African music has had a profound impact on the world and has given us some of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. From the political activism of Fela Kuti to the traditional rhythms of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, African musicians have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire generations of musicians around the world.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the greatest African musicians of all time and explore the impact they have had on music and culture. From the pioneers of African music to the modern stars of today, these musicians have helped to shape the sound of Africa and have left an enduring legacy. Join us as we take a journey through the history of African music and discover the artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Top Best African Musicians
- Fela Anikulapo Kuti of Nigeria
- Miriam Makeba of South Africa
- Youssou N’Dour of Senegal
- Salif Keita of Mali
- Thomas Mapfumo of Zimbabwe
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo of South Africa
- Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe
- Angelique Kidjo of Benin
- King Sunny Ade of Nigeria
- Oumou Sangare of Mali
- Amr Diab of Egypt
1. Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Fela Kuti was a highly influential and respected Nigerian musician, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Some of his most notable music awards include:
- In 2003, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2010, Fela was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
- In 2012, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
- In 2014, he was posthumously honored with an MTV Africa Music Award for Legend.
- In 2015, he was posthumously honored with a BET Soul Train Award for Best International Performance.
- In 2020, he was posthumously honored with a BET International Global Good Star Power Award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
Fela’s music has been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and stage productions, which helped to bring his music and message to a wider audience and further cemented his status as one of the most important and influential African musicians of all time.
2. Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa
Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, was a South African singer and civil rights activist. She was a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and her music helped to spread awareness of the plight of black South Africans.
- In 1965, Miriam Makeba won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording for her album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.”
- In 1986, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her contributions to the arts.
- In 2008, she was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to the music industry.
- In 2012, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
- In 2017, she was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards.
She was also a UN goodwill ambassador, working on issues of hunger, poverty, and HIV/AIDS.
3. Youssou N’Dour
Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and percussionist, and he is considered one of the most influential musicians in Africa.
- In 1985, Youssou N’Dour won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for his album “The Lion.”
- In 1996, he was honored with an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.
- In 2003, he was awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2016, he was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
He has been actively involved in social and political issues in Senegal and has been appointed as the UNICEF’s Regional Ambassador for West and Central Africa.
4. Salif Keita – Golden Voice of Africa
Salif Keita, also known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” is a Malian musician, singer, and songwriter, and he is considered one of the most important figures in African music.
- In 2001, Salif Keita was honored with a Kora Award for Best Male Artist in West Africa.
- In 2002, he was honored with a Victoire de la Musique award for World Music Album of the Year for his album “Moffou.”
- In 2004, he was awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
He is also known for his philanthropy, particularly his support of the education and health of children and people with albinism.
5. Thomas Mapfumo – Lion of Zimbabwe
Thomas Mapfumo, also known as the “Lion of Zimbabwe,” is a Zimbabwean singer and political activist. He was an important figure in the struggle for independence in Zimbabwe and his music reflects the political and social issues of the country.
- In 2002, Thomas Mapfumo was honored with a Kora Award for Best Male Artist in Southern Africa.
- In 2006, he was awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
He was also a vocal critic of the Zimbabwean government and used his music as a platform to speak out against corruption and oppression in his country.
6. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group that has been active since the 1960s and is known for their unique harmonies and traditional Zulu rhythms.
- In 1987, Ladysmith Black Mambazo won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording for their album “Shaka Zulu.”
- In 1988, they won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording for their album “The Indestructible Beat of Soweto.”
- In 2005, they won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album for their album “Raise Your Spirit Higher.”
- In 2012, they was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of their contributions to African music.
- In 2019, they was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at the South African Music Awards.
They have also been honored by the South African government and have received the Order of Ikhamanga, a prestigious national award for excellence
7. Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi, also known as “Tuku,” was a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, known as the “Voice of Zimbabwe.” His music blended traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, and R&B, and he was known for his socially conscious lyrics.
- In 2001, Oliver Mtukudzi was honored with a Kora Award for Best Male Artist in Southern Africa.
- In 2002, he was awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
He was also actively involved in charity work and was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa. He passed away in 2019, but his music and legacy lives on.
8. Angelique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her blend of African rhythms and Western pop and her activism on behalf of women’s rights and education.
- In 2008, Angélique Kidjo won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for her album “Djin Djin.”
- In 2012, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
- In 2016, she was honored with a Victoire de la Musique award for World Music Album of the Year for her album “Eve.”
- In 2020, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
She is also an advocate for women’s rights, education, and health and an active member of the ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization.
9. King Sunny Ade
King Sunny Adé is a Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known as the “King of Juju Music” and one of the most influential figures in African music.
- In 2002, King Sunny Adé was honored with a Kora Award for Best Male Artist in West Africa.
- In 2012, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
King Sunny Adé is considered as one of the pioneers of Juju music and his influence is still felt in the music industry today. He has also been honored by the Nigerian government with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
10. Oumou Sangare
Oumou Sangaré is a Malian singer and songwriter, known as “The Songbird of Wassoulou” for her powerful and emotive voice. She is a prominent figure in Malian music and is considered one of the most important female artists in Africa.
- In 2004, Oumou Sangaré was awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2008, she was honored with a Victoire de la Musique award for World Music Album of the Year for her album “Seya.”
- In 2012, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
- In 2020, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
She has also been actively involved in charity and social causes, particularly those related to women’s rights, education, and health.
11. Amr Diab
Amr Diab is an Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actor, known as the “King of Mediterranean Music” for his blend of Mediterranean and Egyptian rhythms. He is considered one of the most successful and influential Arabic singers of all time. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his music. Some of his notable music awards include:
- In 2009, Amr Diab was honored with a World Music Award for World’s Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist.
- In 2010, he was honored with a World Music Award for World’s Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist.
- In 2012, he was honored with a NRJ Music Award for International Male Artist of the Year.
- In 2013, he was honored with an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Arabic Act.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
His music is known for its energetic and upbeat rhythms and he has been credited with revolutionizing contemporary Egyptian music.
African music has given us some of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. From Fela Kuti to Oliver Mtukudzi, these musicians have left an indelible mark on the music industry and have helped to shape the sound of Africa.
Their music reflects the political and social issues of the continent, and they have been instrumental in bringing the rich culture and traditions of Africa to the world.
African music is a melting pot of different cultures and styles, and it has the ability to bring people together and create a sense of unity.
This list is a good starting point to explore the rich history of African music, discover new artists and appreciate the music of Africa.
