From Morocco’s Small X to Sudan’s MaMan, North African artists are searching for new sounds and media to respond to the socio-political realities of our time. This is the best North African and Arabic music of the year so far.
DJ Snake’s striking seven-minute video for “Patience” features actor Omar Sy and is fueled by a classic Amadou & Mariam song.
Getting signed to Mass Appeal is only the beginning for the Moroccan powerhouse.
In May, music releases were less energetic and more introspective, powerful in their minimalism, and stepping stones towards bigger releases and projects awaiting us in the summer.
The 23-track, deeply personal album confronts the death of the rapper’s mother, embedding the experience of depression and loss in an Egyptian cultural context.
Two music journalists look deeper into the Middle East and North Africa being named the world’s fastest growing music industry region by the IFPI’s Global Music Report.
Featuring the hottest raï, rap, house, and dance music from Morocco to Sudan—and a few introspective ones, too.
The Egyptian government announced 2025 to be the “Year of Umm Kulthum.” Egyptians of different generations share what it takes to really appreciate the icon’s music.
OkayAfrica’s North Africa correspondent shares the region’s most celebrated and underrated songs of the year — from Libya’s electronic Touareg music to Sudan’s rap revolution, and more.
“Sudan is the reason I’m here right now,” says British Sudanese rising star Elmiene about his fourth EP, which marks a full circle moment since his breakout song “Golden.”
Sudanese rap is having a fantastic year, introducing the North African region to its unique sound and dialect, but are non-Sudanese really listening?
In a friendly rap battle, the two rap scenes show off their artistry and respect for each other’s cultures. Watch Part 2 here to decide for yourself who won.
The independent artist will be playing live next to the Pyramids of Giza, proving the ability of grassroots art to take over world stages.
The Berlin-based platform’s music archive features a variety of hip-hop, soul, rap and instrumental performances from North African artists.
The soundtrack of North African summer is filled with melancholy, R&B, rap and electronic music.
The best songs to come out of Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya this year so far.
The rapper, Nadine El Roubi, is back with more sociopolitical commentary, elegant empowerment, and a plea to keep #EyesOnSudan, her home country.
In Amaka Jaji’s own words, TIDET mixes spiritual vibes with trap music, creating a sound that neither his community, nor the world, have heard before.
OkayAfrica highlights the standout tracks shaping East African music in 2025 so far, with top picks from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the diaspora.
How the artist known as Ethiopian Records brought a bold and rooted vision to Addis Ababa's first take on the electronic music event.
OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya this May.
An event where East African culture, community, and music collide is rewriting the Ethiopian-Eritrean diaspora story in Los Angeles.
Savara’s solo era after the disbandment of Sauti Sol is less about fame and more about legacy, rhythm, and standing up to be counted.
With her hit “Me Too” quickly climbing the charts, the Tanzanian singer talks to OkayAfrica about rewriting what it means to be a Tanzanian pop star today.
Fusing psych rock and East African rhythms, the new Assassin's Creed: Shadows soundtrack by Thunderdrum and Tiggs Da Author is worth your while.
From backup dancer to chart-topping star, Vinka has built a career on high-energy hits. She opens up about her latest dancehall anthem, working with Latin star Rafa Pabön, and why being a mom hasn’t slowed her down.
In his debut album, ‘Colorful Generation,’ the East African star proves he’s more than just a singles artist who has conquered the region — he’s building a global legacy.
From launching Nairobi R&B to building Soul Headquarters, the Kenyan music executive is carving out space for artists and pushing the region onto the global stage.
Once seen as a niche genre, jazz in Kenya is gaining new audiences and nurturing homegrown talent, thanks to the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival.
From hip-hop to Afro-house, the former child soldier turned recording artist finds joyful ways to spread a message of peace and unity that is becoming ever more relevant.
Tems withdrew from her Kigali performance, citing the unfolding crisis between Rwanda and the DRC, while pressure mounts on John Legend to follow suit.
From YouTube tutorials to festival stages, here's how an Ethiopian psychology student became one of East Africa's most innovative DJs.
With millions of streams and high-profile collaborations, Joshua Baraka is turning his Kampala roots into global recognition.
From bangers to ballads, these songs have defined the sound of East Africa this year.
How Kenya’s youth are falling hard for the music, moves and magic of K-pop.
The chaotic Nairobi concert brings attention to recurring failures in the organization of music events across Africa, raising urgent questions about crowd safety and artist-audience care.
These are the local legends and breakout stars redefining Southern Africa’s musical landscape. Listen to OkayAfrica’s Best Southern African Songs of 2025 So Far.
Amapiano is a movement. These are the best amapiano songs of the year so far, which showcase how the genre has grown, stumbled, and soared in 2025.
The musician passed away while on tour in Switzerland.
Following the passing of the legendary drummer, those who knew, learned from, and played with him gathered in Johannesburg to remember him not with eulogies, but with sound — in the spirit of the freedom he lived for.
Born in South Africa’s townships in the early 2010s, this genre found its global moment during lockdown, giving people a reason to dance when the world stood still. This video traces its journey.
Rising DJs and sonic storytellers reflect on what this day means and what it feels like to be young and free in a country still healing from its past.
The four new songs in this updated list add even more heartfelt, complex, and candid takes on fatherhood.
After six years in Europe, the South African rapper returns with The Illusion of Being, a new album forged from displacement, discipline, and defiance.
Want to know which Amapiano songs are trending right now? OkayAfrica rounds up the best trending Amapiano songs of 2025. Stream the latest hits from rising stars and legends like De Mthuda, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee.
The standout records from May include songs from Seyi Vibez, Rowlene, King Paluta, Joshua Baraka, and more.
For the month of May, we’ve got heaters from Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
With DJ Maphorisa by his side, the producer moves between genres and generations to deliver a defining statement on South African sound.
With new work on the horizon, South Africa’s Nakhane reflects on artistry, mourning, and the beauty of sounds that refuse to behave in this exclusive interview with OkayAfrica.
With Coachella kicking off today, Tyla and fellow African artists Amaarae, Rema, and others transform the desert into a showcase of the continent's musical diversity.
Featuring 17 tracks that embody Riky Rick’s fearless spirit, Boss Zonke Forever cements the rapper’s influence on South African music, fashion, and culture.
The Mozambican band opens up about their long hiatus, the chemistry that never faded, and what it took to get back on stage together.
Jesse Clegg will honor his father’s legacy with a powerful tribute concert in New York City.
The South African artist talks to us about crafting warm, soulful sounds against the grain.
Joey Akan gets the man of few words to talk about beats, breakthroughs, and becoming his own kind of artist.
As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far.
Mercury prize winner Sampha and inventive jazz drummer Moses Boyd are in the lineup when ‘rituals: union black’ premieres at London’s Somerset House.
The Afrobeats megastar holds one of her most candid conversations ever, unpacking what has gone into her powerful sound and image.
The Nigerian singer’s eighth album, ‘No Sign of Weakness,’ is scheduled for a mid-July release.
The Nigerian superstar shared the colorful visuals to his hit song and announced Odumodublvck and Victony for his forthcoming tour.
For his latest EP, ‘Ckay The Second,’ the emo-Afrobeats star returns to find meaning and reflection.
After more than a decade pioneering contemporary Afrobeats music, the British Nigerian singer and producer shares his debut album.
After years of nominations and near misses, the Nigerian superstar claims the Best International Act Award, while African talent continues its global ascension at the ceremony.
Set to take place in the US, the performance will feature the Nigerian hitmaker alongside other global superstars.
On his fiery new single, Young Jonn’s spirited bounce finds a natural ally in Asake.
Nigeria’s biggest cultural export generates billions in revenue and transforms a megacity into an undisputed party capital.
The Nigerian superstar’s fourth studio album, 'This One is Personal,’ is scheduled for release this summer.
From trade secrets to tough lessons, Donawon reflects on the journey that shaped Tems’ global rise.
This month’s Best New Music From West Africa features sounds from Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana.
The Nigerian and American superstars connect at a warehouse party in the new visuals for "TaTaTa,"the latest single off Burna Boy's upcoming album, No Sign of Weakness.
The acclaimed singer discusses Stay Alta, her first album in seven years,creative control, and protecting your peace no matter what.
The Nigerian music star sits down with media personality and journalist Joey Akan for a candid conversation in the Season 4 premiere of ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’ podcast, presented by OkayAfrica.
Newly discovered recordings highlight how the late Cameroonian composer anticipated today’s global African electronic music wave.
Kinshasa-based Fulu Miziki uses recycled trash to make their own, unique musical instruments.
The French Cameroonian singer and rapper discusses his unique musical style and cultural heritage, highlighted in the vibrant music video for his global hit, “Bécane.”
Cameroon-raised singer Libianca has faced threats for flying Cameroon’s flag, amidst ongoing, violent conflict in the Central African country.
Rema, Oxlade, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, Ayrar Starr, and Cameroonian singer Libianca nominated for 2023 Billboard Music Awards.
We talk to the Cameroonian-American musician about the wild success of “People” and much more.
The Cameroonian-American's breakout single and accompanying video has us right in our feels.
Dig into the Cameroonian artists' collaborative release, Love In Transition.
The Congolese icon makes his COLORS debut with "Par Terre."
The son of late Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango gets a little help from Q-Tip, Idris Elba, Yemi Alade, Little Simz, will.i.am, and others for his new album.
The Congolese group goes beyond making music in its efforts to uplift the Beni area, which has been experiencing years of torment by extremist groups.
Featuring MHD, Squidji x Lous and the Yakuza, Ichon, Meryl, Lala &ce and more.
Congolese rumba joins other living traditions, like Seychelles' Moutya dance and the Senegalese culinary art of Ceebu jën, in being added to Unesco's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list.
The iconic Congolese singer opens up about his latest album, vast influence and future plans.
We talk to the Paris-based, Cameroonian-rooted artist about his rhythmic blend of kuduro, R&B, afrobeats and UK garage.
Tanzanian artist Ommy Dimpoz speaks to us about being a new-generation bongo flava artist, signing a major deal with Sony Music Africa and how connection with his fans defines what success means to him.
French-born Cameroonian producer James BKS drops 'No Unga Bunga' and its music video. The new track, featuring The New Breed Gang, pays homage to the artist's late father and legendary musician, Manu Dibango.
OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.
OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.
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