40+ most popular black male singers that you should definitely add to your playlist
Black male singers are known for their great hits. They have stretched genre boundaries, moving from R&B, soul, and hip-hop to pop, rock, and other genres. These artists have shaped the music industry and significantly impacted popular culture.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Overview of the most popular black male singers
- 40+ most popular black male singers you should listen to
- 1. Michael Jackson
- 2. The Weeknd
- 3. Ty Dolla $ign
- 4. Miguel
- 5. Lucky Daye
- 6. Mario
- 7. Rotimi
- 8. Stevie Wonder
- 9. Lionel Richie
- 10. Snoop Dogg
- 11. Usher
- 12. Chris Brown
- 13. John Legend
- 14. Trey Songz
- 15. Bryson Tiller
- 16. 6lack
- 17. Diamond Platnumz
- 18. Khaligraph Jones
- 19. Eric Bellinger
- 20. Vigro Deep
- 21. Cassper Nyovest
- 22. Wizkid
- 23. R Kelly
- 24. Drake
- 25. Akon
- 26. Ne-Yo
- 27. Pharrell Williams
- Jacquees
- YK Osiris
- Steve Lacy
- Lil Nas X
- Khalid
- Burna Boy
- Rema
Black male singers have left an unforgettable impression on the music business with their great music, powerful voices, and electrifying performances. Take a look at some of the most accomplished and influential black male vocalists of all time.
Overview of the most popular black male singers
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40+ most popular black male singers you should listen to
New talented singers keep emerging every day. Here are some of the popular black male singers who are taking the music industry by storm. Note that this list is no particular order and is subjective because preferences in music differ from one person to another.
1. Michael Jackson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson
- Date of birth: 29 August 1958
- Date of death: 25 June 2009
- Age at death: 50 years
- Place of birth: Gary, Indiana, United States
Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the King of Pop, he is remembered as one of the top black male singers of the 80s and 90s. In fact, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.
The late artist influenced artists across many music genres. Through stage and video performances, Michael Jackson popularised street dance moves such as the moonwalk.
2. The Weeknd
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
- Date of birth: 16 February 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
The Weeknd is a Canadian singer and songwriter famous for his hit songs such as I Feel It Coming and Can't Feel My Face. He is the first Canadian artist to earn four diamond-certified singles from the Recording Industry Association of America.
He is best known for his artistic reinventions and use of the falsetto register. The Weeknd began releasing music anonymously in 2009. He is one of the best black singers male of the 2000s.
3. Ty Dolla $ign
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- Full name: Tyrone William Griffin Jr.
- Date of birth: 13 April 1982
- Age: 42 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Ty Dolla $ign is among the top black male singers in 2024. He has released popular songs, including Paranoid, Or Nah, Saved, Love U Better, and Ego Death. He signed his first record deal in 2007 with Venus Brown and Buddah Brown Entertainment.
He gained initial recognition for his guest appearance on fellow Los Angeles rapper YG's 2010 single. Ty Dolla $ign saw further mainstream recognition for his debut commercial extended play (EP), Beach House EP.
4. Miguel
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Miguel Jontel Pimentel
- Date of birth: 23 October 1985
- Age: 39 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, United States
Miguel's breakthrough came with his debut album, All I Want Is You. Sure Thing, the album's second single, rose to prominence in 2023, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately becoming his most commercially successful song.
He is among the top black male singers today. Singer Miguel incorporates R&B, funk, hip hop, pop, rock, and electronic styles into his music.
5. Lucky Daye
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- Full name: David Debrandon Brown
- Date of birth: 25 September 1985
- Age: 39 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Lucky Daye was signed to Keep Cool Records and RCA Records, releasing his first single, Roll Some Mo. His third EP, Table for Two, won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album.
The singer went back to immerse himself in classic R&B songs and developed a love for artists including Prince, Rick James, Lauryn Hill, and Stevie Wonder. Lucky Daye relocated to Atlanta to pursue music.
6. Mario
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Mario Dewar Barrett
- Date of birth: 27 August 1986
- Age: 38 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Mario released his first single, Just a Friend, at the age of 14. He has released albums and singles such as Go, D.N.A and Dancing.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, singer Mario signed a record deal with J Records at 14 and released his self-titled debut studio album to commercial success.
7. Rotimi
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Olurotimi Akinosho
- Date of birth: 30 November 1988
- Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Rotimi has released two digital mixtapes, The Resume and While You Wait. Rotimi's music career got off after the release of his first EP, Jeep Music, Vol. 1, released in 2017.
In 2019, Rotimi released a single titled Love Riddim, which has garnered attention from both old fans and newly made ones. Today, he is one of the popular black male singers in the world.
8. Stevie Wonder
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Stevland Hardaway Morris
- Date of birth: 13 May 1950
- Age: 74 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Saginaw, Michigan, United States
Stevie Wonder's songs address social and political issues, reflecting his commitment to making music with a message. Stevie is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million.
The musician is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres, including R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz. Stevie Wonder is one of the top black male singers of the 70s and 80s.
9. Lionel Richie
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- Full name: Lionel Brockman Richie Jr.
- Date of birth: 20 June 1949
- Age: 75 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tuskegee, Alabama, United States
Lionel Richie was a lead singer of the Motown group Commodores. He rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores
His breakthrough came in the 1980s after releasing his first solo album. In 1981, Lionel Richie wrote and produced Endless Love, which he recorded as a duet with Diana Ross. The song remains among the top 20 best-selling singles of all time.
10. Snoop Dogg
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- Full name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
- Date of birth: 20 October 1971
- Age: 53 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
Snoop Dogg is among the most talented black male pop singers in the world. He began his music journey in 1992 when he was featured on Dr. Dre's solo single Deep Cover.
He has released numerous hit singles such as Drop It Like It's Hot, Beautiful, and Young, Wild & Free. Snoop Dogg has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States, and 35 million albums worldwide.
11. Usher
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Usher Raymond IV
- Date of birth: 14 October 1978
- Age: 46 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
Usher is considered one of the most influential R&B and pop music artists. He has won several awards, including the Grammy, BET, and American Music Awards.
The artist first released his self-titled debut album at 15. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s following the release of his second album, My Way.
12. Chris Brown
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Christopher Maurice Brown
- Date of birth: 5 May 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tappahannock, Virginia, United States
Chris Brown has often been referred to by many contemporaries as the King of R&B. He has released some single hits such as Yeah 3x, Look at Me Now and Beautiful People.
While an R&B singer and songwriter, his music has also been influenced by hip hop and pop genres. Chris Brown's singing and dancing skills have often been compared to those of pop icon Michael Jackson.
13. John Legend
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: John Roger Stephens
- Date of birth: 28 December 1978
- Age: 45 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Springfield, Ohio, United States
Musician John Legend was first to be signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music, on which he released his first album, Get Lifted, in 2004. The singer has bagged several awards, such as Grammy Awards, International Documentary Association, Black Reel Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and many more.
14. Trey Songz
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Tremaine Aldon Neverson
- Date of birth: 28 November 1984
- Age: 40 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Petersburg, Virginia, United States
Tremaine Aldon Neverson, alias Trey Songz, was signed in 2005 to Atlantic Records after being discovered by Troy Taylor. In 2008, he was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards. He was discovered by record producer Troy Taylor in 2003, and signed to his label, Songbook Entertainment.
15. Bryson Tiller
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Bryson Djuan Tiller
- Date of birth: 2 January 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Singer Bryson Tiller is one of the young black male singers in 2024. He gained fame with his debut track Don't in 2015. Tiller described his music as trap and hip-hop-influenced R&B. He gained interest in hip-hop and rap music through Lil Wayne.
16. 6lack
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- Full name: Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.
- Date of birth: 24 June 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
6lack is currently signed to Love Renaissance and Interscope Records. He has won an MTV Video Music Award and three Grammy Award nominations. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, 6lack gained recognition following the release of his 2016 single Prblms. Today, he is listed among the top black male singers of the 2010s.
17. Diamond Platnumz
- Full name: Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack
- Date of birth: 2 October 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tandale, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Diamond Platnumz is a Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube. Diamond Platnumz popular songs include Hallelujah, African Beauty, and Waah.
18. Khaligraph Jones
- Full name: Brian Ouko Omollo
- Date of birth: 12 June 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kayole, Nairobi
Brian Ouko Omollo, alias Khaligraph Jones, is among the best black singers today. He is a Kenyan artist known for his unmatchable rapping skills. He gained fame for his hit singles Mazishi and Yego. He received the MTN Uganda Award for East African Rapper of the Year in May 2021.
19. Eric Bellinger
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Eric Aldwin Bellinger Jr.
- Date of birth: 27 March 1984
- Age: 40 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Norwalk, California, United States
Eric began songwriting in 2010. He has worked with other notable artists, such as Usher. His notable albums include The Rebirth, Cuffing Season, Part 3 and New Light. Eric Bellinger is the brother-in-law of Meagan Good.
20. Vigro Deep
- Full name: Kamogelo Phetla
- Date of birth: 6 September 2001
- Age: 23 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa
Kamogelo Phetla, alias Vigro Deep, is one of the young black singers from South Africa. He is a DJ and record producer. He has grown popular for his viral productions and counts of tours. His hit tracks include Untold Stories, Africa Rise, Ghost Producer, International, and Piano King.
21. Cassper Nyovest
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- Date of birth: 16 December 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mahikeng, South Africa
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is among the internationally famous South African musicians. He is a rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer, and amateur boxer. He is regarded as one of the most successful artists in the country.
22. Wizkid
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
- Date of birth: 16 July 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ojuelegba, Nigeria
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, alias Wizkid, is a sensational singer and one of the most established Nigerian artists. He began recording music at the age of 11. His studio albums include Superstar, Sounds from the Other Side and More Love, Less Ego.
23. R Kelly
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- Full name: Robert Sylvester Kelly
- Date of birth: 8 January 1967
- Age: 57 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Robert Sylvester Kelly, alias R Kelly, is one of the most popular black singers, selling over 75 million albums and singles worldwide. Some of his popular songs are I Believe I Can Fly, I'm Your Angel, The Storm Is Over Now and Sign of a Victory.
24. Drake
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- Full name: Aubrey Drake Graham
- Date of birth: 24 October 1986
- Age: 38 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Toronto, Canada
Drake is one of the most influential and renowned performers. Drake's songs top the charts, and he has a considerable fanbase. His notable studio albums include Thank Me Later, Take Care, and Nothing Was the Same. Drake has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip hop artists.
25. Akon
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam
- Date of birth: 16 April 1973
- Nationality: Senegalese-American
Singer Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter and record producer. He has released several hit albums that combine his R&B-style vocals with hip-hop beats. He has collaborated with many other musicians, including Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson.
26. Ne-Yo
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Shaffer Chimere Smith
- Date of birth: 8 October 1979
- Age: 45 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Camden, Arkansas, United States
Shaffer Chimere Smith, known professionally as Ne-Yo, is a recipient of several awards, including three Grammy Awards. His music is generally R&B. The American singer has also ventured into television. He appeared in an episode of The Fresh Beat Band as himself.
27. Pharrell Williams
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Pharrell Lanscilo Williams
- Date of birth: 5 April 1973
- Nationality: American
Besides his music career, Pharrell Williams is also a fashion designer. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.
Jacquees
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Rodriquez Jacquees Broadnax
- Date of birth: 15 April 1994
- Nationality: American
Jacquees gained prominence in the music industry for his distinctive R&B and hip-hop-influenced vocal style. His singles include Good Feeling, Fact or Fiction, Land of the Free and Not Jus Anybody.
YK Osiris
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Osiris Jahkail Williams
- Date of birth: 7 September 1998
- Nationality: American
YK started making music of his own at a young age. He has one studio album, The Golden Child, and several singles, such as Freaky Dancer, Set Me Free, Freaky Dancer, and Run It Up.
Steve Lacy
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya
- Date of birth: 23 May 1998
- Nationality: American
Steve is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. His albums are Apollo XXI and Gemini Rights.
Lil Nas X
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Montero Lamar Hill
- Date of birth: 9 April 1999
- Nationality: American
Lil Nas X is one of the rap artists who have been very successful in their rap music career. He came out publicly as gay on 30 June 2019. He has been awarded by the Songwriters Hall of Fame as the youngest honoree of the Hal David Starlight Award.
Khalid
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Khalid Donnel Robinson
- Date of birth: 11 February 1998
- Nationality: American
Khalid is signed to Right Hand Music Group and RCA Records. He has popular songs, including Young Dumb & Broke, Talk, Better, and Love Lies.
Burna Boy
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
- Date of birth: 2 July 1991
- Nationality: Nigerian
Burna Boy gained public recognition in 2012 after releasing his hit single Like to Party. Burna Boy has won various awards with his fusion of dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat, and pop.
Rema
- Full name: Divine Ikubor
- Date of birth: 1 May 2000
- Nationality: Nigerian
Rema is among the popular young male black singers who rose to stardom after releasing the song Dumebi. Some of Rema's popular singles include Calm Down solo and a collabo featuring Selena Gomez, Only You with STANY Offset and American Love.
These popular black male singers have gained immense fame as a result of their music. They have won various awards. While some are still newbies in the industry, others enjoy decades of success in the scene.
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Source: Legit.ng
Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
