African music is a cultural melting pot of rich, diverse sounds and diasporic blends. From Dakar to Mombasa, Lagos to Cape Town, this playlist showcases the new sounds bubbling up from across the continent. Africa Rising featured a wealth of burgeoning superstars in 2025, including Nigeria’s Ossi Grace, Damie and Salle; South Africa’s Ciza, Lusanda and Jst Sako; Ghana’s AratheJay, 99 PHACES and Gonaboy; and East Africa’s HEVI, Phina and Toxic Lyrikali—but it was hard not to notice Gyakie, the supremely versatile Ghanaian singer whose After Midnight features Afrobeats, R&B, highlife and Afro-fusion. And if youre curious about where Gyakie’s inspiration comes from, just know that the album takes its name from the late-night hours she found most inspiring during its creation. “We had so many sleepless nights because most of the records were done after midnight,” she tells Apple Music. “I create very well after midnight.” Enjoy Gyakie’s tireless vibes on Africa Rising, and if you hear something you like, add it to your library.