After the hustle and bustle of parties and social engagements, peace returns. Also the disappointment that the plans for the new year will not come true this time either. That's why there's nothing better than a little music to lift your mood. The first selection we make in 2024 are, in our opinion, the 20 most outstanding themes of 2023. Hits from different countries, with different rhythms, different languages, new or experienced artists. A map of how much and good is being done in different parts of the continent. And if they weren't the best of last year, they at least represent a fresh and different taste of what's being done in Africa.
Let's open the playlists to new experiences that help break mental boundaries and expand the heartbeat beyond the limits and corsets imposed by Western canons.
The South African Tyla has burst into the world of music with great force. At 21, he surprised everyone with his single Toilet. Her sensual voice floats over the percussion of this Amapiano (South African house) song.
Asake He left the style that characterized him, Fuji Fusion (Fuji is a traditional Yoruba rhythm). Olamide It also puts Afrobeats aside. The two Nigerians have followed the trend from South Africa: Amapiano It's the theme that brought them so much success last year.
From Ghana, olivetheboy He earned respect with a ballad full of admiration and ambiguity. No one would have expected this rookie to get this far on his first attempt at singles Good sin. It remains to be seen whether he can maintain the magic he has achieved so quickly.
Liberia is a country that does not typically produce musical hits that transcend its borders. However, JZyNo he did it. He chooses Afrobeats But my breada topic in which is involved Lasmid.
Comes from Kampala, the capital of Uganda Joshua Baraka. At just 21 years old, he also made history with his dancehall song: granny. Since his studies weren't going well, he decided to compose and sing. He never imagined that success would come so quickly.
It continues in East Africa, in this case in Kenya, with a song in Kikuyu that is about the in-laws: electronic music that rocks on TikTok. Another surprise from social networks. It has the title Mwaki and it is a composition of Zerb that has the cooperation of Sofia Nzau.
We hop to Tanzania with the queen of Bongo Flava (although this time she mixes it with Afrobeats and some dancehall), Zuchu. Your theme Nani It was heard across the continent. Especially in his remix version in which he participates Innoss`B. As is her custom, she sings in Swahili.
From Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo), where he lives, RJ Kanierra He started aunt. A single that broke all molds. Praised by the country's great musicians, it has filled the dance floors of many clubs with fresh air.
We cross the continent again to reach the Republic of Guinea. There, in Conakry, Ak4seven And Sensay They play at being bad guys Mauvais Garçons. A mix of Afro-rap and R&B melodies, with each artist expressing their own style. A very unique synergy.
Burkina Faso is another country that produces few musical hits. However, Kristifay He broke that curse last year. The rap star plays with a lot of irony This is bizarre. A topic that went viral in a very short time.
The Roseline Layo Choosing the Malinke language (mixed with French) was not an obstacle for her Môgô Fariman has skyrocketed up the charts. Zouglou sounds with which the Ivorian criticizes the rich and famous and ironizes politicians.
With some Afrobeats we jump to Cameroon. Libya is responsible for its simplicity People has reached a very high level. A theme that confirms that we are the sum of all our problems. In this case he sings in English.
Many synthesizers use Gerilson Insrale In Estou Paiado. An R&B song in which the Angolan mixes Portuguese and Pidgin.
Also comes from Angola Yola Araujo, who celebrates his 25-year artistic career with a new song I'm here to live. An ode to life over a very danceable Afro-urban rhythm. She, who was one of the great voices of Kizomba and Semba, has also evolved and adapted to new tastes.
Another who has also been on the stage for a long time are the Tuareg Bombino. After five years of silence, he released his fourth album, Sahel, in September, which received the response it deserved. As expected, full of desert blues, it hides a lot of positive energy. Ayo Niglais one of the first singles.
If what they called the summer song still exists, there is no doubt that it is so in North Africa Ekhatayaraty (My Choices) was one of the strongest candidates. A cheerful track based on the Maqsoum rhythms typical of Egypt and performed by the Egyptian Ahmed Saad.
“Men are trash and don’t deserve women.” These are the words of the Ghanaian rapper Pappy Kojo convinced the audience. Your theme Mbesiafo (Women) was one of the big surprises of the year. He achieved this with a fresh style and a profound message.
Born in Benin to Nigerian parents, Ayra Starr He is considered one of the new voices of Afrobeats. This was proven with his latest single: Rush.
Year for year, Burna Boy Don't miss this appointment. This time by the hand of City boys, a single from their seventh album. He earns it hard. He is one of the most listened to African artists within and outside the continent.
We conclude with a theme that is currently resonating across all parts of Africa. It is the anthem of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be played in Ivory Coast from January 13th to February 11th. 24 teams are fighting for Senegal's current title. Akwaba (Welcome) is the title of this Ivorian hit Magic systemthe Nigerian Yemi Alade and the Egyptian Mohamed Ramadan.
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