African Music Library

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Moonchild Sanelly

South Africa |1987| Xhosa

Sanelisiwe Twisha, with music sobriquet Moonchild Sanelly, is a South African rapper-singer, songwriter, and dancer recognized for her distinctive musical style known as Future ghetto punk. She began her music career in Durban before relocating to Johannesburg. Moonchild has released several albums and EPs, such as "Rabulapha!" and "Nüdes", and has collaborated with other A-list South African artists like Maphorisa, Busiswa, and DJ Shimza. She also received recognitions for her music. Her live performances are renowned for their energy and vibrancy. Alongside her music career, Moonchild is a vocal advocate for body positivity and sexual empowerment, frequently incorporating these themes into her music and public appearances.

Maskal

Malawi |1985| Chewa

Masiye Kalso Kasaru, better known by his stage name Maskal, is a Malawian R&B musician, performer, songwriter and guitarist. In 2010, he released his debut album titled "Nthawi," featuring his most iconic track, "Udalire." His outstanding talent was recognized when he received the Best Male Vocal award at the MMA 2011. The year 2012 marked another milestone in his career with the release of two hit singles, "Zili ndi iwe" and "Usatope," from his second album "Umunthu." Continuing his musical journey, Maskal released the hit single "The Way You Are" in the UK in 2013, which shows his international appeal.

IFani

South Africa |1985| Xhosa

Mzayifani Mzondeleli Boltina, with stage moniker "iFani," is a South African rapper and songwriter. In 2013, iFani released his debut album, "I Believes in Me (1st Quadrant)", which was a commercial success and earned him a nomination. iFani's music blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and traditional African music, with lyrics that often address social and political issues. He's known for his unique flow and witty wordplay. In addition to his music career, iFani is also an entrepreneur and has launched several successful businesses.

M.anifest

Ghana |1982| English

M.anifest, born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, is a multi-award-winning Ghanaian rapper, singer-songwriter, and grandson of ethnomusicologist J.H. Kwabena Nketia. He started writing rhymes and making beats at a young age and studied under poet Ntozake Shange. M.anifest released his debut album, "Manifestations," in 2007. He released another single "Someway bi" in 2015 which placed him third in the International Songwriters Competition, bringing him further recognition. M.anifest continues to make music that has gained him a loyal following and won him awards in Ghana and beyond.

AirBoy

Nigeria |1997| English

AirBoy, born Ayomide Oluwasegun Odebunmi, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his blend of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and R&B. In 2016, he was signed to Aquila Records. AirBoy started his music career at a young age and gained popularity with his songs like "Ayepo" and "Mummy." In 2017, he released his debut album "Vibes," a 7-track album featuring Burna Boy.

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Explore Bands

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Ngosimbi Crew

Active | Shona | Zimbabwe

The Ngosimbi Crew, hailing from Mutoko, Zimbabwe, burst onto the scene in the 90s, led by the charismatic Admire Kasenga, after the previous bassist a...

Ezy&Isaac

Active | English | Nigeria

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Ex Olympic

Active | English | South Africa

Ex Olympic is the project of Niv Van Reenen, a Cape Town-based producer and instrumentalist. Operating under this band name, Niv employs string instru...

MarcAlex

Active | English | South Africa

MarcAlex is a South African pop duo comprising twin brothers Marc and Alex Rantseli. Their musical journey began when they were discovered by Benjy Mu...

Blogs

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Johnny Drille and Don Jazzy: Hard Guy Confessions - EP Review

By Josplay Last Updated 11/20/2024 Reviews

Johnny Drille with Don Jazzy, releases a 7-track EP, titled Hard Guy Confessions. With this collaborative masterpiece, the duo delivers a sublime blend of masculine vulnerability and passion.

Women Creatives: The Unheard Voices

By Josplay Last Updated 11/19/2024 People

In many African cultures, women have long played a vital role in African music. Despite the many contributions to the world’s musical heritage, women voices in African music are often overlooked or marginalized. Why? What is the way forward?

AML Artist Spotlight: Fatoumata Diawara

By Josplay Last Updated 11/14/2024 People

Fatoumata Diawara, known as Fatou, is a multi-talented Grammy-nominated Malian singer-songwriter and actress, with a powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics.

AlorG: Down I’m A Rebel - Album Review

By Josplay Last Updated 11/12/2024 Reviews

AlorG, Ghanaian artist, has released his debut project, Down I’m A Rebel. According to him, he had worked on the EP over a year and it harbors most of his emotions. In his words, I felt and things I experienced during that period -- Pain, Betrayal, Rage, Growth, Heartbreak, Loneliness and Paranoia.

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.