TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA & TAWANDA CHARI
Every new year brings with it fresh anticipation. New sounds, breakout moments and artists stepping fully into who they are. As Zimbabwean music continues to stretch, blend and redefine itself, 2026 already feels like a year where several names will stop being 'next up' and start being the moment; the sounds that will convincingly garner notable traction.
These artists represent a melange of sounds, stories and energies, but they all share one common thread, and that is momentum.
If you’re paying attention now, don’t be surprised when everyone else catches up later.
So, here are the top 10 artists we believe are worthy of keeping an eye on (in no particular order).
1. Randall Tagwireyi
While this may be a name you might not be familiar with, his music surely makes a strong case for him to be included in this list. Randall is trudging in a path not walked by many, creating a unique sound that sets him apart from many musicians. He is steadily gaining recognition for his distinct Shona urban-folk and pop-rock fusion.
Randall melds classic western pop-rock elements with vivid Shona urbanesque storytelling. With such a distinct sound in which he has basically become a sage, one can only reach the conclusion – with the highest degree of confidence – that future is bright for him. Evidence of this is found in his Mangwanani EP released in October last year. We do believe he conveys a sound worth keeping tabs on.
2. Xentrico
Another name you may not be acquainted with. Fair enough. Understandable. But that's always the case with some of the best talent in this country, in that they are hardly known, despite crafting impeccable art. Xentrico is one of those artists. His sound straddles the line of being exotic, enveloped in unorthodox approaches to music artistry. Which is the convincing part of his music, especially if you are inclined towards new and refreshing sounds.
Xentrico brings a sound that conflates alternative pop, psychedelic rock, dance, and alternative hip-hop. All this is encapsulated in emotionally evoking lyrics, as he brings his strong songwriting skills to light with each and every song he releases.
He personally describes his music as that which "blurs the line between reality and dream – emotional, atmospheric, and immersive". And nothing could be further from the truth. His rhythmically precise lines are animated by thrilling, picturesque music videos, making his art wholesome. He is surely one to follow this year, and our hope is that he will release enough music to vindicate this inclusion.
3. Mr Attention
Ah, the man of the moment himself. A relatively fringe character until the gigantic waves made by his smash hit Handinyore (Ga Ga Ga 2 minutes), Mr Attention has proved to be a fan favourite of late. If you have been following the Hot100 Zimbabwe chart, you are well aware that he has been in the top five ever since the chart launched. At the time of writing, Handinyore is sitting at number one.
He's been enjoying immense goodwill of late, and what can explain this is the simple truism that before he blew up, he had already perfected his sonic vision. He is simply basking in this confident and able approach, a clear sign of an artist who knows what he is doing, and how to execute the artistic ideas floating in his head. The songs he has released after Handinyore haven't gained the same traction as this smash hit, but that's just because Handinyore was unprecedented in its virality. (Currently, he has another decent offering out, titled Nzira Yerudo, and we think it's worthy of your attention (pun intended.)
So, the fact that he has a hit that most Zimbabweans are streaming right now (evidenced by the good performance on the Hot100 Zimbabwe chart) means that he will have other songs that will be on everyone's lips. He is a capable artist. And that is why he is on this list.
4. Kim Makumbe
Our introduction to Kim Makumbe came back in 2022 with Baesty, an offering laden with the banter around opposite sex friendships, commitment issues, emotional boundaries and that uncomfortable question, why are you in love with your bestie? She even left us with the word “stuck” – enough ambiguity to give her the benefit of the doubt though.
She followed that up with Ndendichitodawo and Undirote, continuing a run of music that explores emotional tension, vulnerability and, yes, a little toxicity but somehow making it sound like the best thing you’ve ever heard.
Kim already sounded like a superstar back then. Since then, she’s only gotten better. An incredible singer, vocalist and songwriter, Kim Makumbe is a favourite for good reason. We don’t know exactly what she has planned for 2026, but she’s one superstar you should definitely keep your eyes on.
5. Teymar
Teymar is a talented up and coming R&B/Pop artist who caught our attention in 2025. With just three songs – Penga Udzoke, Ready and ITA – she did enough to earn a spot on this list.
Her single Ready is a standout moment of vulnerability. Teymar lays it bare: she’s ready for love, for commitment, for the next step. The lingering question, though, is whether her significant other is ready too.
Afro House proves to be the immaculate canvas for this emotional honesty. The pulsating beat and atmospheric production capture both anticipation and intimacy. Teymar’s vocals are tender yet assured, longing balanced with confidence. It’s the kind of track that slips effortlessly into your personal playlist, and an artist whose journey feels like it’s just beginning.
Let's see what she has in store for us this year.
6. Takunda Kurinyepa
When the year started, Takunda didn't waste any time. He immediately got to work, kicking off 2026 with Nhonga (Shedia); a Clef Jones and Desire Kudah-produced ode to the undeniable beauty of Zimbabwean women. It’s playful, charming and rooted in the idea that isarura ude – the options may be endless, but the conclusion remains the same: the choice will always be a Zim woman.
The title tips its hat to sungura legend Alick Macheso, but instead of revisiting the infamous mother in law versus daughter-in-law battles, Takunda flips Shedia into something far more wholesome. Here, Shedia is the daughter in law who stands her ground; refusing to leave a shared household as long as her husband and family still want her there.
In Nhonga (Shedia), Shedia evolves into a uniquely Zimbabwean kind of woman; confident, irreplaceable, and intentional. “Pick your Shedia,” he says… because some choices just make themselves. It becomes a stand-in for Zimbabwean women at large; admired, celebrated and chosen on purpose. And yes, maybe he’s pretending he’s forgotten how they once stomped on his heart but healing is a process, and we fully support the journey.
Takunda is set to deliver Side B of his 2025 EP 'argh, honestly nevermind' in October 2026. With songs like Zvirimberi (ft Shona Prince), Pano and Zembera, he’s already shown why he could be one of the best R&B artists in the country. Definitely one to watch.
7. TAPIWA
Would we be off the mark if we make the bold assertion (a well-grounded prediction) that TAPIWA is the next Samuel Cosmic or Nitefreak? Well, time will furnish us the answers. But that's how much we believe in TAPIWA, an Afro House/Tech producer and DJ whose track record simply speaks for itself. He has been steadily gaining respect within electronic music spaces in Zimbabwe, and for us this is a good sign. A positive sign.
He also commands respect on Zimbabwean urban radio stations, with last year's HANA (with Ghost ZWE ft Tahle We Dzinza) having been a mainstay on ZiFM's Top 40 charts. Another big highlight of TAPIWA last year was him performing at Carpe Diem's May edition, where his lively and infectious energy made a bold statement of intent. We are pretty much confident that he can scale up this year. His sound has the capability of igniting Zimbabwe's dancefloors in ways never felt before. Watch the space!
8. Yadis
Yadis has always been a strong rapper but 2025 showed us the full depth of her pen.
On Sunday Morning Cartoons, she reflects:
“I used to listen to Michael Jackson on radio in the car on the way to gettin’ dropped off at a boarding school… PTSD when I think about the scenario… Now I got me a fascination with syllables… Writing God-tier/tear verses, like Jesus wept on the page.”
That verse, alongside her contribution on God Is On Our Side by Calvinmadeit, feels like the epitome of her penmanship. Doing that on songs that also feature RayKaz makes it even more impressive.
With visuals released, performances at Shoko 2025, appearances on Mashoko Tapes and being crowned Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2025 ZimHipHop Awards, Yadis is not just one to watch she’s already arriving. 2026 could be massive.
9. Briza
Briza is talented. Super talented.
A versatile, multilingual emcee who can battle, write, rap and still sound effortless while doing it. He has range, skill and presence. That said, he also comes across as a highly volatile artist. Finding himself in beef with just about anyone and anything. Still, none of that takes away from his immense talent. If Briza can channel that energy into the music, 2026 could be a defining year. We’re watching closely.
10. Cleo Arie
Cleo Arie has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices we’ve ever heard.
There might be a bit of bias here because of how her music feels but the truth is, she’s a brilliant songwriter. Her music is modern and spiritually uplifting, yet endlessly replayable.
Transformation, hope and inner renewal sit at the heart of her catalogue. She has an album coming on March 2nd, 2026, titled PURPOSE, and we’re genuinely excited. With more consistency and visibility, Cleo Arie has the potential to become a Christian music superstar.
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