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Dlala Thukzin

South Africa |1997| Zulu

Thuthuka Zindlovu, otherwise known as Dlala Thukzin, is an award-winning South African musician, disc jockey (DJ), singer-songwriter, and producer. Dlala Thukzin has a unique sound, blending traditional African music with modern dance beats. He has released several successful singles and collaborated with notable South African artists such as DJ Tira, Busiswa, and Prince Kaybee. In 2020, Dlala Thukzin was nominated for the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for his hit single "Phuze." He has also won various awards, including the Best Gqom Single at the Dance Music Awards South Africa. Aside from his successful music career, Dlala Thukzin is also a skilled DJ, known for his energetic performances, and has performed at various events and festivals in South Africa and beyond.

DJ Switch

Nigeria |1984| English

DJ Switch, with real name Obianuju Catherine Udeh, is a well-known Nigerian musician, songwriter and disc jockey. She first gained recognition after winning a reality show called Star Quest, where she formed a band named "The Pulse". Their first single, "Pray Sote", was a hit, and they even released a remix featuring Busta Rhymes. After the band broke up, DJ Switch participated in another reality show, The X-Factor West Africa, and won as a solo artist. She then started her career as a self-taught DJ. In 2019, she won the Redbull 3Style Championships for the North/West Africa region, cementing her place as one of the best DJs in the country. She is also a tech enthusiast and loves innovation.

Nobesuthu Mbadu

South Africa |1945| Zulu

Nobesuthu Mbadu Shawe, a celebrated singer from South Africa, started her musical journey during the 1960s by showcasing her talent in local clubs and collaborating with other artists in Johannesburg. In the 1970s, Mbadu joined the Mahotella Queens, a group renowned for their unique harmonies and dynamic performances, and emerged as a significant member due to her strong vocal abilities and proficiency in songwriting, which contributed to several chart-topping tracks. Mbadu's music continued to captivate audiences globally, as she recorded and performed as a solo artist and with the Mahotella Queens. She became an influential figure in the South African music industry, cherished by her fans worldwide. In 2021, Mbadu passed away, leaving behind an enduring legacy of heartfelt and powerful music.

Mercy Masika

Kenya |1983| Swahili

Mercy Masika started singing at a young age and gained exposure performing on the 'Joy Bringers' show on KBC, thanks to her mother's connection. She released her first album, 'Nobody Like Jesus,' while in primary school and continued her musical journey through high school as worship leader. At Daystar University, she collaborated with music producer Robert Kimanzi to release her fourth album, 'Wendo Waku,' which brought her widespread recognition in the Kenyan Gospel scene. Over the years, Mercy has released more music, earned accolades such as Groove Awards' Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Apart from her music career, she serves as the Worship minister at JCC Kenya and acts as the UN Refugee agency's national Goodwill Ambassador for Kenya.

Daby Balde

Senegal |1969| French

Daby Balde, recognized as the "King of Fouladou," is a Senegalese Afropop artist and songwriter celebrated for preserving Fulani culture. Overcoming family opposition, he embarked on a music career, influenced by Allison Claire Burden, who bought him his first guitar. Mastering the guitar, he crafted a unique sound blending calabash, kora, and guitar rhythms. His albums, including "Halanaam" and "Mamdiyel," gained international acclaim, with "Introducing Daby Balde" making him a sensation in England and Germany. Singing in various languages, his lyrics touch on peace, brotherhood, and African values.

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255

Active | German | Germany

255 (TWOFIFTYFIVE) are three brothers and artists from Cologne, Germany. Charles, Guy, and Louis....

Sugar Drive

Active | English | South Africa

Sugardrive was a South African rock band that gained popularity for their dynamic music that evolved from riff-heavy alternative rock to a fusion of p...

Super Eagles

Inactive | Wolof | Gambia

The Super Eagles band started as a high school group and evolved into one of West Africa's most influential musical groups in the late 1960s and early...

Qkumba Zoo

Inactive | English | South Africa

Qkumba Zoo was a South African dance duo formed in Johannesburg in 1994 by Owl and Levannah, who had just their keyboard and bold aspirations for the ...

Blogs

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Olufela Sowande: Nigerian Classical Music Pioneer

By Josplay | 4/25/2025 | People

Olufela (Fela) Sowande, a music legend and not the same as Fela Kuti, was a musician and composer of African music in the classical European style.

MIDNIGHT IN DIEPKLOOF - Album by MELLOW and SLEAZY x TMAN EXPRESS

By Josplay | 4/23/2025 | Reviews

South African music duo Mellow and Sleazy collaborates with amapiano front man Tman Xpress to release a joint project titled, Midnight in Diepkloof.

SOMALI FUNK – FROM THE HORN OF AFRICA

By Josplay | 4/22/2025 | Genres

Somali Funk represents a golden era in East African music history, blending traditional Somali melodies and rhythms with funk, disco, and jazz influences from around the world. This vibrant genre flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s, before Somalia descended into civil war.

Evolution of Igbo Highlife!

By Josplay | 4/22/2025 | Genres

The evolution of Igbo Highlife from Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe era to Flavour is remarkable. What changed between the old Igbo Highlife and the modern one?

About AML

African Music is rich, yet misunderstood and inaccurately represented. AML is on a mission to change that.

African Music Library is the world's most comprehensive knowledge base for African Music.

The Library is supported by a team of musicologists, engineers and literary experts committed to closing the knowledge gap and codifying African music for better participation in the digital economy.