African Music Library

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Celebrating Today

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Todd Matshikiza

South Africa |1921| English

Todd Matshikiza was a multi-talented individual from South Africa, excelling as a composer, journalist, and Jazz pianist. Todd contributed to education as a teacher in Loverdale until 1947, showcasing his passion for music and teaching. He was renowned for his compositions, which blended African traditional and European classical styles, with one of his notable works being "Hamba Kahle," widely recognized and performed by choral groups throughout South Africa. In 1947, he established the Todd Matshikiza School of Music, where he shared his knowledge of the piano. His accomplishments extended into journalism, where his innovative writing style earned recognition as "Matshikese." On September 25, 2023, he was commemorated with a Google Doodle. He died in 1968.

Katakumbey

Ghana |1950| English

Katakumbey was a highlife musician from Ghana who simply went by his stage name, Katakumby. He was popular in the 1970s. He was known for his unique style of Highlife. One of his popular albums is "Ekow Redding," which was released in 1977. Katakumbey was part of a group of highlife musicians who helped to popularize the genre in Ghana and beyond. His music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by many highlife fans in Ghana and across the world.

Owura Kay

Ghana |1986| Akan

Owura Kay is a Ghanaian musician and self-acclaimed best guitarist in Ghana. He started his music career in the early 2000s and has released several albums, including his album, "M3n3 Woa," which was released in 2017. Owura Kay's music has a strong social and political message, addressing issues such as corruption and inequality. He has also collaborated with other musicians in the industry. Despite facing some challenges in the past, Owura Kay continues to produce music and connect with his fans through his music.

Romeo Gasa

Zimbabwe |1987| English

Romeo Gasa is a Zimbabwean Sungura musician with a band named Extra Valembe. He won the Chibuku Road to Fame competition in 2007 but was initially disqualified due to underage band members. Gasa has released several albums, including "Pin Cod"e and "Tamba Irikurira", but has faced accusations of copying Alick Macheso's style. He's also known for his philanthropy through the Romeo Gasa Foundation, helping the less fortunate and partnering with blind street musician Daniel Gonora.

Adamu Nagudu

Nigeria |1980| Hausa

Talented, prominent, and illustrious are a few adjectives that describe Adamu Hassan Nagudu. Adamu Nagudu, is an Hausa singer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has released several songs, such as "Jaye Mamma", "Zaliha", "Dake Nake." Aside from music, Nagudu has featured in several Kannywood movies, taking on key roles. Nagudu continues to inspire other younger artists and his fans through his music.

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Explore Bands

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St. Moses Choir

Active | Afrikaans | South Africa

St. Moses Choir is a gospel Choir that comes from South Africa....

Wakadinali

Active | English | Kenya

Wakadinali, also known as Rong Rende, is a prominent hip-hop music group. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, they were founded by Scar and Domani in 2003, later...

Toumastine

Active | French | Niger

Toumastine is a Tuareg band formed by a group of young friends from different regions and tribes in the Sahara. They came together in Niamey, Niger du...

Baye Fall Gnawa

Active | French | Senegal

Bayefall Gnawa is a Gnawa musical band. The 6-man band was formed by Senegalese Gnawa musician Nuru Kane and includes himself, Thierry Fournel, Cheikh...

Blogs

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WHEN I WAS A LOVER BY ISHAKU

By Josplay | 3/6/2025 | Reviews

Talented Cameroon-based Nigerian artist Ishaku returns to the scene with his first body of work in over two years. His latest EP, When I Was A Lover, features six tracks and was released in time for the February love season. The project explores the complexities of love and personal growth.

Your Roadmap to be Seen and Heard as an African Artist

By Josplay | 3/5/2025 | General

Forget the myth of overnight success! True success requires intentionality and persistence. Maintaining this success requires continued effort and a well-defined strategy.

Exciting News: Foster Music Education Program kicks off at D Lords Primary School!

By Josplay | 3/4/2025 | Company News

The Foster music education program by African Music Library kicks off its newest cohort at D Lords Primary School on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Is Alté Dead?

By Josplay | 2/28/2025 | Genres

The question of Alté dying in the Nigerian music scene has sparked several debates that highlights the transformative impact of the genre. Rather than vanishing, Alté essence has permeated mainstream Afrobeats, demonstrating its enduring influence on contemporary Nigerian music. What do you think?

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.