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Makaya Ntshoko

South Africa |1939| English

Makaya Ntshoko is a South African drummer who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz. He began his career in the late 1950s with Dollar Brand's trio and later collaborated with Hugh Masekela and John Mehegan. His drumming is featured on The Jazz Epistles' album, "Jazz Epistle: Verse 1." Ntshoko co-founded The Jazz Giants and later moved to Switzerland in 1962, where he further excelled in the jazz scene. He played with renowned musicians in Copenhagen and recorded with jazz legends like Dexter Gordon and Ben Webster. Ntshoko's career included international tours, collaborations with artists like Mal Waldron and Johnny Dyani, and the formation of his band, Makaya and the Tsotsis.

Andre-Marie Tala

Cameroon |1950| French

André-Marie Tala is a blind Cameroonian singer, musician, guitarist, author, and composer based in France. He specializes in the Bend skin and Tchamassi music genres. His passion for music ignited during his teenage years, following his loss of sight. Johnny Hallyday, his favorite singer, serves as a significant source of inspiration for him. Tala initiated his musical journey by forming his debut band, the "Rock Boys," and later establishing the "Black Tigers" in 1967. His music predominantly revolves around themes of peace, love, and harmony. At the age of 22, he already had two chart-toppers in Cameroon, "Sikati" and "Potaksima." In 1973, his first album, "Hot Koki," achieved remarkable international success.

Mani Bella

Cameroon |1987| French

Mani Bella, whose real name is Véronique Mani Bella, is a renowned Cameroonian bikutsi singer. She was born into a family of musicians and embarked on her musical journey at a very young age. Mani Bella refined her vocal talents by performing at high school carnivals. In 2005, she fully embraced a career in music, and in 2010, she released her debut album titled "Pousse la vie," which received critical acclaim. However, it was her 2014 MAXI song "Face à face," featuring the hit track "Pala Pala," that catapulted her to national and international recognition, leading to prestigious awards. Mani Bella has had the opportunity to tour various countries and deliver captivating performances at concerts, solidifying her position in the global music scene.

Frida Boccara

Morocco |1940| French

Danielle Frida Hélène Boccara, known as Frida Boccara a Moroccan-born French artist of Italian heritage, was a prominent musician, singer, and actress. Her musical journey began as a teenager, focusing on classical music and operatic singing through formal training. In 1959, she embarked on her artistic career as a solo singer, receiving guidance from fellow artist Mireille. Her international breakthrough came in 1968 with the release of "One Hundred Thousand Songs," propelling her to global stardom. In 1969, she represented France in the Eurovision contest, ultimately sharing victory with three other artists. Throughout her career, she released over thirty studio albums, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1996.

Osayomore Joseph

Nigeria |1952| English

Osayomore Joseph, a renowned musician from Nigeria, played a pivotal role as one of the early trailblazers of high-life music. His musical journey began within Nigeria's Army Officers Mess Band during the 1970s. Joseph skillfully blended various musical influences, seamlessly incorporating elements of contemporary popular music, afrobeat, and highlife while preserving the essence of indigenous Edo's Folk Highlife. He had a long history of criticizing local and national political corruption through his music. Drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Sir Victor Uwaifo, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and King Sunny Ade, Osayomore Joseph became a proponent of the Ulele power sound, firmly rooted in Edo folk Highlife. Sadly, he passed away in 2022.

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Jazzidisciples

Inactive | Zulu | South Africa

JazziDisciples were a notable South African Amapiano DJ and producer duo, well known for their signature tagline, "Amapiano is a lifestyle." consistin...

Malaika

Active | English | South Africa

Malaika is a multi-award-winning South African pop music group renowned for their unique blend of post-mbaqanga, post-kwaito, and neo-soul music. The...

Les Kilimambogo Brothers Band

Active | Swahili | Kenya

Les Kilimambogo Brothers Band is a group of artists from Kenya, led by Kaikai Kilonzo. The band was considered by many to be an important band in the ...

Les Pro Du Zouglou

Active | French | Ivory Coast

Les Pro du Zouglou, an Ivorian Zouglou music ensemble, consists of eight members, including three vocalists and five instrumentalists. Their diverse b...

Blogs

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Babalwa M: Candour - Album Review

By Josplay Last Updated 10/29/2024 Reviews

South African musician Babalwa M highly anticipated album, Candour, was released on October 25, 2024, featuring Stixx, Yallunder, Kelvin Momo, MaWhoo, Mzizi and others.

African Music: Safeguard of Traditions and an Educational Tool

By Josplay Last Updated 10/28/2024 Foster

Music is a universal language. In educational contexts, it can serve as a tool for preserving traditions and culture and as an effective educational aid. How?

Beyond the Beat: The Vocal Art of African Music

By Josplay Last Updated 10/24/2024 General

Explore the diverse and captivating world of African vocal techniques, from call-and-response to polyrhythms and beyond. Discover how these techniques shape the unique sounds of African music and have influenced global musical genres.

CKay: Emotions - Album Review

By Josplay Last Updated 10/22/2024 Reviews

CKay, Nigerian artist, releases a 10-track album, Emotions, featuring Olamide, TY Dolla Sign, Nora Fatehi, and The Cavemen.

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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.