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Lojay

Nigeria |1996| English

Lekan Osifeso Jnr. professionally known as Lojay, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter and performing artists. Lojay is one of the most successful artists to emerge from the Nigerian music scene in recent years. He rose to fame in 2021 after his song "Monalisa" featuring Chris Brown and Sarz, peaked at number 8 on the Billboard in US Afrobeats songs Chart. This success was further cemented when "Monalisa" became the most played on Shazam. He continues to make waves in the Nigerian music industry.

Boity

South Africa |1990| English

Boitumelo Thut, better known as Boity, is a prominent South African television personality, rapper, and entrepreneur. Starting as a presenter on "The Media Career Guide Show" in 2011, she went on to host popular shows like "Club 808" and "Change Down." In addition to her work on television, Boity is a successful rapper with hit singles like "Wuz Dat" and "Bakae" and collaborative work with notable artists including Nasty C and Yanga Chief. As an entrepreneur, she has launched her line of fragrances and a haircare line. Recognized for her contributions, Boity received the 2020 Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award.

Alioune Mbaye Nder

Senegal |1969| Bambara

Alioune Mbaye Nder is a Senegalese Mbalax musician, singer, and songwriter. Influenced by Bob Marley and Michael Jackson, he blended unique rhythms. His journey from dance and percussion to singing began in 1991 with Lemzo Diamono music group. His distinctive voice led to prominence and a transition to lead vocalist in 1993. In 1995, he formed the Setsima Group, refining his style. Regarded as a modern griot, his cassette-distributed music transcended borders. Nder continues to thrill his fans with several more singles, albums, and live stage performances. Within Senegal, he earned titles like "The Prince" and "The King of Mbalax." His fusion of traditional Wolof, Cuban, and Western elements elevated Mbalax, intertwining Senegalese culture and innovation.

Chid Benz

Tanzania, United Republic of |1985| English

Rashid Abdallah Makwiro, popularly known as Chid Benz, is a Tanzanian hip hop musician. Chid began composing song lyrics after finishing his homework, and after completing his O-levels, his mother supported him to pursue his musical interests. He started as a freestyler, participating in several music-related events and contests before gaining wider recognition after featuring in Fiesta's annual Bongo Flava music tour. He released his first debut rap single, Unaniacha Hoi, in 2006 and created his independent record label, La Familia. He signed a deal with GMC distributors and released his debut album, Chidi Benz, which became a top-selling hip hop album. Chidi has continued to release hit singles and is also a successful entrepreneur with several business ventures in his name.

Mayonde

Kenya |1988| Swahili

Mayonde rose to stardom when she released the song Kama Kawaida in collaboration with famous artists such as Blinky Bill, Fena Gitu, rapper MDQ, and Kagwe Mungai, She is famous for her powerful and soothing vocals that make her music stand out from the rest of the industry players. Some of the songs that have made her famous include Isikuti Love, Nairobi, and Rise.

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Explore Bands

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Tau Ea Matsekha

Inactive | Sotho | South Africa

Tau Ea Matsekha was a renowned musical group that hails from Lesotho, southern Africa. The group has a unique blend of traditional and contemporary so...

Kiff No Beat

Active | French | Ivory Coast

The award-winning quintet "Kiff No Beat" is an Ivorian music group with was formed by two groups coming together. One group which was formerly known a...

National Wake

Inactive | Afrikaans | South Africa

National Wake was a pioneering South African punk and new wave band formed in the late 1970s during the apartheid era. The band was notable for its ra...

ISO

Active | English | South Africa

ISO is a South African rock band from Pretoria, formed in 2006 under the name Isochronous. The band consists of members Richard Brokensha on vocals a...

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?

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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.