Photo Credit: Major Lazer
Few names in dance music carry as much influence as Major Lazer. The global powerhouse group consisting of Diplo, Jillionaire, Ape Drums, and Walshy Fire, has been a seminal act for over a decade by blending dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat, and pop with an irresistible sound.
Known for their chart-topping hits like “Lean On” and “Cold Water,” Major Lazer has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, from Beyoncé to Justin Bieber. Their infectious, genre-blurring beats and heavy-hitting drops have helped shape the sound of modern dance music, making them one of the most recognizable and innovative groups in the industry.
Beyond just making hits, Major Lazer has brought international sounds to the mainstream, with an emphasis on Caribbean, African, and Latin influences that resonate with fans worldwide. This global approach has opened doors for artists from diverse backgrounds, inspiring a new wave of producers who blend electronic music with regional genres.
Here’s our roundup of 10 artists who share a similar artistic vision to that of Major Lazer and continue to push dance music forward in new and exciting ways.
Merchant
Rising Jamaican artist Merchant is crafting an exciting fusion of Afro house and Caribbean rhythms that recalls Major Lazer’s flair for global sounds. He’s built quite the buzz from his recent remix work of Major Lazer’s “C’est Cuit” along with his massively popular edit of Badbwoy vs. Damian Marley’s “The Light Vs. Welcome to Jamrock,” which has earned him the support of titans like Pete Tong, Blond:ISH, and Diplo along with spins on shows such as BBC Radio One’s Hot Mix. Like Major Lazer, Merchant brings a sound that’s both innovative and authentic to the Carribean culture.
Juls
London-based producer Juls has built his name on the seamless blending of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall with electronic music, echoing Major Lazer’s genre-fluid style. Known for his work with artists like Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, Juls incorporates melodic hooks and laid-back grooves that appeal to a global audience. His ability to bring a smooth, dance-ready feel to Afro-inspired beats has earned him a dedicated following among fans of vibrant, culturally rich dance music.
Francis Mercier
Francis Mercier infuses his tracks with melodic and Afro house rhythms, bridging the gap between African and Western electronic sounds. Like Major Lazer, he creates infectious, groove-friendly tunes that incorporate global influences, making for a sound that’s universally appealing and dancefloor-ready. Hit songs like “Sete” and “Kamili”, continue to cement Mercier’s prominence that shows no signs of slowing down.
Idd Aziz
Kenyan artist Idd Aziz brings a fresh perspective to the dance scene, pairing soulful Swahili vocals with deep, atmospheric beats. His music channels a deep, emotive energy similar to Major Lazer’s, while capturing the authentic sound of East African rhythms. With tracks like “Hinde” and “BADO” with Camelphat, he consistently provides an immersive, cultural experience that Major Lazer fans can appreciate.
Sarz
Nigerian producer Sarz has become a powerhouse in Afrobeat and dance music, known for his smooth sound that bridges numerous genres. His collaborations with Wizkid, Gunna, Chris Brown, and Burna Boy showcase his ability to bring an Afrocentric feel to dancefloor anthems, creating catchy rhythms and innovative melodies. Tracks like “Happiness” and “Monalisa” are two standout tracks that further cement his status as one of the most exciting artists around.
Omah Lay
Nigerian sensation Omah Lay combines melodic Afrobeat with electronic and R&B influences, crafting tracks with both emotional depth and rhythmic punch. Known for hits like “Moving” “Attention ft. Justin Bieber,” Lay’s music mirrors Major Lazer’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with club-ready beats, creating a sound that’s both introspective and party-friendly. His smooth, lyrical approach brings an added layer of warmth and appeal to the Afro-fusion genre.
Major League DJz
South African duo Major League DJz are the torchbearers for Amapiano, a genre that combines deep house with soul-inflected beats and percussive grooves. Tracks like “Designer ft. Major Lazer & Ty Dolla $ign“, and “Oh Yeah” bring an unmistakable groove and energy that illustrates how these guys create a bridge between South Africa’s thriving Amapiano scene and the worldwide electronic landscape.
Skrillex
Renowned for collaborating with international artists and exploring diverse dance genres, Skrillex’s versatility has parallels to Major Lazer’s fearless experimentation. His knack for commercially appealing, dance friendly tracks, such as “Yo Fam!” with Sarz or “SELECTA” with BEAM highlights his expansive talent, seamlessly integrating global influences into his sound.
&friends
Known for his vibrant Afro house sound, &friends mixes tribal beats with electronic and house influences, creating deeply rhythmic and cultural dance music. Tracks like “Ta Ta Ta” and “Everyday” align with Major Lazer’s commitment to bringing world music into the dance music, especially America.
Aüra
Aüra’s music blends Afrohouse, deep house, and other underground genres in a way that echoes Major Lazer’s global sound. Her refined, culturally rich production style—highlighted in tracks like “Clandestin” and “Water”—infuses her work with a compelling flair. With years of experience alongside major names like Solomun and Claptone, Aüra crafts infectious, rhythm-forward tracks that continue to make her stand out.
Must See DJ Sets From Major Lazer:
The post ARTISTS WHO SOUND LIKE MAJOR LAZER: 10 PRODUCERS OUR TEAM THINKS EVERY DANCE MUSIC FAN WILL LOVE appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.