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Efelow

South Africa |1991| English

Thembinkosi Lindokuhle Gcwensa, known professionally to the continental music and art world as Efelow, is a South African record producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and director. Efelow is also well-known for being the visionary co-founder of Witness The Funk (WTF), the biggest hip-hop group in South Africa. Efelow's distinctive sound is firmly rooted in a more alternative and South African sound, despite the fact that he was extremely popular with both mass-market hip-hop artists and fans.

Alan Garrity

Zimbabwe |1947| English

Alan Garrity is a UK-born Rhodesian (now called Zimbabwe) singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist who discovered his musical talent early, participating in school musical activities as a child. At the age of 15, he picked up the guitar, eventually realizing he possessed a remarkable three-octave vocal range while singing in local pubs and hotels as a hobby. Garrity's musical journey continued with his involvement in the Bulawayo band Tabbron Trio. His breakthrough came with the chart-topping hit "Put Your Hand in the Hand" in 1971, followed by the successful "I Need Someone," which earned him the 1972 South African Recording Industry (SARI) Award for Best Song of the Year. Garrity's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements.

Fantcha

Cape Verde |1956| Portuguese

Fantcha, born Francelina Durão Almeida, is a Cape Verdean singer celebrated for her captivating music. Growing up in a musical household, she joined the Flores do Mindelo carnival company at age 10, catching the attention of Ti Goy, a prominent figure in Cape Verdean music. Fantcha's musical journey has resulted in notable albums like "Criolinha" and "Viva Mindelo," highlighting her evolving artistry. She also featured in the renowned "Putamayo Presents Cape Verde" compilation album alongside industry giants and has performed on prestigious stages worldwide. Her unique style blends African, Cuban, and Portuguese influences, showcasing her emotive voice in soulful mornas and lively coladeras. Her collaboration with legends like Cesaria Evora helped to solidify her status in Cape Verdean music.

Mandisi Dyantyis

South Africa |1984| English

Mandisi Dyantyis, is a multi award-winning South African trumpeter, composer, music arranger and producer. Mandisi began playing the trumpet at an early age and studied classical music for his bachelor's degree. He has gone on to perform in many prestigious setting around the world. His work spans multiple genres including jazz, Western classical and African indigenous music. He has released two albums as a leader and received numerous awards. Mandisi is a respected figure in the South African music scene.

Magesh

South Africa |1976| English

Tokollo Tshabalala, better known as Magesh, was a well-known South African artist, a pioneering Kwaito musician, a key member of the group TKZee, and the son of the well-known South African footballer Stanley 'Screamer' Tshabalala. He played a significant role in shaping the kwaito genre, blending house, hip-hop, and funk influences. TKZee gained fame with their debut album "Take It Eezy" in 1994, followed by successful releases like "Shibobo" (1996), "Weekend Special" (1997), and "Power of 10" (2000). His unexpected death on August 15, 2022, from an epileptic seizure in his sleep, stunned the music industry. His musical legacy cements him as a Kwaito pioneer and an enduring South African cultural icon.

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Ki’mon! The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970-1980

...When music healed the wounds of war. A documemtary screening.

Houston, TX | Oct 19, 2024

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L'Orchestre Bella Bella

Inactive | French | Congo

L’Orchestre Bella Bella, also known as Frères Soki & l’Orchestre Bella Bella or simply Bella Bella, was a Congolese soukous band that emerged in the e...

Lotusbeatz

Active | English | Ghana

Lotusbeatz...

Akwassa

Inactive | English | Nigeria

Akwassa, was a notable Afro-funk band from Nigeria, recognized for their exceptional musical talents. Its founding members were Felix Odey (guitar and...

City Boys International Band

Active | Akan | Ghana

City Boys International Band, also known as City Boys, was a highly acclaimed highlife band hailing from Ghana that gained immense popularity in the 1...

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Gqom Music: A Durban Classic –True Reflection of the Durban Raw Vibe

By Josplay Last Updated 10/10/2024 Genres

Gqom (pronounced with a click of the tongue – Nqu-om) is a pulsating and energetic sound started by teenagers in Durban.

Caltonic SA: ANCESTRAL - EP Review

By Josplay Last Updated 10/8/2024 Reviews

South African Singer-songwriter Caltonic SA releases his third EP, Ancestral, in just six months. The 4-track Afrohouse project pays homage to the ancestral Afrohouse style while injecting new flavors.

Darkovibes: Intercontinental - EP Review

By Josplay Last Updated 10/3/2024 Reviews

InterContinental is a 6-track masterpiece by Ghanaian artist Darkovibes. The EP showcases Darkovibes creativity, talent, and dedication to redefining Ghanaian music for the global audience.

Streaming Platforms: Which offers Best Audio Quality and Listeners Experience

By Josplay Last Updated 10/2/2024 General

What is the sound quality of each streaming platform? While most streaming platforms offer high-quality bitrate options, there may be slight differences in their default available tiers. So, what is obtainable on each digital streaming platform?

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.