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On NAFIDA, Moroccan Rapper Small X Rises Above the Noise and Into Underexplored Musical Territory

Getting signed to Mass Appeal is only the beginning for the Moroccan powerhouse.

Songs You Need To Hear

The Best North African Songs Right Now

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.

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On “The Man Who Lost His Heart,” Marwan Moussa Maps a Pathway Through Grief

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.

Music

The Best East African Songs Right Now

OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya this May.

Music

Motherland Sounds Is LA’s Must-Attend East African Party

An event where East African culture, community, and music collide is rewriting the Ethiopian-Eritrean diaspora story in Los Angeles.

Amapiano artists including DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, Kabza De Small, and Focalistic against a vibrant green background.

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Amapiano: The South African Sound That Took Over the World

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.

Nasty C poses for the camera, hands inside his jacket.

Music

13 South African Hip-Hop Songs About Fatherhood

The four new songs in this updated list add even more heartfelt, complex, and candid takes on fatherhood.

Music

Francis Bebey’s Archives Come Alive

Newly discovered recordings highlight how the late Cameroonian composer anticipated today’s global African electronic music wave.

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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.

Music Stories

New music releases across North Africa are merging electronic and Arabic music with rap, indie, and R&B.

After several years in the public ear, Wael is stepping into the public eye, and she is bringing her girl band with her.

Six years in the making, the indie label’s latest compilation pays homage to the timeless cassette tape music of Libya’s ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s.

With his long-time collaborators The Hics, the Sudanese American rapper bares his soul on this project, which took seven years to complete.

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 unrecognized state is betting its Red Sea access and mineral wealth can convince the Trump administration to break with international consensus after decades of diplomatic isolation.

OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania this July. Enjoy the best new East African music below.

In his deeply personal solo show, the Kenyan vocalist blends music and storytelling to explore his life and identity as a queer artist.

The 47-year-old is embracing new sounds, younger collaborators, and a digital-first mindset this time around.

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.

Social media debates are calling the South African star's latest EP a ‘flop,’ but her streaming numbers and global impact tell a very different story.

Set in Kanana township and styled like a Roman noir, Maglera’s latest video is a mythic origin story that reframes kasi life through sacred symbolism and surrealist visual language.

For the music highlights from Southern Africa in July, we dig into alternative genres from Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond.

The South African artist premieres the visuals for “Break” exclusively on OkayAfrica, offering a powerful glimpse into healing and emotional strength through music.

This list of the latest hits and trending tracks features Kabza De Small, Mkeyz, Titto M, Yuppe, and other top amapiano artists.

The single blends trademark Nigerian and South African sounds from the musicians, making for a dynamic new track.

From Afrobeats going global to groundbreaking films, creative innovation, and youth-led protest movements, this video dives into the African moments that have defined the continent’s identity and transformation since OkayAfrica launched in 2010.

With his new album, 'Indigo Child II: Love and Frequency,' the South African producer asserts himself as one of the most original voices in electronic music.

On 'Touch Is A Move (Good Morning),' his first full-length album in five years, the generational artist reflects on growth, grit, and grace.

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.

OkayAfrica sits down with the Nigerian artist to discuss his robust interpretation of Afrobeat and his new album’s roving vision.

Recent initiatives are broadening the entry level for creatives and music executives in the Nigerian music industry and beyond.

The Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer hosted a 2-day event for her new initiative, which aims to support African women artists through mentorship, workshops, and strategic opportunities.

The British Nigerian singer-songwriter’s new project, 'The Summer That Saved Me,' is a sensuous depiction of summer, but his music has always been so much more. Fusing R&B with Afrobeats and alte sensibilities, he’s cornered a unique space in the international music scene.

Almost five years after their engagement, the couple is flaunting their faith in their bond with another lavish wedding ceremony event.

On his new release, the Nigerian guitarist blends celestial folk music with quiet emotional depth and invites listeners into a world of tenderness and surrender.

For her third album, Black Star, the Ghanaian artist known for her experimental and defiant sound, toys with matters of euphoria, desire, and emotional contradictions.

Mbryo, born Maxwell Omoferi, is one of the foremost songwriters in Afrobeats. He has co-written Grammy-nominated hits for stars like Ayra Starr, Davido, and Magixx. His rise from the streets of Lagos to the global music stage is both inspirational and instructive.

The Afrobeats superstar touched down in Brooklyn, NYC, for a stellar live performance and showcase of his global reach.

On his latest single, the Nigerian superstar lives up to his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most inventive artists, launching a $10K dance challenge to match.

The month of July ushered in a range of incredible West African music from across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.

This playlist of the latest Afrobeats hits features Ayra Starr, Asake, Chella, Sarkodie, Tyla, and more.

Dozens of songs by the iconic musician have seen significant streaming spikes, as heartfelt memorial messages flood social media following the passing of one of Ghana’s greatest music legends.

In the last episode of this season’s ‘Afrobeats Intelligence,’ presented by OkayAfrica, the singer reflects on early missteps, creative renewal, and why 2025 feels like the perfect time for his comeback.

The Afrobeats star follows up her Wizkid-featuring “Gimme Dat” with another sizzling song for the Summer — fresh off her BET win, a Roc Nation deal, and an ongoing global tour with Coldplay.

In this exclusive premiere, Nigerian artist and producer Pheelz talks to OkayAfrica about the creative process behind “Stay Together,” his latest single in collaboration with Beyond Music, Marshall Muze, Naimah, and Ella Rose.

Tim Lyre is standing out in the Nigerian music scene by making introspective songs that pull from everyday experiences, and delivering them over a diverse bed of styles.

On the latest episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, the music video creator Director Pink discusses her roots in the scene and how she translates music into wholesome visual experiences.

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.