Black Girls Only: A Playlist of Our Favorite Black Girl Anthems
Introducing our monthly editorial theme of 'Black Girls Only' with a playlist of all the Black girl anthems you need in your life.
Last year was peak #BlackGirlMagic. In 2016, we saw black women from across the world break records at the Olympics, destroy stereotypes, form their own lanes, and produce mind-blowing art.
<p>During Women's History Month 2017, we'll put a spotlight on all the black women who are making waves, shattering ceilings, and uplifting their communities in the process, and—since we're talking about black women, here—there's an overabundance to choose from.</p><p>For our monthly editorial theme of <strong>Black Girls Only</strong>, we'll be profiling innovative women across a number of different industries and spaces. This year we honor these women with our curated list of <a href="http://www.okayafrica.com/100-women/" target="_blank"><strong>100 Women</strong></a> on the continent and in the diaspora who are changing the game.</p><p><div class="preroll-video"></div><ora-player></ora-player></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><h2 class="lede"></h2><strong><a href="http://www.okayafrica.com/100-women/" target="_blank">READ OKAYAFRICA'S 100 AFRICAN WOMEN HERE</a></strong></li></ul><p>2016 was an especially monumental year for black women in music. From <strong><a href="http://okayafrica.com/tag/beyonce">Beyoncé</a></strong>'s <em>Lemonade</em> to <a href="http://okayafrica.com/tag/yemi-alade"><strong>Yemi Alade</strong></a>'s <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/mama-africa-the-diary-of-an-african-woman/id1088796674?mt=1&app=music&at=1001lph9" target="_blank"><em>Mama Africa</em></a>, black women dropped albums that—to quote our girl, <a href="http://okayafrica.com/tag/solange"><strong>Solange</strong></a>—were "for us, by us," and we honestly couldn't get enough.</p><p>Below, the ladies from the OkayAfrica staff—and, by the way, we are mostly women—select the songs that represent <strong>Black Girls Only</strong>. We'll also tell you why.</p><p>From quintessential soul tunes to spirited pop anthems, the <strong>Black Girls Only</strong> playlist will sprinkle #BlackGirlMagic all over your music library. You're welcome.</p><p>Get the playlist, and much more, on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/curator/okayafrica/id1173591451" target="_blank"><em>OkayAfrica</em>'s Apple Music channel</a>.</p><h2> Georgia Anne Muldrow "Break You Down"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="23991e1df7953a76975f1cff08a03a9c"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QiPi6WUEuEQ?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>The hook to this song is everything: <em>"Don't let them make you forget who you are / Don't let them break you down."</em> It's pretty much my mantra in song to stay true to myself, to continue to be open to growth and to be the strong black woman that I am. —<strong>Antoinette Isama</strong>, <em>Associate Editor</em></p><p><div class="dfp_atf-slot" data-not-loaded="true"></div><script type="text/javascript">
checkdfpScripts();
</script></p><h2>Erykah Badu “Cleva"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e77c83cd72b7a125f049fd04b83ab208"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIT9-VQvUgo?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This is the most honest song in existence as far as I'm concerned. It's a self-love anthem for black women who find beauty in their imperfections but who also know that “beauty" does not determine self-worth. We're too “cleva" for that.<strong> </strong>—<strong>Damola Durosomo</strong>, <em>Staff Writer</em></p><h2>Solange "Don't Touch My Hair"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bfbf9ef5fce5a0ec93826371ee331248"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YTtrnDbOQAU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song, and this entire album really, is a black girl anthem. Our hair means so much more to us than people understand—it's our history, our struggle and our beauty. This project is so special because it was made for us and l will be forever grateful to <strong>Solange</strong> for it. —<strong>Oyinkan Olojede</strong>, <em>Marketing Associate</em></p><h2>ESG "Erase You"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1665b5e946aefc8bfd022ce87ad0d294"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iaxTHyY58og?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>When I first encountered <strong>ESG</strong> it was in my early years in the NYC, the mid-late 2000s, it was just what I needed! Seeing this all girl (family) band from the Bronx rock out, dominate, and be referenced in so many new deep cuts was the bomb. Seeing them play again a few years back at Bowery Electric was one of the best shows of my life. —<strong>Sinat Giwa</strong>, <em>Projects and Operations: Okay Space</em></p><h2>Janelle Monáe "Dance or Die" ft. Saul Williams</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="921adc145f6ac5ef5078ef35bb9f3b93"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9dyxNx5NEPU?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>"Dance or Die" to me is one of the 'wokest' songs ever. Janelle was basically saying–dance to your own tunes, create your own path and don't play by society's rules. I was also drawn to the afrobeat elements. She was totally giving <strong>Fela</strong> vibes. —<strong>Chika Okoli</strong>, <em>Social Media Manager</em></p><h2><strong>Rihanna "BBHMM"</strong></h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4afceb82e6803f8960472523c0cb931c"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B3eAMGXFw1o?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>Let's just say I don't mince my words when it comes to my money, plus, I love <strong>Rihanna</strong>'s unapologetic attitude. —<strong>Josephine Opar</strong>, <em>Contributing Writer</em></p><h2>Queen Latifah “U.N.I.T.Y."</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c36715ea2b2959481965882300c65eeb"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f8cHxydDb7o?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song is my anthem for female empowerment because it's important to speak out against the disrespect of women in society. Women all around the world are known for their strength, emotionally and physically, and no strong woman in the 21st century should feel boxed to a degrading category in our society. Now or ever. —<strong>Hanan Osman</strong>, <em>Executive Assistant to CEO</em></p><h2>Stream our 'Black Girls Only' playlist on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/curator/okayafrica/id1173591451" target="_blank">Apple Music</a>.</h2><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="500px" src="//tools.applemusic.com/embed/v1/playlist/pl.271e4a45607941b994dc86ff4ecf2f60?country=us&at=1001lph9" width="100%"></iframe></p><h2>Yondo Sister & Soukous Stars "Bazo"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="60324fd1fd6c40c1e65028ea282b1f21"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6nneKvTmtpM?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p><strong>Yondo Sister</strong> is the queen of soukous. Repping the Congo, she's been killing the game before most of us were born and she's got moves for days.</p><p>I most definitely attribute my love for learning different styles of African dance to her super eclectic music videos I watched growing up (peep them on YouTube!). I'll always admire how she commands the stage with her confidence, as well as her unapologetic attitude and trendsetting style that's essentially made a comeback today. —Antoinette</p><h2>Charlotte Dada "Don't Let Me Down (Beatles cover, Ghana 1971)</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="49b6ed1965f77979eebb30d0cbbe6290"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7-JrLuAaFY?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song has come back around at different times in my life in through different people that are very dear to me. The percussion is on point to the very end. —Sinat</p><h2>Missy Elliott "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d105867516c953b0792682946a5eaf6c"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hHcyJPTTn9w?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>Classic cool girl jam. I listen to this when I'm feeling fly, but also when I'm not—this song just instantly makes me feel dope. <strong>Missy Elliott</strong> is my hero. —Damola</p><h2>Missy Elliott "I'm Better"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="56e1e152efe63890b604d3e2eb998c93"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwyPsUd9LAk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>Yaasss come through Missy! The title really says it all. Missy is an icon. —Oyinkan</p><h2>Nicki Minaj "Feelin Myself" ft. Beyoncé</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bdd0aaa3f7b57dae0e4370df272f7a22"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Kg9xRooTVk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p><strong>Nicki</strong> is the ultimate badass. In a space dominated by men, she is unapologetically herself. She knows her worth and commands the respect she deserves. Anything Nicki + <strong>Bey</strong> always gives me life. —Oyinkan</p><h2>Ibeyi "River"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="70622f6489499bbcce8369d2d4de9b0d"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHRAPIwsS5I?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>After a hard day's work of dealing with the patriarchy, when you're finally alone in your space, I recommend playing this song and allowing the lyrics wash over you (it's almost as good as burning sage if you're into that kind of stuff). There's just something therapeutic about listening to a song that's an ode to one of the most loved women (Oshun goddess). —Chika</p><h2>Fantasia "Free Yourself"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8561c9ff2b3463398f0183788a7c722c"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BWs3fs9nnzc?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song is my personal motto and transcends both my personal and professional relationships. —Sinat</p><h2>Tiwa Savage "Key To The City Remix" ft. Busy Signal</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7b7e5e0e9a304f3ceb0a3bac05b42393"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LfnTZLage8g?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song will have me cutting conversations short just so I can sing along with <strong>Tiwa</strong> and <strong>Busy Signal</strong>. —Josephine</p><h2>Rihanna "Consideration" ft. SZA</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="200d0a2cb20c6ec86bf76b16d9e5e6ac"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y0YA_F6n5_4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>I love how unapologetically moody this song is. Being allowed to have an attitude about the things that bother you, and owning it, is freeing, especially for black women who are told that we have too much of it. That's what I feel <strong>Rih Rih</strong> and <strong>SZA</strong> are doing on this song—owning their shit. Plus, the line <em>"let me cover your shit in glitter I can make it gold,"</em> is my mood for life. —Damola</p><h2>Tiwa Savage "Kolobi"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1823ddae27752f20aa4b261d10b2c71f"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDPHCEzaXTs?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>I have so much respect <strong>Tiwa Savage</strong> and her grind. This track from her album, <em>R.E.D</em>, reminds us that as women (and even as people), we need to take more moments to reflect on our blessings and accomplishments, even though it may feel like we're not doing enough. We are indeed more than enough, ladies! — Antoinette</p><h2>Corinne Bailey Rae "Put Your Records On"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1441e6c486bcca4b9ec0036f649e06b9"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rjOhZZyn30k?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This song is the ultimate 'carefree black girl' anthem. Given the monolithic narrative of the black woman, it's refreshing to have a song that revels in the beauty, quirks and joys of being a black woman. —Chika</p><h2>Beyoncé "Sorry"</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2713703f5cf97bfea7155b6689e3e31b"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QxsmWxxouIM?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>This is one of the best break-up songs ever. Period. —Josephine</p><h2><strong>Beyoncé</strong> “Flawless" ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</h2><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ea3e0f0d8c23c4303309072bb2d238b2"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IyuUWOnS9BY?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><p>I love the message of this track: to celebrate womanness by refraining from the idea of rising in the morning looking perfect. It's an oxymoron memo because nobody wakes up 'flawless' therefore should not be taken literally but the meaning behind the track says "I woke up feeling good, is what it's about." —Hanan</p>
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