Airtel One8 collaboration voted 2011 best bet by Billboard International

Airtel One8 collaboration voted 2011 best bet by Billboard International

The all-African group, Airtel One8, has been named “Best Bet of 2011” by Billboard International.

The Billboard ‘Best Bet List’ is an annual forecast for upcoming artists or groups that are destined for success in the new year. This year’s list includes American country pop singer and Grammy award-winner Taylor Swift.

Speaking on the endorsement, chief marketing officer, Airtel Africa, Andre Beyers said,

“This exciting recognition has demonstrated both the potential impact African music and local artists can have on the international music scene, as well as the benefits of diversity in music. The Airtel One8 super group is a living and breathing example of the diversity and cultural mix of Africa. It expresses the spirit, talent and rhythm of Africa.”

Airtel One8 made its debut in November 2010 with the global hit single “Hands Across the World”. Airtel One8 features eight of Africa’s top acts — Nigerian R&B singer 2Face, Tanzanian crooner Ali Kiba, singer Fally Ipupa of the Democratic Republic of Congo, hip hop trio 4X4 from Ghana, rapper Movazhaleine of Gabon,

Zambian singer JK, Ugandan rapper, Navio, and Kenyan R&B singer Amani and the hip-hop’s Pied Piper, R Kelly — who wrote and produced the debut single. According to Billboard, the group and R-Kelly connection, “no less, is poised to build a sustainable global audience for the continent’s music industry.”

With their single climbing the top 10 charts, the Airtel One8 album is due for release in the first quarter of this year.