“Afrobeats 2026”: Global Hits and New Releases in the Heart of New York City

Music Brokers makes its mark in the Manhattan subway with a selection featuring Burna Boy, Tyla, and Rema, alongside exclusive productions for the winter season.

Music Brokers continues to consolidate its presence in the Afrobeat genre with the visibility campaign for its flagship playlist, “🔥 AFROBEATS 🔥 2026”. Currently, promotional posters for this curation are active in strategic locations across New York City, most notably at the 125th Street station in Harlem—a key cultural hub—highlighting the slogan “Voted #1 Afrobeats Playlist”.

A Selection Validated by Global Stars The core of the playlist is built upon a selection of the genre’s most influential international artists. An analysis of the tracklist reveals the inclusion of names that currently dominate global charts, providing the curation with a standard of high relevance:

• Burna Boy: The genre’s leading reference, featured with multiple key tracks.
• Tyla: The breakout artist who has globalized the sound with hits like Water.
• Rema & Selena Gomez: Featuring Calm Down, the most successful crossover in recent Afrobeat history.
• Tems & Fireboy DML: Essential figures connecting African sounds with R&B and Western pop.
• Omah Lay & Tiwa Savage: Established names that ensure the list’s depth and authenticity.

Exclusive Releases: December, January, and February Leveraging the traction generated by these genre giants, Music Brokers has scheduled a series of in-house releases for December, January, and February. Label artists such as Space Afro, Monsoon, and Dualbox will present new productions designed to sit seamlessly alongside the aforementioned international hits. This programming strategy aims to offer the listener a continuous experience, where the label’s new material integrates organically with the massive hits of the moment.

The “Afrobeats 2026” playlist is now available on digital platforms and will be updated periodically throughout the first quarter of the year.

The Global Giants

• Burna Boy: The self-proclaimed “African Giant” is the backbone of any serious Afrobeat list. With tracks like City Boys and Higher featured in our playlist, Burna Boy provides the definitive fusion of dancehall, reggae, and Nigerian pop that has defined the last decade.
• Tyla: The South African artist who has redefined the genre’s reach by fusing it with Pop and R&B. Her viral hit Water and tracks like Truth or Dare represent the freshest, most sensual, and Gen Z-oriented side of the movement, incorporating subtle elements of Amapiano.
• Rema: With his unmistakable voice and hypnotic melodies, Rema has served as the ambassador for “Afrorave.” The inclusion of Calm Down is mandatory; it is not just a song, but the milestone that finally kicked down the doors of US radio for the African sound.
• Tems & Omah Lay: They bring emotional and lyrical depth to the list. While Tems offers a unique R&B vocal sophistication, Omah Lay (Understand, Holy Ghost) delivers that melancholic and addictive texture—jokingly referred to as “Afro-depression”—that connects deeply with urban audiences.
• Space Afro: The flagship project for atmosphere and mood. Space Afro specializes in taking the genre’s percussive rhythm and smoothing it out with chill textures and enveloping synths. Their upcoming releases aim to be the perfect bridge between the club and the lounge.
• Monsoon: Focused on organic fusion. Monsoon integrates natural elements and acoustic sounds with electronic beats, creating an accessible “Afro-House” sound that works equally well for relaxation or mid-energy playlists.
• Dualbox & Nikko Mad: The rhythm engineers. They bring a more technical and electronic vision, ideal for keeping the playlist’s energy up without losing elegance. Their productions are characterized by deep basslines and polished production ready for international standards.