African music, as well as the musical sounds and practises of all African indigenous peoples pervades African life and serves a purpose, playing a role in society; songs are used for religious ceremonies and rituals, to teach and guide, to tell stories, to mark the stages of life and death, and to provide political guidance or to express discontent. This list delves into the great men and women who have provided the continent with incredible music to listen to.
1.Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti, known for his high-octane performances, is widely regarded as one of the greatest African artists of all time. He was a multi-instrumentalist, musician, political activist, composer, and the father of the Afrobeat music genre. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with his band ‘The Afrika ’70,’ and was known for singing in Yoruba, his native language, and Pidgin English, which was enjoyed by people all over Africa.
Listen to Fela teacher dont teach me nonsense (Live at Glastonbury, 1984)
2. Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, is the most well-known female artist to have emerged from Africa. Her music addressed South Africans’ sociopolitical plight during Apartheid and defined the sound of South African music. She won a Grammy and is known around the world for her signature sound and stage performances.
listen to Pata Pata by miriam makeba
3. Ali Farka Toure
Multilingual Ali Farka Toure, a Malian singer and guitarist, is the best musician to come out of Mail. His unique musical style, which combines African American jazz and Malian traditional music, has earned him millions of fans worldwide. He can also perform songs from Mali in ten different languages.
Listen to Ali Farka Touré – Savane (Full Album)
4. Yousssou N dour
Youssou N dour, a Senegalese singer and percussionist, was born in the bustling city of Dakar. He is regarded as one of the forefathers of the popular Wolof music style known as Mbalax. He is highly regarded internationally as a celebrated singer, songwriter, and composer. His fusion of Mbalex with Cuban, Latin, Hip-hop, and pop elements has earned him a global following.
Listen to 7 Seconds by Youssou N’Dour –
5. Brenda Faisse
Brenda Faissie was a well-known South African singer. Brenda Faisse, affectionately known as the Queen of African Pop, continues to inspire a new generation of artists. She was born in Langa, Cape Town, and at the age of 18, she moved to Soweto, Johannesburg, to pursue her dreams of becoming a star. Brenda rose to prominence as the lead singer of the popular township pop band Brenda & The Big Dudes. This propelled her to fame, and by 1996, her songs were at the top of the charts, with each of her albums selling multi-platinum in South Africa.
Listen to Ag Shame Lovey by Brenda Fassie –
6. King Sunny Ade
Born to a royal family in Ondo, Nigeria, King Sunny Ade is quite literally music royalty. Popularly known for playing juju music, a popular form of Nigerian music by the 80s. His band King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, a Pan African collective, touring across Africa and gaining popularity in the US and Europe. Ade was the first person to introduce the pedal steel guitar to Nigerian pop music.
Listen to King Sunny Ade & His African Beats in Japan – Maajo Oct 26 1984
7. Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube was a Johannesburg-based South African reggae musician. He is known as the “Father of African Reggae Music.” He discovered his musical talents at a young age and joined his cousin’s band when he was 18 years old. Later, they renamed the band ‘Lucky Dube & The Supersoul’ and released their debut album. Lucky Dube later dropped the supersoul from his name and went on to produce several hit albums and tour the world.
Listen to The way it is by Lucky Dube
8. Angelique Kidjo
Benin’s two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist. She is known for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos, which have earned her the title of “Africa’s Greatest Living Diva.”
Listen to Agolo by Angelique Kidjo
9. Mona Finnih
Mona rose to prominence with The Sunflowers during Nigeria’s late-’60s soul explosion, and later moved to the United States, where she was active in the new jazz scene before returning home near the end of the ’70s and forming The Sensationals with guitarist Jimi Lee Adams. Mona, Nigeria’s first female pop bandleader, was an unsung pioneer.
Listen to Emi ma bimi by Mona Finnih
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 