Music
Werrason: the Wenge split, Solola Bien and the night at Bercy
When Wenge Musica split in 1997, Werrason co-founded Wenge Musica Maison Mère. Their 1999 album Solola Bien! went…
Music
immerse yourself in a symphony of genres, from the latest chart-toppers to hidden indie gems. Gospel, HipHop, Highlife, Amapiano, Afrobeats
Music
Mushin 2 Mo’Hits: the Wande Coal debut that Nigerian pop still copies
Wande Coal's debut album Mushin 2 Mo'Hits, released on 12 April 2009 and produced entirely by Don Jazzy,…
Music
Seun Kuti and Egypt 80: the youngest son who kept Fela’s band alive
After Fela Kuti died in 1997, his youngest son Seun took over leadership of his father's band, Egypt…
Music
Busi Mhlongo: the queen of maskandi who took a male tradition and made it hers
Busi Mhlongo, born in Inanda in 1947, began her career with a 1963 South African hit version of…
Music
Vusi Mahlasela: “The Voice” who sang at Mandela’s inauguration
Vusi Mahlasela grew up in Mamelodi, built his first guitar from an oil can and fishing line, and…
Music
A.B. Crentsil: the Prestea highlife man who made Ghana laugh and blush
A.B. Crentsil, born in Prestea in 1943, led the Sweet Talks in the 1970s and later formed Ahenfo.…
Music
Bongo Maffin, Zabalaza and “King Tha”: Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai, born in 1976 and known as King Tha, was the lead vocalist and songwriter of the…
Music
Loliwe and a guitar: remembering Zahara, 1987 to 2023
Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana in 1987, was a South African singer, songwriter and guitarist whose debut album Loliwe…
Music
A homemade guitar with bicycle cables: the rise of Mdou Moctar
Mdou Moctar, born Mahamadou Souleymane in Abalak, Niger, in 1984, built his first guitar using bicycle cables for…
Music
Ali Farka Touré’s son makes his own name: Vieux Farka Touré
Vieux Farka Touré, born in Niafunké, Mali, in 1981, is the son of the celebrated guitarist Ali Farka…