African Music Library

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Lounis Aït Menguellet

Algeria |1950| Arabic

Lounis Aït Menguellet, born in Ighil Bouammas, Algeria, is a revered Algerian singer renowned for his captivating Kabyle-language performances. A symbol of Kabyle identity, he remains a prominent figure in contemporary Kabyle music. Despite his songs' poignant reflections on Kabylie's history and struggles, Lounis emphasizes his non-political stance. Divided into two phases, his career transitioned from love songs and nostalgia, such as "Thalt Ayam" and "Tayri," to more complex works like "Yenna-d Umghar," featuring multilingual lyrics. His album "Tawriqt tacebhant" unveiled in 2010, including a poignant Kabyle version of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," highlights his enduring impact on the music world.

Guilty Beatz

Ghana |1990| ---

GuiltyBeatz is a Ghanaian record producer, DJ, and musician. He is best known for producing hit songs in the Ghanaian music industry, as well as collaborating with artists from around the world. He has produced for many prominent Ghanaian artists, including Mr. Eazi, Paedae, and M.anifest. He has also worked with international artists such as Diplo, J Balvin, and Major Lazer. GuiltyBeatz has released several successful singles and EPs, and is considered one of the most influential producers in Ghana's music scene.

Tehn Diamond

Zimbabwe |1985| Shona

Tehn Diamond is a Zimbabwean artist, rapper, and songwriter. He is known for his unique blend of hip-hop and afrobeats, and his socially conscious lyrics. He began his music career in the early 2010s and has released several albums and EPs, including "The African Gentleman" and "The Lost Diamonds." He is also a member of the hip-hop collective, The Third Generation. Tehn Diamond is considered to be one of the most influential artists in the Zimbabwean music scene.

9Ice

Nigeria |1980| English

Alexander Abolore Akande, professionally known as "9ice," is a singer, songwriter, and dancer from Oyo State, Nigeria. He is known for his unique delivery of proverbial Yoruba songs. He began his music career in the early 2000s and rose to fame in 2008 following the release of his hit single "Gongo Aso." The massive recognition he received from the song earned him a spot on the stage for the 90th birthday tribute to Nelson Mandela in the same year.

Mandoza

South Africa |1978| English

Mduduzi Tshabalala, better known as Mandoza, was a popular South African singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of kwaito and traditional South African music. He was famous for his stirring performances and hit albums like "Nkalakatha" and "Sgelekeqe," which won awards, including the South African Music Award for Best Kwaito Album. He passed away in 2016 due to cancer but remains remembered as an influential kwaito artist in the South African music scene.

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Akoya Afrobeat Esemble

Active | English | United States

A mixture of African Afro-Cuban jazz & funk music Akoya features members from Panama Ghana Benin South Africa Japan & the US. Lead vocalist Kaleta...

E.K.'s Band

Inactive | English | Ghana

E.K.'s Band was a Ghanaian highlife band formed in 1949 by Emmanuel Kofi Nyame (also known as E.K. Nyame). The band was known for its fusion of tradit...

Sonora Gentil and the Joy-Continental Orchestra

Inactive | English | Nigeria

Sonora Gentil and the Joy-Continental Orchestra was a popular musical group from Nigeria during the 1970s. Led by the charismatic guitarist Sonora Gen...

Mbiri Young Stars

Inactive | English | Kenya

Mibiri Young Stars is a Kenyan music group formed in the late 1970s by musician Simon Kihara, also known as Musaimo from Kangema. He, together with Ki...

Blogs

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Festival au Désert —The Festival of Peace

By Josplay | 1/17/2025 | People

Nestled in the Sahara, the Festival au Désert celebrates Tuareg culture, with music, storytelling, and fashion, blending tradition and modernity under starlit skies.

2024 Recap – The Nigerian Music Industry

By Josplay | 1/16/2025 | General

2024 was another groundbreaking year for the Nigerian music industry, with local and global collaborations, standout albums, breakout stars like Llona and Fido capturing our hearts, and unparalleled experimentation and innovations solidifying the influence of Nigeria on the global music front.

The Power of African Music in Early Education

By Josplay | 1/13/2025 | Foster

African music is a powerful learning tool for children. It can be used to teach young learners numbers, greetings, about animals, ... , and their mother tongue.

Digital Music Distribution: A Simple Guide for Independent Artists

By Josplay | 1/10/2025 | General

Discover how to distribute your music globally through digital platforms. Learn about distribution types, costs, analytics, and key considerations for independent artists entering the streaming market.

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.