For all of you who didn’t know or who may have forgotten, I am a proud African (Nigerian to be exact). Nothing makes me happier and inspires me more than seeing other Africans doing such big things in the world so I decided to compile a little list of African musicians who are making waves in the industry. Enjoy!
NNEKA
A Nigerian hip-hop inspired soul singer whose music has more than just an appealing sound; there is a message in her music which I greatly appreciate. I absolutely love her music. She is just beginning to get serious global recognition but you can expect to be seeing more of this amazing woman in the near future.
k’naan
Fatima by K'naan
A Somali singer & rapper who gained global recognition when his song "Waving Flag" was chosen as the official song for the 2010 World Cup. I have been a huge fan of this man’s music for a very long time, he is truly poetic with his work. His album Troubadour is absolutely excellent. I strongly urge you to listen to it if you have yet to. He is simply phenomenal.
A Somali singer & rapper who gained global recognition when his song "Waving Flag" was chosen as the official song for the 2010 World Cup. I have been a huge fan of this man’s music for a very long time, he is truly poetic with his work. His album Troubadour is absolutely excellent. I strongly urge you to listen to it if you have yet to. He is simply phenomenal.
aNDY ALLO
Diary by Wale feat. Marsha Ambrosious
A Nigerian rapper from Washington D.C. who has collaborated with big names in the music industry such as Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Bun B, Beanie Sigel, Pharrell, Marsha Ambrosious, and, fellow African, K’naan (just to name a few). Wale is most definitely doing big things; his most recent mixtape entitled More About Nothing was pretty darn good if I do say so myself. It’s definitely worth a listen if you have yet to do so. I really do enjoy Wale's music, he is very poetic.
ASA
A Cameroonian singer who is new to the music industry but who definitely has the talent to make it very far. She has an extremely lovely voice and makes easy listening music that I would compare to that of Corinne Bailey Rae. And just a side note, I am so envious of her afro!
WALE
A Nigerian rapper from Washington D.C. who has collaborated with big names in the music industry such as Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Bun B, Beanie Sigel, Pharrell, Marsha Ambrosious, and, fellow African, K’naan (just to name a few). Wale is most definitely doing big things; his most recent mixtape entitled More About Nothing was pretty darn good if I do say so myself. It’s definitely worth a listen if you have yet to do so. I really do enjoy Wale's music, he is very poetic.
shingai shoniwa
A Zimbabwean singer based in the UK who is the vocalist and bassist in the band Noisettes. This woman is ridiculously talented and well known for her unique sense of style and her fabulous hair. Although her band isn’t extremely popular in the United States, Noisettes are well known in other countries around the world. I am a huge fan of their music, they have such a unique sound that I find extremely refreshing!
CHIDDY BANG
Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege is a Nigerian rapper based in Philadelphia, PA who makes up half of the duo named Chiddy Bang. The duo reached countrywide recognition with the release of their single entitled Opposite of Adults which hit the top 20 on singles charts in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium. The duo signed a recording contract with EMI in January of this year and their debut album is scheduled to release in spring of 2011.
Bibanke by Asa
A Nigerian soul singer with a voice that always gives me goose bumps. I absolutely love this woman’s music, it truly is dynamic. She released her latest single Be My Man about a month ago and it got really good feedback online (I am in LOVE with that song!). Her latest album, Beautiful Imperfection, dropped on October 25th so make sure you go out and give it a listen!
A Nigerian soul singer with a voice that always gives me goose bumps. I absolutely love this woman’s music, it truly is dynamic. She released her latest single Be My Man about a month ago and it got really good feedback online (I am in LOVE with that song!). Her latest album, Beautiful Imperfection, dropped on October 25th so make sure you go out and give it a listen!
A Nigerian and Irish singer who was born and raised in Ireland. At the age of 17 Laura was signed to Jive Records but after a dispute with that label signed with Atlantic Records. In 2006 she won the Meteor Music Award and became the first unsigned musician to receive a nomination. Her album, Let The Truth Be Told, was released in May of 2009 and reached number 2 on the Irish Album charts. This remarkable young woman has even opened for Aretha Franklin, India.Arie, Estelle, Maxwell and John Legend on tour. Very impressive!
Life Is Real by Ayo
A Nigerian singer whose debut album, Joy, which was released in 2006 reached Double-Platinum status in France, Platinum in Germany & Poland, and Gold in Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. I absolutely love the sound of her music, it is really relaxing. Definitely someone you should listen to if you have yet to.
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