Rwandan singer Mugisha Benjamin, popularly known as The Ben, has been named among 30 African artists featured on a Globe Data list highlighting musicians it considers standout talents from across the continent.
The Ben is ranked 17th on the list, which was published by Globe Data on its social media platforms on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. The list features one artist representing each of 30 African countries.
Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo is ranked 12th, while South African DJ and producer Black Coffee takes the top position. Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie is second and Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz third.
Other artists in the top 10 include Kenya’s Sauti Sol, Egypt’s Amr Diab, Morocco’s Saad Lamjarred, Algeria’s Soolking, Côte d’Ivoire’s DJ Arafat and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fally Ipupa.
The wider list includes established artists from across Africa, among them Cameroon’s Manu Dibango, Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, Zambia’s Macky 2, Angola’s C4 Pedro, Mozambique’s Stewart Sukuma, Ethiopia’s Aster Aweke, Tunisia’s Balti and Mali’s Salif Keita.
Globe Data said its selection considered factors including artists’ social media followings, YouTube views and activity on other music platforms, collaborations with prominent musicians and awards received.
The recognition comes as The Ben continues to attract attention with his music. His song Insha Allah has surpassed seven million views on YouTube, adding to the singer’s growing digital audience.
The Ben has been active on Rwanda’s music scene for years and has built a wider regional and international following through collaborations, performances and releases.
