Joshua Baraka has been part of the Spotify Wrapped conversation every year since his breakout single "NaNa" took the world by storm. "Wrong Places" has made this Joshua's year, having been listened to in 183 countries. Many Ugandan music lovers regard him as Uganda's strongest music export. His sound and style appeal to international audiences, making him the perfect outlier on a list dominated by a major label. Like global Afrobeats stars, Baraka's strength is impact that crosses borders effortlessly.

Then there is King Saha. The artist who held two sold-out concerts this year cannot be overlooked. The fact that both shows sold out speaks volumes about his dedicated fanbase. This same loyalty propelled fans to stream his music, earning him a place among the elite.