For years, Zimbabwean artists have fought for visibility on the continental stage. Despite the long struggle, a new wave of recognition is finally cresting — epitomised by local musical prodigy Kyla Blac (pictured)’s recent appearance on a Nigerian billboard, undeniable proof that the tide is shifting.
The milestone achievement was powered by UnitedMasters an American music distributor that has a significant presence in Lagos, Nigeria. It was made possible through their ground breaking “Most Likely Class of 2025” project.
The project is a 12-track compilation, born from an immersive Lagos recording camp that took three days of collaboration and creation. It comprises 12 artists, six producers, three songwriters, and an engineer who all came together in Lagos earlier this year.
The camp brought together some of Africa’s brightest emerging voices with heavyweight producers such as Sarz, WurlD, and Blaqbonez. Kyla and WordsofAzia — a French-born artist of Ivorian descent — were the only foreign-based artists, while the rest are from Nigeria.
“This is bigger than one song or one billboard; it’s a signal. Zimbabwe is not waiting to be invited. We are already outside,” Kyla’s management told IndependentXtra.
“For Zimbabwe, the message is clear: we are no longer watching global moves from the sidelines – we are making them.”
Her contribution Not A Love Song – the sixth on the compilation – isn’t just another playlist addition; it’s a statement of intent.
Earlier this year, the Sofar Sounds Harare alumni became one of the first Zimbabwean artists to grace the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist, putting her face – and voice – in front of millions of global listeners.
- Chics’ Galaxy: Tammy Moyo promises more hits
- Nigeria ad regulator sues WhatsApp owner for $70m
- Growing plants on buildings can reduce heat and produce healthy food in African cities
- Nigerian police find 10 bodies near Lagos-Abuja road.
Keep Reading
That momentum set the tone for what was coming: bigger stages, bigger conversations, and now, a Lagos billboard seen by thousands every day.
Not A Love Song combines her sharp lyricism and genre-bending style with Lagos’s creative energy. Produced by Le Mav, whose contribution to the Black Panther soundtrack led to a Grammy nomination, the track is introspective yet forward-thinking. It is proof she belongs on any stage – from Harare to Lagos, Spotify playlists to billboards.
Her Lagos billboard moment is more than a personal win – it’s a cultural one. It’s a signal to every Zimbabwean artist hustling in studios, uploading music to streaming platforms, and dreaming of global stages: it’s possible, and it’s happening now.
She joins a growing wave of Zimbabwean acts breaking boundaries – from Gemma Griffiths rocking Pan-African collaborations, to Nutty O flying the afro dancehall flag high on European stages, to Shasha bagging continental awards. Each one is a brick in the foundation of a Zimbabwean music industry that is no longer on the fringes but in the global conversation.
The Most Likely album is available now on all major streaming platforms.
