Shazam has unveiled its Fast Forward Class of 2026, spotlighting 65 emerging artists across 22 countries identified through discovery data and editorial analysis. The list includes African talent driving measurable growth on Shazam and Apple Music, reinforcing the continent’s influence on global music discovery. “Fast Forward is a reliable pulse-check on the most exciting artists across the globe,” Shazam noted, citing strong year-over-year gains from previous cohorts.
Key Highlights
- Programme: Shazam Fast Forward 2026
- Artists Selected: 65 emerging acts worldwide
- Countries Represented: 22
- Genres Covered: 20
- African Artists Featured: 9
- African Countries Represented: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Sudan, West Africa (regional)
- African Artists in Shazam Fast Forward 2026:
- 🇿🇦 South Africa: Ciza — Afrobeats
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria: Kidd Carder — Afrobeats; oSHAMO — Afrobeats; Ossi Grace — R&B/Soul; Rayona — Afrobeats
- 🇬🇭 Ghana: Gonaboy — Hip Hop/Rap
- 🇹🇿 Tanzania: royazdad — Afro-Beat
- 🇸🇩 Sudan: Montiyago — Hip Hop/Rap
- 🌍 West Africa (Regional): LAGOS IN PARIS — Afro-Pop
- 2025 Class Performance: +67% average Shazam discovery growth; +100% collective Apple Music play growth year-over-year
African Artists Claim Key Ground in Shazam Fast Forward 2026 Class
Shazam has announced its Fast Forward Class of 2026, a global list of emerging artists identified using Shazam discovery data alongside curation from Apple Music’s editorial team. The annual programme tracks artists gaining early traction and predicts those positioned for sustained growth.
The 2026 class spans 20 genres and 22 countries, including artists from Nigeria, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom. Among the African contingent is Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kidd Carder, whose single “Calculate” reached No. 2 on Nigeria’s Shazam chart, appeared in seven African countries’ charts, and entered Shazam’s Global Top 200.
Shazam data from the Fast Forward 2025 cohort underlines the programme’s predictive record. Last year’s class recorded a 67% average increase in Shazam discoveries year-over-year, a 70% rise in radio spins, and a collective Apple Music play increase of more than 100%. Nearly half of those artists doubled their Apple Music plays, while several reached career-high discovery peaks.
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Featured Image(s): Supplied
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