In 2021 Africa Day is celebrated under the theme "The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke”.
With all that is happening in the world, the continent deserves to come together in celebrating as we have done since 1963. My biggest question has always been how do we celebrate in the middle of strive and pain. How does this huge continent with so many things to love and hate, set aside these differences and "smile". It almost seems impossible.
As a huge Pan-Africanist and music worshipper, I have always believed there is a way in which our differences can always be melted together with music. It remains the only way in which our differences are set aside as we dance to each other's rhythms and come together. Music remains the only topic that can break animosities and differences as Nigerian, South African, Zimbabwean alike appreciate and congregate for a common musical experience.
In this article I venture into showcasing the Top 10 Africa inspired songs by African Artists in the hope that they can continue to be educational as they were intended to in the first place. I also hope that you will be able to fall in love with the diversity of the African sound which we intended to showcase here.
1. Afirika - Angelique Kidjo
Angelique Kidjo is no stranger on my list, appearing twice because of the amount of work that she has put in addressing the beauty and issues of the African people. Always dressed in beautiful African attires, she embodies a true queen who has done well in her music as well as promoting other growing forms of expression from the continent. Her four Grammies are a true testament of her consistency and deservedly so, two spots on my Top 10 list.
2. Africa, one of a kind - Angelique Kidjo, Mr Eazi and Salif Keita
3. Africa - Salif Keita
His work in protecting the rights of people with Albinism couple with his strong heritage in music makes him a clear choice. I love his arrangements and the uniqueness of his voice in all productions and his song Africa is amongst the top dedications to the motherland.
4. So Why - Integral (Papa Wemba, Youssou N'Dor, Jabu Khanyile and Bayethe, Lourdes van Dunem, Lagbaja.
This is a song that saw six African acts come together in 1997 to sing about issues crippling Africa. Jabu Khanyile put it quite astutely here:
Ngibathe Ngicelu Xolo (I've been asking for Peace)
Ngatholi nzondo (But all I got was war)
Ngibathe Ngecelu thando ma, ah oh (I've been looking for love)
Yiningathi yini ngomhlaba (But I didn't find togetherness)
Yini Singa Funu Zwano ? ah oh (What is wrong with the world?)
Ngibathe Ngicelu Xolo (What is wrong with the people?)
Ngatholi nzondo, ah oh (Why don't we want peace?)
5. Africa - Habib Koite
Hailing from Mali, Habib is one of Africa’s most recognized musicians, Habib Koité is a modern troubadour with extraordinary appeal because Koité’s musicianship, wit and wisdom translate across cultures. Hailing from the musically prolific West African nation of Mali, the guitarist and composer has been named the biggest pop star of the region by Rolling Stone. In a collaboration that differs from any in today’s industry.
6. Jammu Africa - Ismael Lo
Senegalese guitarist, harmonica player and singer Ismael Lo is a world music star. With his smooth multi-textured voice and low-key folky style, he and his 12-piece band play strong, complex, percussion-laden mbalax songs that discuss important topics in Senegal ranging from racism and respect to immigration.
7. Africa - Amanda Black & Adekunle Gold
Born Amanda Benedicta Antony in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amanda Black is a multi-platinum selling and multiple Award-winning singer/songwriter, an accomplished activist, youth leader and a powerful voice in women empowerment and in the fight against inequality and gender based violence. Her debut studio album Amazulu was certified platinum three weeks after its official release. Amanda Black possesses a soothing yet powerful soprano vocal range. She sings in her dialect Xhosa and in English language.
8. Ishe komborera Africa - Oliver Mtukudzi
There really is no need for an introduction. Oliver Mtukudzi embodied the true African Spirit in his music and life. His passing is still a sad moment in Zimbabwe and this song, taken from his earlier works is his own interpretation of the old anthem of the state.
9. African Breeze - Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela was a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer and defiant political voice who remained deeply connected at home, while his international career sparkled. He was born in the town of Witbank, South Africa in 1939. At the age of 14, the deeply respected advocator of equal rights in South Africa.
10. Be proud of being African - Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
The public loves Yvonne. Her inimitable and distinctive alto voice is as warm as she is personable and gracious to her audiences. Yvonne states emphatically, “I love performing for my audiences.” Her music awards include the SAMA, KORA, OKTV, Autumn Harvest, and a host of others for musical excellence.
Yvonne’s personal messages are woven throughout every song she’s written. With musical beats that span afro-traditional to a world sound imbedded into several tracks, the power of the music equals the power of Yvonne’s clear social and spiritual advice to her audience.
Tap the graphic below to access the podcast and listen in to the music.
