2020 was a very tumultuous year for everyone. In the United States, the year began quite normally until reports emerged of suspected COVID-19 cases. At that time, it was largely seen as a “Chinese problem.” However, the U.S. eventually became the global epicenter of the virus, and the rest is history.
The global pandemic that followed led to millions of deaths, the shutdown of countless businesses, and a major disruption to daily life worldwide. Arguably, artists and entertainers were among the most affected, as their income largely depends on touring and live performances. With airports grounded and international travel restricted, many artists were left without their primary source of income.
Surprisingly, there was still significant activity within the music industry. Many artists turned to streaming platforms for revenue, which led to an unexpected surge in album and EP releases. In Indianapolis, several artists had a strong year. Below are nine artists who stood out in 2020.
Oluwatimileyin continued to impress long after first gaining attention. The Nigerian artist based in Indianapolis released several compelling singles in 2020, culminating in his debut EP titled “The First Epistle of Oluwatimileyin.” A videographer by profession, he ensures his visuals match the energy of his music and projects. His hard work earned him a well-deserved spot on this list. We look forward to his sophomore EP and upcoming listening sessions.
8. Rilo
Rilo had a productive year, beginning with the release of his “Out of the Blue” EP in the second quarter. The project showcased notable growth and versatility, further endearing him to Afrobeats fans in Indianapolis. His sound reflects strong influences from the original Afrobeat pioneered by Fela Kuti in the 1970s. A major highlight of his year was his contribution to the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria, where his song and video went viral.
7. Hamzy west
started the year strong with a single release, followed later by its music video. While expectations were high for more releases, his EP was ultimately pushed to early 2021. He also made meaningful appearances at various events and shows throughout 2020, earning him a spot on this list.
6. Timmy Rochy
Timmy Rochy had a productive year with singles such as “Dem Say” and “International Kondo” featuring T-ME Singsong. His self-titled EP had been in development for some time, with a tracklist featuring notable collaborations including Dotman and General Pype. Throughout the year, he remained active at events across Indianapolis and beyond, including clubs and shows.
5. Bowyrude
This next artist stands out as one of the leading French-speaking acts in Indianapolis. The Togolese artist maintained consistent visibility in the city’s music scene throughout 2020. The only reason for not ranking higher is limited stage appearances in Indianapolis, which made audience engagement harder to fully measure. However, after discussions with his management, plans for 2021 include a series of scheduled shows and headlining events. He is also a multiple award winner in his home country, Togo.
4. Teeklef
Teeklef also had a strong year despite the challenges of the pandemic. His projects, including “A Prayer for Black America”—released during the George Floyd protests—and “Wanting” featuring Camerudeboy, significantly influenced the Indiana music scene in 2020. He also released a joint album titled “NonZeroSum” with Skypp and contributed to Afrorolls’ single “Trianna.”
3. Afrorolls
Afrorolls had a highly successful year with the release of his “Don Corleone” EP. The project stood out not only for its quality but also for its execution, from the photoshoot to the release event, all carefully curated to match the “Don Corleone” concept. Samklef, longtime producer and collaborator of Wizkid, was also in Indianapolis to witness the EP release. Afrorolls continues to set trends and raise the standard within the scene.
We were particularly impressed with Olawalekentucky in 2020. He refined his branding significantly, presenting a more polished and professional image. He consistently drew strong crowds, filling mid-sized venues and events—an achievement not to be overlooked. His publicity skills are notably advanced for a local Indiana artist, and one key takeaway from his year is his ability to keep fans engaged through social media. He also attracted multiple paid performance opportunities throughout the year.
In our opinion, T-ME Singsong had one of the strongest years in 2020. He released his highly anticipated EP “Take II”and became one of the most booked artists in Indianapolis. While many artists avoided live events due to the pandemic, T-ME and his team actively scheduled performances, reflecting his growing influence in the city. He also released strong singles like “Low” and “International Kondo,” and appeared on several collaborative projects, including “Holiday” by Zarnotti and “Tonight” by Mr. Carter. His “Superwoman” video also featured prominent businesswomen from Indianapolis.
Tell us below who you think Indiana’s strongest artist for 2020 is and also name artists we may not have added to the list.
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