Since the moment native Africans were made to set foot on American soil, albeit forcefully, they had unknowingly become a crucial and inseparable part of the US history. To highlight the contributions of African-Americans to American history, historian Carter G. Woodson had proposed the idea of celebrating the second week of every February as Black History Week in 1926. Woodson specifically chose the second week as it coincided with the birthdays of two prominent figures who had a lion’s share in shaping the future of African Americans for the better – Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist writer Fredrick Douglas (14 February). Fifty years later in 1976, when America was celebrating the 200th anniversary of its Declaration Of Independence, the then President Gerald Ford asked for the entire month of February to be celebrated as Black History Month. He urged the citizens of the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Now more than ever, when the racial divide in America runs deeper than ever, celebrating Black History Month offers a great opportunity to educate the coming generations of African Americans’ worthwhile contributions to the nation’s history, arts, culture, and politics. The entire month of February buzzes with discussions around the achievements and contributions of Black people from the past as well as the present. Events such as film screenings and museum exhibits help to start conversations across racial lines that work wonders in bridging the communication gap between the diverse ethnicities and races of the United States.
As we all know that Art is a medium that transcends boundaries of language, race, gender and political affiliations, the theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African American and The Arts”.
Keeping in line with this theme, we have compiled a list of ten prominent African American Artists that you should watch out for in 2024
1. Dewayne Perkins
In such grim times, making people laugh definitely qualifies as art. And what better Ice Breaker than humor? Our first feature on the list is comedian and writer Dewayne Perkins. Perkins is an Emmy-nominated artist who runs a comedy circus of his own on his Instagram channel @dewayneperkins. Lauded by blacks and whites alike, Perkins has written for popular shows like Saved by the Bell (the reboot) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Having performed for Netflix specials and multiple Comedy Central appearances, Dewayne Perkins is doing a stunning job at wiping racism off the face of America one joke and hundreds of laughs at a time. Talent agency CAA signing him in early 2023 is the only reason you’d ever need to give him a follow on Instagram and TikTok where creativity reigns supreme.
2. Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson is another actor and comedian who has been making America laugh for quite a while now. The Comedy Central’s “most watched comedian” is also the winner of an NAACP Award and boasts of writing credits for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Comedy Cellar is the place to be at if you want to witness the genius of Josh Johnson live! And if you’re looking to test the waters and find out what makes Josh Johnson grab the headlines, check out his latest TV Special Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself which debuted in 2023. You can always open the Instagram app and follow @joshjohnsoncomedy for some instant laughs and gratification.
3. Luenell
Black women aren’t just breaking out in laughter at Black mens’ jokes, they’re actively breaking barriers and keeping abreast with their counterparts on the stage. Luenell, the 64 year old is a living breathing example of how age is just a number, and being unapologetic about your journey and choices takes you to places. Luenell has an impressive filmography to her name with films like Borat, The Rock (1996), That’s My Boy, and A Star Is Born among many others. Keeping her films aside, the Arkansas born, California raised comedian has carved a name for herself in comedy with her expertise in giving a comic twist to taboo topics like drugs and sex through her confrontational tone and unfiltered comedic voice. If you want a dose of Luenell to leave you laughing like crazy check out her Netflix appearance on Chappelle’s Home Team – Luenell: Town Business.
4. Ayo Edebiri
Boston born Ayo’s rise as an actress, television writer and comedian is nothing short of impressive. Known for her prominent roles of Sydney on The Bear and Missy on Big Mouth, her millennial perspective on pop culture, womanhood and relationships has earned her wild acclaim. Her comedy style is a perfect blend of personal storytelling and unique cultural observations that makes her stand out from the masses. Witness Ayo Edebiri in all her glory in Comedy Central’s Ayo Edebiri – Nightmare Roommate Scenario, and Ayo Edebiri – Her Village.
5. Denyah
Denyah is an upcoming name in the R&B genre of music. The California girl proclaims herself as a “Pastel R&B” artist whose music is a unique blend of R&B influences with mesmerizing dashes of electronic and pop. If you want to have a glimpse into Denyah’s capabilities and her musical vibe check out this TV commercial song “Feel Like This” for a clothing brand named Marine Layer. Her song Easy Baby is one of her most loved songs with more than 10 million plays on Spotify. Her latest album Play Pretend debuted on Spotify in September 2023. We are excited to see what Denyah has in store for us in 2024 and you too can tune in by following her on Instagram at @itsdenyah.
6. Colored Craig
The Emmy-nominated Choreographer and Vinyl DJ Colored Craig is a well-renowned name in Los Angeles’ flourishing house music scene. Craig has earned himself a reputation for getting crowds dancing to his movement-focused house soundscape. His pulsating combo of disco deep cuts and house has earned him deck appearances with the likes of Derrick Carter, Eris Drew, Yaeji, Dee Diggs, Octo Octa, and Space Ghost. Colored Craig has treated a large audience to his airwaves by blazing his blissed out NRG mixes for Club Quarantine, RA, and NTS. If you want to dance to fresh out of the oven beats then tune in into their dublab drops on the first Wednesday of every month on Club Craig. We concur that 2024 is the year whe Colored Craig will unfurl on LA’s house music charts and make a name of his own.
7. Goth Jafar
Over the past year, Goth Jafar has been making waves in the music scene, captivating audiences across North America and Europe with unforgettable performances. Notably, she joined Evian Christ for his renowned Trance Party series in Barcelona and London, while also showcasing her talent at esteemed venues like De School, Panorama Bar, Nowadays, and SLIT Festival. Looking ahead, Goth Jafar is set to make her debut as a producer in 2024 with a four-track EP that feels like a manifestation of her destiny. In addition to her EP, she will be releasing the Berghain Barbie mix, a re-recording of her memorable P-Bar debut, complete with a special monologue intro by Chloe Sevigny. Despite already establishing herself as a fixture in both the US and European clubbing scenes, Goth Jafar is about to take her talent to Australia, embarking on a tour of the country alongside River Moon. There’s no doubt that this exceptional DJ is destined for global recognition.
8. Real Boston Richey
Introducing Real Boston Richey, born as Jalen Taheen Foster on February 4, 1997, in Tallahassee, Florida. This talented 20-year-old rapper from Boston, Massachusetts, has been making waves with his clever lyrics and infectious hooks. Inspired by the support of his friends and the loss of his cousin in 2021, Richey embarked on a remarkable rap journey. In March 2022, he released his hit single “Keep Dissing,” gaining immense popularity. In August 2022, rapper Future recognized Richey’s talent and collaborated with him on the electrifying track “Bullseye 2.” Richey signed with Future’s prestigious Freebandz record label and released his captivating mixtape “Public Housing” in the same month. In October 2022, Richey collaborated with rapper Lil Durk on the explosive single “Keep Dissing 2,” addressing important subjects like social justice and mental health. Real Boston Richey is taking the rap scene by storm with his unique blend of lightheartedness, joy, and thought-provoking lyrics. Keep an eye out for this rising star in the music world!
9. Lola Brooke
Lola Brooke, the incredibly talented 20-year-old rapper from Brooklyn, New York, has taken the music scene by storm! With her vibrant personality and infectious hooks, Lola’s music is a delightful blend of lightheartedness and boldness, fearlessly challenging the status quo. Drawing inspiration from hip hop, trap, and R&B, she skillfully weaves together elements from her influences, including the legendary Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, and Nicki Minaj. Lola’s lyrics are a powerful anthem of self-assurance, sexuality, and her remarkable journey to success.
In 2021, Lola Brooke burst onto the scene with her debut single “Don’t Play with It,” which instantly became a viral sensation on social media, catapulting her career to new heights. Since then, she has continued to captivate audiences with hits like “So DISRESPECTFUL,” “Blick Blick,” and “Flexin.” Lola is just a glimpse into the exhilarating future of the music industry. Her potential knows no bounds, and we are eagerly anticipating the awe-inspiring accomplishments she will achieve in the years to come.
10. 30K Kutthroat
30K Kutthroat is a rap artist from Buffalo, NY. He developed a passion for hip hop at a young age and started making music when he was just 13 years old. According to Kutthroat, making music became a therapeutic outlet for him to express his emotions. Growing up in foster care taught him valuable life lessons that he carries with him today. He had the opportunity to live in different places, such as New York and Alabama, which broadened his perspective on the world. These experiences have shaped the artist we now know as 30K Kutthroat. Currently, he is promoting his second project titled “The Slime In Me” and serves as the CEO of his own label, Black Forbes Ent/Young Stoner Life Records. According to 30K Kutthroat, there will be more music and visuals coming in 2024. Get ready!
Bottom Line
Keeping in line with the achievements of their predecessors, many black modern artists are owning the stage in their respective genres. When they shine at their brightest, it inspires numerous black kids to embrace art as an outlet for self-expression and encourages them to pursue their dreams without being discouraged by the color of their skin. Art has always been a medium of inclusiveness and collaboration that decimates the shackles of racism, discrimination, and prejudice of the past. This Black History Month let us pledge to ensure that history does not repeat itself and commit to building a nation that serves as an example of inclusiveness, equality, and diversity for the world to see.
