The Ekpe Secret Society: Its Governance, Ritual, and Symbolism in West Africa

The Ekpe secret society of West Africa developed sophisticated governance systems using leopard symbolism, Nsibidi writing, and coded drum communication centuries before colonial contact. Explore this enduring Nigerian cultural institution.

Genre Spotlight: Gqom in South Africa

By Josplay | 12/24/2025 | Genres

In the early years of Gqom, minibus taxis served as the testing ground for the genre. Because its heavy bass and compressed rhythms cut through noisy environments, taxis became moving sound systems—and if your taxi played Gqom, people noticed. This is the story of how the raw, minimalist sound from Durban claimed its place in global club culture.

Genre Spotlight: Morna in Cape Verde

By Josplay | 12/16/2025 | Genres

Cape Verdean Morna, known as the Queen Music, is a heritage genre born from centuries of migration and longing. Rooted in the improvised songs of enslaved women, it evolved into a poignant musical form expressing sodade—deep emotional yearning—that Cesária Évora brought to global stages.

Afrobeats, Amapiano… and What Next?

By Josplay | 12/15/2025 | Genres

Afrobeats dominated the 2010s. Amapiano owned the 2020s. But what is next? Could it be Afro Rave, Arewa Sound, or Afro House or Afro tech? The next global sound of Africa is forming right now.

Your Detty December Opportunities

By Josplay | 12/12/2025 | General

Detty December is not just vibes. It is a chance for you, an indie artist, to be seen, heard and remembered. Here is how to turn Lagos festive chaos into real momentum

Gender Roles in African Music Traditions

By Josplay | 12/11/2025 | Instrument

The nyatiti was strictly played by the male gender until Anyango (Eriko Mukoyama), a female Japanese player, broke a rule thousands of years old.

Spiritual Symbols of African Animal Carvings

By Josplay | 12/8/2025 | General

Different animal carvings in Africa create a living visual language. The lion symbolizes kingship and authority, while the crocodile symbolizes duality and spiritual power. The elephant, serpent, antelope, birds and buffalo represents different virtues.

Remastering, Remixing, Reimagining, Sampling, and Interpolation: What’s the difference?

By Josplay | 12/5/2025 | General

Remastering, Remixing, Reimagining, Sampling, and Interpolation, What is the difference?

Genre Spotlight: Igbo Rap in Nigeria

By Josplay | 12/3/2025 | Genres

Rather than mirroring American hip-hop, Igbo rap carved its own identity by blending traditional instruments like the igba, udu, and ogene with contemporary production. Pioneered by Mr. Raw and MC Loph, then revolutionized by Phyno street-focused storytelling, the genre has evolved from cultural commentary to raw youth narratives.

Genre Spotlight: Kadongo Kamu

By Josplay | 11/28/2025 | Genres

Kadongo Kamu is oldest mainstream genre from Uganda. It blends rich Ganda storytelling with its signature single-guitar style. Rooted in Bakisimba rhythms, it remains culturally powerful through pioneers and modern artists who are keeping its tradition alive across generations.

The ABC of Songwriting

By Josplay | 11/26/2025 | General

As songwriters, we move through a wide spectrum of themes: romance, joy, heartbreak, birth, death, longing, conflict, healing, celebration, loneliness, and every unnamed feeling in between.

Genre Spotlight: Maskandi in South Africa

By Josplay | 11/24/2025 | Genres

Maskandi is a Zulu folk sound rooted in migrant history, blending storytelling, guitar traditions, and modern influences. Its resurgence among young South Africans shows how the genre is evolving into a bold expression of pride, identity, and cultural memory

A Case for African Female Artists

By Josplay | 11/21/2025 | People

A deep look at female African artists, their rising global influence, the barriers they face, and why the music industry must create stronger pathways for women.

Genre Spotlight: Mahraganat in Egypt

By Josplay | 11/19/2025 | Genres

Mahraganat music, Egypt’s electrifying blend of Shaabi rhythms, hip-hop energy, and raw electronic beats, began from Cairo’s streets and went ahead to become a defining voice for urban youth. Despite bans and controversy, the genre continues to reshape Egyptian pop culture through rhythm, resistance, and grassroots creativity

Nigerian Contemporary Music Scenes in the 1990s

By Josplay | 11/17/2025 | General

The 1990s marked a defining era for contemporary Nigerian music, blending indigenous rhythms with global influences to create a fresh sound. This period witnessed the rise of pioneering artists who fused hip-hop, R&amp;amp;B, reggae, Afro-juju and highlife into a new urban identity.