15 African Women Showing the Future is Female by Shaping Music

In a music industry often dominated by men, African women are stepping up and shaping the future. From artists making waves on global charts to executives driving the business behind the scenes, these women are not just part of the conversation, they’re leading it.

Their influence is undeniable. They are bringing African sounds to the world, creating opportunities for other women, and redefining what success looks like in music. Here are some incredible women making an impact in 2025.

Eunice Adeyemi

Eunice Adeyemi is a creative force behind some of Africa’s most exciting music visuals and live events. As the creative director of Q21 Solutions, she specializes in luxury event production, including music festivals and major brand activations. She is also the mind behind the annual Alte culture festival, which celebrates alternative music and fashion in Nigeria.

Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy

Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy is at the forefront of African music streaming. As Managing Director of Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa, she ensures that African artists gain global recognition. Under her leadership, Spotify has expanded its reach in Africa, helping local artists earn more and reach international audiences.

Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna)

Bose Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy’s mom and manager, has been instrumental in shaping his career. With her business acumen, she has secured major deals, international tours, and global collaborations. She won Manager of the Year at the Artist & Manager Awards in London, proving she’s more than just Burna’s mom—she’s a music industry force.

Deola Art Alade

Adeola Art Alade is making waves in live music and entertainment. As CEO of Livespot 360, she has produced massive concerts and festivals, including the Livespot X Festival, which brought Cardi B to Africa. She’s proving that African women can lead in entertainment production.

Phiona Okumu

Phiona Okumu is another key player in the streaming world. As Head of Music for Spotify Africa, she has led efforts to showcase African music globally. Through curated playlists and strategic marketing, she has helped put Amapiano, Afrobeats, and other African genres on the world stage.

Sasha P

Anthonia Alabi, widely known as Sasha P, is a trailblazer in African hip-hop. Often called the “First Lady of African Hip-Hop,” she has spent over two decades shaping the industry. As an artist, she has won multiple awards and performed alongside global superstars like Shakira and John Legend.

Beyond music, she has been a key figure in organizing major African music events, including The Headies and Flytime Festivals. She is also the founder of Purplefire, an entertainment company focused on artist bookings and business solutions, and ALEC, a conference aimed at growing Africa’s live music scene. Her latest role in expanding the EVEN music monetization platform across Africa proves she’s still pushing boundaries.

Jennifer Imion

Jennifer Imion is a powerhouse at Mavin Records, where she serves as Director of Operations. Since joining in 2019, she has been a driving force in transforming Mavin into a global Afrobeats powerhouse. She’s built systems that help artists like Rema and Ayra Starr thrive while championing inclusivity in the industry—her leadership team at Mavin is predominantly female.

Foza Doza

Oyinkansola “Foza” Fawehinmi is a top entertainment lawyer in Nigeria. She started as a road manager but quickly became one of the most influential figures in African music law. She has brokered deals worth over $10 million and is a Grammy voting member. Foza’s work in shaping the legal and financial side of African music ensures artists get the protection and recognition they deserve.

Yemisi Falaye

Another legal powerhouse, Oluyemisi Falaye, has been instrumental in protecting the rights of Nigerian artists. With over a decade of experience, she works behind the scenes to secure better contracts, protect intellectual property, and ensure artists have the legal support they need to succeed.

Tems

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, has become one of the most recognizable African artists worldwide. From her Grammy-winning collaboration on Wait For U with Future and Drake to her hit Love Me JeJe, she continues to push boundaries.

Beyond music, Tems is now a part-owner of San Diego FC, making her the first African female to own stakes in an MLS club. She’s proving that African artists can be moguls, too.

Tyla

South African star Tyla took the world by storm with Water, making her the first South African soloist in decades to break into the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also won the inaugural Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Her self-titled debut album in 2024 solidified her place as one of Africa’s biggest pop stars.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her breakout hit Rush earned her a Grammy nomination, and in 2024, she became the first Nigerian female artist to enter the Billboard 200 with her album The Year I Turned 21. With her unique voice and fearless style, she continues to push Afrobeats forward.

Tshwanelo Maredi

Tshwanelo Maredi plays a key role in promoting African music through Apple Music. As a music editor and label relations executive, she curates playlists, supports artists, and ensures African music gets the global attention it deserves.

Amanda Uzoagba

Amanda Uzoagba is a top entertainment lawyer and business consultant. She oversees licensing for Mdundo, a leading African music streaming company, ensuring artists get paid fairly. She has helped facilitate multi-million-dollar deals for African artists and labels.

Osagie Osarenkhoe

Osagie Osarenkhoe is a veteran artist manager who has played a role in shaping the careers of some of Nigeria’s biggest stars. From Wizkid’s early days to launching Bella Shmurda’s career, she has proven that strategic management is key to success. Now serving as the Director of African Operations at ONErpm, she’s helping independent artists gain access to global opportunities.