We’ve seen countless rap artists with “Lil” in their names, but what about their Afrobeats counterparts who go by “Boy”?
For decades, “Lil” has been a staple in Hip Hop, adopted by some of the genre’s most iconic figures—whether as a nod to their stature or simply because it had a catchy ring to it. Similarly, “Boy” is emerging as a defining tag among Afrobeats stars, marking the rise of some of the genre’s biggest names.
African artists love to infuse their stage names with personality. From adding “kid” to their monikers as a nod to youth and fresh talent to the more intriguing trend of using “boy.” For some, it represents their artistic evolution, a reminder of where they started and how far they’ve come. For others, it’s a symbol of their musical persona, an alter ego that captures their sound, style, and spirit.
And let’s be honest, it has a nice ring to it. Whether it’s attached to a rap icon, an Afrobeats trailblazer, or a genre-bending innovator, “boy” carries a certain cool factor that makes the name stick. So, whether it’s a signature style, or simply a name that stuck, these musicians have built careers that prove they’re anything but boys when it comes to talent and influence.
Here are 13 African musicians with “boy” in their names:
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy has long been a global ambassador for Afrobeats, with his album “African Giant” (2019) earning a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. As a talented vocalist, Burna Boy oozes versatility as his unique sound blends Dancehall, Afrobeats, R&B, and Hip-Hop into one tightly knit package.
2. BoySpyce
Signed to Mavin Records in 2022, BoySpyce gained fame through a viral freestyle of Wizkid’s “Essence” during the 2020/2021 lockdown. His self-titled debut EP showcased his Afrobeats style, with “Nobody” becoming a fan favorite for its romantic vibe.
3. Joeboy
Discovered by Mr. Eazi in 2017, Joeboy’s hit “Baby” (2019) marked his rise, gaining 20 million streams on Spotify. His music, a mix of Afrobeats and R&B, resonates with love themes, as seen in “Don’t Call Me Back,” and he won Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
4. Stonebwoy
From Ashaiman, Ghana, Stonebwoy is dubbed the “king of reggae and dancehall in Africa.” His 2015 BET Award win for Best International Act: Africa and albums like “Epistles of Mama” (2018) and “Anloga Junction” (2021) highlight his influence, with collaborations including Sean Paul and Keri Hilson.
5. Fireboy DML
Hailing from Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fireboy DML’s “Jealous” (2019) combined African harmonies with country and soul, leading to his debut album “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps.” His collaboration with Ed Sheeran on “Peru” (2021) entered the Billboard Hot 100, which became a global sensation.
6. Bad Boy Timz
Bad Boy Timz’s “MJ” (2020) and its remixes with Mayorkun and Teni propelled him to fame. His street-hop style, influenced by his musician father, blends the regular Afro-pop music with modern beats.
7. BabyBoy AV
From Benin City, Nigeria, BabyBoy AV’s “Big Thug Boys” (2021) peaked at number five on the Billboard Triller Chart. His Afrobeat and dancehall fusion, inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar, marks him as a rising star with a growing digital presence.
8. Prettyboy D-O
A Nigerian artist from Rivers State, Prettyboy D-O’s music spans Afrobeats, hip-hop, and alté, with “Love is War” (2021) listed among The Fader’s top 50 albums. His socially conscious lyrics, like in “Jungle Justice,” address Nigerian issues, earning him a cult following.
9. Rudeboy
Formerly of P-Square, Rudeboy’s solo career took off with “Reason With Me” (2019), amassing over 189 million YouTube views. His Afropop and R&B style, rooted in his Jos upbringing, continues to dominate, with albums like “Rudykillus” (2021) showcasing his versatility.
10. Kelvyn Boy
Born in Assin Fosu, Ghana, Kelvyn Boy’s Afrobeat hits like “Mea” and “Yawa No Dey” showcase his melodic flow. Signed to Stonebwoy’s Burniton Music Group until 2019, his collaborations and EP “T.I.M.E.” (2019) highlight his potential.
11. OliveTheBoy
OliveTheBoy, real name Joel Ofori Bonsu, is a rising star in Afrobeats, born in Konongo, Ashanti Region, Ghana. He gained fame with his 2023 EP “Avana,” especially the single “Goodsin,” which topped streaming charts and became a viral TikTok sensation. Signed to Sony Music’s Columbia Records via Bu Vision, he has won awards like Breakthrough Act at the 2024 B&O 3Music Awards.
12. Toyboi
Toyboi, born Brian Martey, hails from Teshie, Accra, and is known for blending English, Twi, Ga, and Pidgin in his Afro-pop and hip-hop music. His ‘Bar4Bar Wednesday’ series boosted his profile, and he’s signed to Supernova Records, with notable songs like “Love Me” and features with artists like Sarkodie.
13. Rudebwoy Ranking
Rudebwoy Ranking, real name Mustapha Rahman, born March 18, 1991, was a prominent dancehall and reggae artist who passed away on April 24, 2023. Known for tracks like “Jah Over Dem” and “No Drama” where he was a featured artist, he was signed to Bullhaus Entertainment and won awards like Discovery Of The Year at the 2015 Bass Awards.
