be a global star, it’s Qing Madi. This Nigerian songstress has a voice that cuts straight to the soul, pairing lush R&B vibes with Afrobeats rhythms that make you want to move. Her breakout hit “See Finish” was a slow burn that turned into a wildfire, earning her fans across continents. Qing’s magic lies in her ability to balance vulnerability and strength—her lyrics dig deep into love, identity, and resilience, while her production keeps it polished yet raw. In 2024, she’s not just a singer; she’s a movement, showing the world that African artists can dominate without losing their roots.

Wizpec: The Beat Wizard with Swagger

Okoro Opeoluwa Michael, also known as Wizpec, is the name on everyone’s lips when it comes to production that slaps and verses that stick. This rising star has a knack for crafting beats that feel like a punch to the chest, layered with clever wordplay that keeps you coming back for more. His 2024 releases—like “Riddim” and “Signs”—are anthems for the young and restless, blending trap influences with Afrobeats flair. Adding to his momentum, Wizpec earned a nomination for the City People Entertainment Awards in the Next Rated category in 2020, a nod to his growing influence. He’s got that effortless cool factor, the kind that makes you think he’s been doing this for decades, even though he’s just getting started. He’s not chasing the spotlight—he’s building his own stage, and the crowd’s already packed.

Zerrydl: The Rebel with a Rhythm

Zerrydl is chaos in the best way possible. His music is loud, bold, and unfiltered, a sonic rebellion against anything polished or predictable. With a style that pulls from drill, Afro-trap, and a sprinkle of street grit, he’s carved out a lane that’s distinctly his own. Songs like “Puff & Pass” and “Knack Am” have taken over playlists, with his wild energy and catchy hooks turning casual listeners into die-hard fans. In 2024, Zerrydl’s become the poster child for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated—he’s proof that you don’t need to fit the mold to break it.

Llona: The Dreamer with Depth

Then there’s Llona, the quiet storm of the bunch. His music is introspective, layered with emotion that hits you right in the chest. Mixing soulful melodies with Afrobeats undertones, Llona’s sound is cinematic—like he’s scoring the highs and lows of life itself. Tracks like “Homeless” and “Still Scared” showcase his knack for storytelling, turning personal struggles into universal anthems. He’s not here to shout; he’s here to make you feel. In 2024, Llona’s rise has been steady but unstoppable, earning him a spot as one of the year’s most compelling new voices.

Redefining the Game

What ties these artists together isn’t just their breakout status—it’s their refusal to play it safe. Ayo Maff, Qing Madi, Wizpec, Zerrydl, and Llona are part of a new guard that’s pushing boundaries and flipping the script on what African music can be. They’re not content with fitting into the global scene; they’re reshaping it, bringing flavors that are authentic, innovative, and impossible to ignore. From the streets of Lagos to playlists worldwide, their soundtracks are defining 2024 as a year of rebellion, soul, and swagger.

As the year rolls on, these five are only getting started. They’re not just artists to watch—they’re artists to listen to, to feel, and to root for. The future’s theirs, and they’re taking it one beat at a time.