Music <\/p>\n
2025 was tough for rising artists. For those who expected an Asake-style breakout, it was a disappointing year.<\/strong><\/p>\n For some music heads heavily invested in underground artists, however, it was a decent one. We saw the likes of FOLA, Mavo, and others spike in ways that could cement their footing in the industry. Over the past year, new sounds emerged weekly, new slang entered the mainstream, and scenes once considered underground began to shape the culture\u2014from street-pop and Amapiano to alternative rap, R&B, and unclassifiable hybrids. 2025 wasn\u2019t about trends; it was about artists building worlds and pulling audiences into them.<\/p>\n Now it\u2019s a new year. Some of these underground artists who saw a spike in 2025 will be looking to build on those moments and push toward real dominance in 2026. Others, whose unique sound and\/or style have massaged the ears of fans in local communities, will be hoping that the six in 2026 means their dice will finally roll. The uncertainty is there, the hope is there, and the resilience, readiness, strategy, consistency, and luck will be all it takes to move forward.<\/p>\n Here are some of the artists you should definitely have on your watchlist in 2026. If there were stocks for them, we\u2019d definitely advise you to get some of each.<\/p>\n Music 6uff<\/strong><\/h2>\n