African Music Library

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Smart Nkansah

Ghana |1966| Ga

Smart Nkansah is a Ghanaian veteran highlife singer and guitarist and the founder of Sweet Talks Band. He had difficulty establishing himself because he grew up in a family that did not support his music career. His excellent guitar skills caught the attention of Mr Yamoah, who later absorbed him into his band. Smart later worked briefly with prominent highlife musicians before forming the Sweet Talks Band, which is best known for their debut hit album, Adam & Eve.

Junior De Rocka

South Africa |1992| English

Junior De Rocka, whose birth name is Junior Mzizi, is a fast-rising South African rapper, radio presenter, and disc jockey (DJ). He started his music career by deejaying at the clubs, before releasing his own songs. One of his most popular songs is the amapiano-styled single titled, "Catalia." Junior De Rocka is reported to be one of South Africa's fast-rising artist with an impressive following on social media.

I K Dairo

Nigeria |1930| Yoruba

I.K Dairo, born Isaiah Kehinde Dairo, was a well-known Nigerian juju musician, accordionist, and the founder of the Blue Sports music group. He's been argued as the "Father of Juju" in Yoruba land. His interest in music began at a young age, when his father gave him a drum. Despite failing at several jobs as a young man, he pursued his passion for music and founded the Morning Star Orchestra later renamed Blue Sports, which propelled him to fame.

Blaoui Houari

Algeria |1926| Arabic

Blaoui Houari, whose birth name doubles as his stage name, was an Algerian singer, songwriter, composer and conductor. He was known for his extensive career in music, having recorded over 900 songs and released 100 albums. Houari began his music career in the 1940's. He was a versatile musician, composed songs, and also played various instruments. Throughout his career, he gained popularity in Algeria and other countries in the Arab world, becoming a prominent figure in the genre of Algerian chaabi music.

Simphiwe Dana

South Africa |1980| Xhosa

Simphiwe Dana, fondly called the modern day Mama Africa, is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer from South Africa. She's also known for her advocacy for Afrofeminism. Simphiwe Dana began her music career in church based on her religious background but got her big break with the release of her debut album, "Zandisile." Sh's released several other works and has received numerous awards and accolades. Her music style cuts across jazz, Afro-soul and traditional music genres.

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Explore Bands

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Kakaiku's Band

Inactive | Akan | Ghana

Kakaiku's Band, also known as Kakaiku's Guitar Band, was a popular Ghanaian band in the 1970s, led by Moses Kwaku Oppong (a.k.a Kakaiku). The initial...

Murumba Pitch

Active | Zulu | South Africa

Khathutshelo Mangolo...

The Moreira Project

Active | Afrikaans | South Africa

The Moreira Project is led by 30 year old Moreira Chonguica who is an award-winning Cape Town based musician, songwriter, producer record label direct...

Ama AK47

Active | Zulu | South Africa

Ama AK47 is a highly acclaimed South African musical group, celebrated for their chart-topping hits like "Sasonebani." They enthrall audiences with in...

Blogs

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BhadBoi OML: Bhad Boi EP Review – A Good Start

By Josplay | 1/23/2025 | Reviews

Dapper Music signee Bhadboi OML releases his highly anticipated EP, Bhad Boi, featuring lead singles Testimony and Opueh, which have resonated strongly with the Nigerian audience.

Music Genre and Style - Same or Different?

By Josplay | 1/20/2025 | Genres

For a long time, the terms genre and style have been used interchangeably, but they play distinct roles in defining and categorizing musical expressions, especially in African music. Genres are broad classifications, while styles are more flexible and personalized.

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.

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.