As African music experiences a powerful renaissance, these emerging talents are some of the most promising artists at its core, blending originality with a deep sense of place. Their music reflects the rich tapestry of their local environments while rejuvenating a global audience with a keen thirst for diverse African music.

For those who thrive on the energy of underground music and a spirit of defiance, Ravington,  Alor G, Janice Iche, and Chipego are the names to watch.

With each song, these artists inch closer to the spotlight, ready to captivate global audiences and leave an indelible mark across the local scene. Although their journeys are just beginning, and their impact is nascent, spotlighting these talents is not only a nod to uNder’s far-reaching gaze but a testament that no other discovery platform on the continent stays deeply connected to the underground, with an unwavering focus on identifying the most groundbreaking creators shaping the sound of our generation like uNder.

Ravington 

For Fans of: Tochi Bedford & July Drama

There’s an unfaltering melancholia that lurks beneath Ravington’s latest project, ‘Tranquil FM.’ Even though the Lagos-based artist tries his hands at a number of fresh sounds across the project’s seven tracks –  borrowing influences from Afropop, House, Hip-hop and even Disco – the songs all remain underpinned by a persistent heaviness that has come to define his music. While this particular quality is partly thanks to the 20-year-old’s voice: a rich baritone that swoops and curls around melodies and tight flows, it’s his pensive approach to music making that truly make his records sound intimate, varied and oftentimes morose.

Born Temisayo Durojaye, Ravington started out his musical career in 2018 as a producer but it wasn’t until 2020 that he started recording his own vocals. He put out his first project ‘SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR’ in 2021, a two-pack track that mostly featured sincere articulations about depression over stripped back production. His debut was quickly followed up by ‘SOMETHING TO DIE FOR,’ another two-pack that doubled as a strong statement of creative intent as well as proof of Ravington’s eclecticism.  

Since his introductory back-to-back releases, Ravington has continued to prove he’s an artist worth paying attention to. His desire to fold musings about depression, love, and life into mostly experimental production that takes influences from an array of genres has continued to produce earnest projects like ‘GOD BLE$$ THE TRAP’ and ‘Retrograde Blues.’ This approach has also earned him co-signs from alte stalwarts like Odunsi (The Engine) and Cruel Santino, two similarly innovative acts who push the boundaries of what their music can sound like.

While Ravington is undoubtedly still rough around the edges – there’s a noticeable lo-fi quality about his music – the potential is crystal clear. In an interview prior to the release of his latest project he was asked about the most difficult part of being an artist to which he replied: “The biggest problem for me right now, is waiting. it’s one thing to have such potential, everybody waiting on the manifestation of it, but in the meantime you have to wait. flowers take time to grow. I think I’m learning that more and more.” – B.A  

Alor G

For fans of: King Promise, Rema, and KiDi.  

AlorG is only a little over two years into his career but he’s already regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost next-gen talents thanks to a melodic style that melds the breeziness of Hiplife with the dynamism of Afropop for a style that’s both reflective and hypnotic. Born Alodia Gyamfi, AlorG got his start by performing medleys and covers of popular gospel songs to a social media audience, before transitioning to performing on breakfast and lunch shows in his native Ghana. 

He took a tentative step to launching a recording career by collaborating with fellow next-gen artist, Octoblien, on “Closer,” in September 2022. A dedication to his dream girl, Alor G extols the features he wants from his lover over a balmy mid-tempo beat. He made his solo debut in April 2023 with “Baddy,” a showcase of all that he wanted to offer his lover as he promised a trip to Grenada, shopping runs to get her Gucci bandanas, and sexual pleasure. It was an earnest opening salvo from a singer eager to make his mark on the musical landscape. Months later, he returned with the groovy “Mariama,” leaning into his affection for the titular character and detailing what keeps him fascinated with her – the song’s suggestive verses bear some resemblance to Rema’s “Woman” in how it loops various elements to tastefully describe the fascination. 

AlorG has had a big 2024 thanks to “Free My Mind,” a collaboration with BHADMAYORS that has surged to the top of the charts in Ghana and has all the hallmarks of a regional crossover hit. Built around a plea to live life in the moment and appreciate moments for what they represent, “Free My Mind” has become the biggest song of AlorG’s career to date and has gotten a remix with UK rap group, NSG. The success of “Free My Mind” has set the stage for AlorG to hone in on his sound and it’s what he does on his latest song, “For Di Road,” an ode to keeping one’s focus trained on their journey and what is to come. As he sings about his pains and the complexities of his journey, AlorG is urging his listeners to find solace in the fact that even the darkest nights lead to dawn. – W.O

Janice Iche

For fans of: Maya Amolo & Coco Em

For many, music is an outlet to express bottled up frustrations. Seconds into Janice Iche’s “Let Me Lose My Mind In Peace,” these pent up feelings are immediately brought to the forefront. Above thrilling melodies and breezy instrumentals lies Iche’s soothing delivery that leads you, though only momentarily, to forget the weight of her confessions and what they imply. She is evidently resigned to her fate in love, overwhelmed by confusion in actions that don’t match up with words spoken. The emotions are intentionally, yet somewhat recklessly sprawled across the low-tempo track, providing insight to just how perplexed the singer must be. 

However, her needs aren’t too far away from her consciousness as her melodic vocals float over the self-produced track, urging her love interest to show up in the ways she requires. This invigorating delivery runs across Janice Iche’s entire discography, with skills alluding to years of practice. “I started writing music at a really young age, probably 7 years old. My early influences were music on the local radio. I was inspired by the art of music and simply wanted to partake. It felt magical to me how I didn’t feel alone when I listened to music [alone in my bedroom] and I wanted to learn how to do the same,” she shared in an interview. 

While traversing safely within R&B, she doesn’t shy away from stretching her palette into Dance or Pop-leaning soundscapes as heard on her collaborative EP, ‘How You Flow’ with NKC. Her debut album, ‘The Journey Continues,’ where her most commercial releases lie, offers a thrilling compilation of her experiences and lessons, allowing Janice to appear most confident in the face of difficulties navigating her path. As songs like “All Up In Your Face” emphasise, she’s also here to reclaim her voice and power after becoming a victim of sexual abuse in the industry early on in her career. Although she shared that some of her earlier releases no longer resonated with her, for reasons she attributed to impatience with herself and her journey, Iche’s craft now not only reflects who she perceives herself to be but holds a tone of confidence, characteristic only of someone marching to the beat of their own drum. Despite having a silent year so far, Janice’s work holds promise of not just a remarkable return, but a steady rise that is sure to gather the attention of all R&B lovers across the continent. 

Chipego

For Fans of:  Sun el musician, Somadina, &  Zri

Zambian-born Chipego, is capturing the African music scene with her innovative sound that transcends borders. Seamlessly flowing between genres and creating melodies that will resonate with almost any listener, the multifaceted storyteller weaves her evocative lyricism and spoken poetry into her melodies, painting narrative pictures of the human experience.

With her debut in June 2023, and a growing discography of three songs and a feature, Chipego doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Her debut single, “Keep On” speaks to the human experience with unwithering honesty. On it, she shares difficulties with a sense of hope, and the ability to grow through the struggles. “The hard gets easy and the grass will grow,” she sings hopefully, not neglecting to references her deep-rooted connection to the motherland with memories of her youth and the familiar craving for a better future.

This theme of growth carries on to her debut project, ‘2U,’ released in December 2023. Featuring two songs titled “CLEMENTINE” and “THESE OCEANS” which delve into self-discovery. “THESE OCEANS” have a heartfelt, emotive experience, of desire for longing, love, and frustration in referencing a deep bond. emotional lyrics like “I need you here in my world,” “You’re blood in my water,” and “It’s always been me and you,” are matched with an upbeat tune, with the contrast creating a soulful listening experience. “CLEMENTINE,” on the other hand,  reflects on the need for closure and acceptance of a newfound reality through heartbreak and loss.

The infectious energy of Chipego’s music can be classified, by its attributes of  African Shoegaze and Afro-soul genres, which hold traditional rhythms while incorporating dreamy Jazz and Pop elements. This result is a familiar, immersive experience, that draws her listeners into a utopian world. Chipego expressed her commitment to “remaining curious in her music” while striving to bring her sound to the global stage, a sentiment she recently shared during a talk and panel on her Instagram.