DJ HABIBEATS and Felukah highlighted among Shazam’s Fast Forward 2026 artists

Shazam has unveiled its Fast Forward 2026 list, an annual snapshot of exciting talent being discovered through the platform’s song recognition data. Since 2021, the service has drawn on listening and search patterns to identify emerging acts before they cross into the mainstream.

Fast Forward focuses on artists showing sharp growth on Shazam ahead of wider public exposure. As the platform explains, “Fast Forward takes a look ahead at some of the most exciting talent being discovered on Shazam.” The idea remains straightforward: observe what listeners are searching for now to anticipate who may shape the sound of the near future.

The 2026 Fast Forward playlist brings together 65 artists spanning more than 20 genres, ranging from Afrobeat and country to electronic music, K-pop, rock and urban Latino. This year’s selection also reflects a broader global reach, with MENA and diaspora-linked names appearing alongside a wider African and international cohort. Among those featured are DJ HABIBEATS, Felukah, Khayyat, royazdad, CIZA, Tems, Omah Lay and LAGOS IN PARIS.

Their presence on the list is reflected through tracks featured in the Fast Forward 2026 playlist, including ‘Hayati’ by DJ HABIBEATS & Felukah, ‘KSHFF’ by Montiyago & Khayyat, ‘Call (feat. Fuego Africa)’ by Royazdad, ‘Isaka II (6am)’ by Ciza, Tems & Omah Lay, and ‘Mali Spirit’ by LAGOS IN PARIS.

You can listen to the full Fast Forward 2026 playlist below.