Qing Madi: Rising Rhythms, Guided by Grace

The Gen Z Star Redefining Afrobeats with Authenticity and Faith

When Qing Madi stepped into the world of Afrobeats, she didn’t just enter; she made a grand entrance. At 17, she burst onto the scene with "Ole," a record that hit the streets and the charts like a wave, announcing her as the fresh Gen Z voice we didn’t know we needed. But on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, sponsored by oraimo, I got to sit down with Qing Madi and peel back the layers of a star on the rise. And in true Gen Z fashion, she did it while trying out the oraimo SpaceBuds for the first time—talk about blending technology with talent.

Qing Madi's journey is as colorful as the beats she rides. Raised in a household where her mother encouraged her to explore different worlds, Qing dabbled in ballet, something that might seem worlds away from the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats. Yet, it’s all part of what makes her the artist she is today—a fusion of grace and grit, delicacy, and defiance. “Ballet was one of those things my mom pushed me to try,” she shared, her voice steady through the crystal-clear sound of the oraimo SpaceBuds. “It taught me discipline, balance, and how to express myself without words. That’s something I carry into my music.”

As we delved deeper into her plans for the Afrobeats scene, it became clear that Qing Madi isn’t just here to play; she’s here to make a mark. “I want to bring something new to Afrobeats, something that speaks to my generation but also honors those who came before us,” she explained, her words revealing a wisdom beyond her years. It’s this blend of reverence for tradition and hunger for innovation that makes her a unique force in the industry. She’s not just riding the wave of Afrobeats; she’s shaping its future.

But being a young star in a genre as vibrant as Afrobeats isn’t without its challenges. Qing Madi has been upfront about her faith, a stance that has both drawn followers and pushed some away. “My faith is a big part of who I am,” she said, adjusting the oraimo SpaceBuds in her ears. “I know it might make some people uncomfortable, but I’ve always believed in being true to myself. That’s the only way I can create music that’s real, music that resonates.”

The oraimo SpaceBuds delivered every word with crispness, a fitting metaphor for the clarity with which Qing Madi views her path. In a world where authenticity can be a scarce commodity, she wears hers like a badge of honor. And it’s this authenticity, coupled with her undeniable talent, that’s set to leave an indelible mark on Afrobeats.

As our conversation wound down, I couldn’t help but admire the blend of old-school values and new-age tech that define Qing Madi. Just like the oraimo SpaceBuds she tried on for size, she’s a perfect fit for this moment in Afrobeats—a genre that’s always evolving, always pushing boundaries, and always, always staying true to its roots.