Sola Benson

The African continent is a vibrant hub of musical innovation, consistently producing artists who captivate audiences worldwide. Spanning a diverse range of genres, from the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats and Highlife to the soulful melodies of Rai and R&B, African musicians have not only shaped distinct sonic landscapes but have also achieved remarkable commercial success on a global scale.

This curated list, compiled by Africa Facts Zone, celebrates the titans of African music – the best-selling artists whose music has resonated across borders, amassing millions of units in sales worldwide. These iconic figures, ranging from Algerian legend Cheb Khaled to Nigerian global sensations like Wizkid and Burna Boy, have been instrumental in defining Africa's rich musical identity while simultaneously breaking down barriers and establishing new benchmarks for success.

Here are the celebrated best-selling music artists hailing from the African continent, ranked by their estimated all-time unit sales:

1. Cheb Khaled (Algeria) – 81 million units: Often hailed as the "King of Raï," Cheb Khaled's influence on global music is undeniable. His fusion of traditional Algerian Raï with contemporary Western sounds propelled him to international stardom with hits like "Didi." His enduring popularity and extensive discography have solidified his place as Africa's best-selling music artist.


2. Wizkid (Nigeria) – 65 million units: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, is a pivotal figure in the Afrobeats explosion. His charismatic stage presence, catchy melodies, and collaborations with international stars have earned him a massive global fanbase and numerous platinum-selling records. Tracks like "Ojuelegba," "Essence" (featuring Tems), and "Come Closer" (featuring Drake) have cemented his status as a global music icon.

3. Amr Diab (Egypt) – 50 million units: A legendary figure in Middle Eastern and North African music, Amr Diab has captivated audiences for decades with his distinct blend of Arabic pop, Mediterranean rhythms, and Latin influences. His consistent output of chart-topping albums and energetic live performances have earned him a dedicated following across the Arab world and beyond.

4. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – 45 million units: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, widely known as Burna Boy, has taken the global music scene by storm with his unique "Afro-fusion" sound, blending Afrobeats, dancehall, R&B, and hip-hop. His critically acclaimed albums and powerful stage presence have earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, and his hits like "Ye," "On the Low," and "Last Last" have become international anthems.

5. Tamer Hosny (Egypt) – 40 million+ units: A multi-talented artist, Tamer Hosny is a celebrated singer, songwriter, actor, and director in the Arab world. His romantic ballads and upbeat pop tracks have garnered him a massive following, and his successful film career further amplifies his reach across the Middle East and North Africa.

6. Sherine (Egypt) – 40 million+ units: Sherine Abdel-Wahab, known mononymously as Sherine, is one of the most beloved and successful female vocalists in the Arab world. Her powerful voice, emotive delivery, and relatable lyrics have resonated deeply with audiences, earning her numerous awards and platinum-selling albums.

7. P-Square (Nigeria) – 40 million units: The twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye, formerly known as P-Square, were a dominant force in African pop music for over a decade. Their energetic dance routines, catchy Afropop hits like "Bizzy Body" and "No One Like You," and numerous awards cemented their status as one of Africa's most successful musical groups.

8. Rema (Nigeria) – 30 million units: Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, is a rising star in the Afrobeats scene. His unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, and alternative sounds, dubbed "Afrorave," has garnered him international attention. His hit single "Calm Down" achieved global success, breaking records and introducing his distinctive sound to a wider audience.

9. CKay (Nigeria) – 25 million units: Chukwuka Ekweani, known as CKay, gained international recognition with his global hit "Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)." This infectious Afrobeats track transcended language barriers and topped charts worldwide, showcasing the global appeal of contemporary Nigerian music.

10. Tems (Nigeria) – 20 million+ units: Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, is a distinctive voice in the Nigerian music landscape. Her soulful R&B and Afrobeats fusion, characterized by her powerful vocals and introspective lyrics, has earned her critical acclaim and a growing international fanbase. Her collaboration with Wizkid on "Essence" further propelled her onto the global stage.

11. 2Baba (Nigeria) – 20 million+ units: Innocent Ujah Idibia, known as 2Baba (formerly 2face Idibia), is a veteran of Nigerian music and a pioneer of modern Afropop. His iconic hit "African Queen" transcended borders and remains a classic. His consistent output of quality music and influential status have solidified his legendary standing in African music.

12. D’banj (Nigeria) – 20 million+ units: Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known as D’banj, is a charismatic and influential figure in Nigerian Afrobeats. His energetic performances, catchy hits like "Oliver Twist," and international collaborations have made him a prominent figure in the globalization of African pop music.

13. Tyla (South Africa) – 13 million+ units: Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, is a rising star from South Africa making waves with her unique blend of amapiano and pop. Her global hit "Water" has garnered significant international attention, showcasing the exciting new sounds emerging from the South African music scene.

14. Prince Nico Mbarga (Cameroonian-Nigerian) – 13 million units: A legendary figure who bridged Cameroonian and Nigerian music, Prince Nico Mbarga was the pioneer of the "Soukous" genre. His iconic hit "Sweet Mother" remains one of Africa's most beloved and enduring songs, resonating across generations and solidifying his place as a true African music icon.

These artists represent just a fraction of the immense musical talent that Africa has to offer. Their global success not only highlights the continent's rich and diverse musical heritage but also underscores the increasing influence of African sounds on the global music landscape. As new generations of artists continue to emerge and push boundaries, the future of African music on the world stage looks brighter than ever.