Is African Music Really “All About Drums”?By Josplay | 1/8/2026 | GeneralWe associate Africa with rhythm almost by reflex. But where did that idea come from, and what does it miss?
Shaabi Music, heartbeat of the StreetsBy Josplay | 1/5/2026 | GenresWhen you walk through the neighborhoods of Cairo, there is a rhythm that pulses through the streets, a sound that captures the heartbeat of everyday Egyptian life. This is Shaabi music.
The Ekpe Secret Society: Its Governance, Ritual, and Symbolism in West AfricaBy Josplay | 12/29/2025 | PeopleThe 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 AfricaBy Josplay | 12/24/2025 | GenresIn 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 VerdeBy Josplay | 12/16/2025 | GenresCape 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 | GenresAfrobeats 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 OpportunitiesBy Josplay | 12/12/2025 | GeneralDetty 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 TraditionsBy Josplay | 12/11/2025 | InstrumentThe 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 CarvingsBy Josplay | 12/8/2025 | GeneralDifferent 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 | GeneralRemastering, Remixing, Reimagining, Sampling, and Interpolation, What is the difference?
Genre Spotlight: Igbo Rap in NigeriaBy Josplay | 12/3/2025 | GenresRather 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 KamuBy Josplay | 11/28/2025 | GenresKadongo 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 SongwritingBy Josplay | 11/26/2025 | GeneralAs 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 AfricaBy Josplay | 11/24/2025 | GenresMaskandi 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
