Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Qing Madi Makes Billboard’s 21 Under 21 List

17-year-old singer, Qing Madi, featured on Billboard‘s 21 under 21 list.

Born Chimamanda Chukwuma, the star is hot on Nigeria’s music scene. Her unique stage name has a feminist backstory. Madi states, “The Q is for femininity because I am a woman, but it sounds like ‘king’ because my place in life and my career doesn’t depend on anyone else.”

The “Vision” singer’s genre is a fusion between Afropop and Afro R&B. Her debut song, “See Finish,” was well-received and she wrote and produced the song when she was 16. The hit song brought label executives and A&Rs to her DM’s and allowed her to collaborate with BNXN on her song “Ole.”

Madi released her debut self-titled EP in 2023 and was featured on BNXN’s Sincerely BNXN Tour. The young artist might be early into her career, but she has already received recognition from fellow Nigerian artists, such as Ayra Starr and Wizkid. The singer cites Ayra Starr as an inspiration: “I’m very proud and excited to be in the era when all of this is happening because it kind of creates hope for me. If they can do it, then I can. It even affects my writing, because I realize that I can write music for the world, not just for Nigeria or Africa.” The Afrobeats star has worked with Wizkid, providing backup vocals on his song “Diamonds.”

Omggg I didn’t know she was this young and such a good song writer!! Star girlhttps://t.co/aIzsVk5ePK

— Topzy (@TemiTopz_) May 31, 2024

The “Ole” singer describes Kendrick Lamar as a major influence in her music, stating, “he basically taught me how to write.” She also grew up listening to Burna Boy and Wizkid, revealing “[they are] pushing the Afrobeats culture [and opening] the doors for me to dream and aspire to be more than my surroundings.”

Recently, Madi collaborated with Chlöe for a remix of her breakout track “Vision,” which also got a music video.

The songwriter has been on the rise since her debut EP, as she is in Vevo‘s this year’s Class of Artists to Watch. Madi states, “Being in the class of ATW is a dream come true and an opportunity to showcase my talent to a wider audience.”

The “American Love” singer has been teasing some new music. Fans are already begging her to release the song “You Believe in Love.”

@qingmadi1 Qings ? #fyp #viral #qing original sound -Qing Madi

You can check out Qing Madi’s music on all platforms.