Top 10 Greatest Songs from Africa so far

Some of the most well-known songs in the world come from Africa, and they frequently have a high-pitched melody or vocal pattern along with elements of both traditional African rhythms and Western pop music styles. They instantly lift our spirits and make us want to dance all night long whenever we hear them. The best African songs of all time are on a very long list, however this blog will only highlight the best while providing a brief synopsis of each song.

The Top 10 African Songs of All Time are listed here, so without further ado, enjoy!

The first international superstar from Africa is regarded as Brenda Fassie. She was one of the best-known vocalists from Africa, and her songs are still very well-liked today. She is best known for the song Nomakhanjani. Although it was also highly well-liked in other parts of the continent, the song was particularly well-liked in South Africa. The song describes Brenda’s experience of falling in love with a man and her inability to resist him in spite of his flaws.

The album’s thirteenth single was made available in 1999. The song became one of her signature songs throughout her nearly three-decade career after becoming a radio and television hit. With more than 500,000 sales in a short period of time, the song was the best-selling South African Music Awards entry.

She became well-known thanks to Nomakhanjani’s enormous success. Even after Brenda’s passing in 2004 from an asthma attack, the song continued to receive widespread fame internationally and was featured on various collections.

3. Fadhili Williams – Malaika from Kenyan

Malaika, written by the late Fadhili Williams, first appeared in 1963. Malaika, which means “angel” in Swahili. One of the greatest songs ever recorded by a Kenyan musician is this song. A woman who is described as “lovely in every way” is the subject of the song. When you hear this music, the only adjectives that come to mind are “wonderful” and “perfect.” This song teaches us that we should value, appreciate, and cherish beauty every day.

This song from the album Lullabies is a wonderful illustration of how great African music can be. The song was quite well-liked throughout Africa, not just in Kenya. The African American population, who fell in love with the song’s groove and melody, made it immensely popular in the U.S. When discussing some of the finest songs ever written, Malaika is a song that should be cited more often. This is a lovely song that leaves you with an incomparable sense of hope, joy, and love.

4. Project Monkz – Once a Slave feat. Maulana from Ghanaian

The Ghanaian reggae band Project Monks’ song Once a Slave, popularly known as “Black Man’s Inferiority Complex,” is one of their songs. The song they made in conjunction with Maulana, which was published in 2006, has subsequently grown in popularity.

The two well-known components of this song’s premise are a call to action and an anti-slavery message. The call to action can be heard most prominently on the opening screen, which features a cry to arms urging the black man to throw off the constraints that have bound him since his inception.

The song’s message urges the black man to cease using his inferiority as a justification for not reaching his full potential and accept his status as a slave in society. A must-have for any young black man who wants to make the leap to free-thinking and truly be able to dream large, this message serves as the track’s motivation.

The song “Once a Slave” sets the tone for an inspiring message that urges Black men to embrace their heritage and let go of their inferiority mentality toward white people. This song demonstrates how the black guy should view himself as God’s finest creation and that he is capable of rocking any style. The song also makes the point that white people have just perpetuated a lie about slavery.

5. Aster Aweke – Mezez Alew from Ethiopian

The Ethiopians are a group that needs to be mentioned specifically while discussing African music. They produced some of the best songs ever to be recorded in Africa, including “Mezz Alew” by Aster Aweke. Aster Aweke, one of the most outstanding female singers from Ethiopia, gained recognition after releasing one song and going on to become one of the most well-liked performers on the continent.

Aweke might not be as well-known as Madonna or Beyonce, two American music icons. She is a musical legend in her home country, nevertheless. Throughout her career, she has received several nominations for honors and prizes and enjoys enormous general public appeal.

One of the many songs she has written is Mezz Alew. Her songs are all regarded as being uplifting, romantic, and inspirational. She makes use of rich melodies and a melodic voice that have become recognizable in Ethiopian music because they are timeless and catchy. Even though the song is about a woman who sees her life through the eyes of her boyfriend, it is fair to utilize as relationship counseling.

This song’s overarching theme is that if you truly love someone, you should take pleasure in being with them even if it requires making a sacrifice. However, it should be mentioned that this song has a certain context that is obscure to those who are not Ethiopian or who are unfamiliar with the acceptable customs and cultural standards.

Mezz is the term for juice in Amharic, the national tongue of Ethiopia, and Alew’ is the word for “you.” This song’s message is rather straightforward, but it has gained a lot of popularity because of its outlook on life and the encouragement found in its lyrics. Her lyrics serve as a source of inspiration for listeners, and some have even utilized them as relationship counsel.

6. Golden Sounds – Zamina Mina (Zangalewa) from (Cameroonian)

The hit song “Zamina mina,” performed by the well-known Cameroonian dance group “Golden Sounds,” was first made public in 1986. Numerous other musicians have since remixed the song, notably the American/Spanish singer Shakira, who debuted it during the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa.

The makossa dance ensemble Golden Sounds from Cameroon, known for its upbeat and vivacious performances, sang “Zamina Mina” in its original form. The song quickly gained popularity following its debut, was generally considered as the “Africa National Anthem,” and expanded throughout both Latin America and the African continent. The song continues to be one of Cameroon’s most well-known songs, and the music video has been named one of the top 10 videos in Africa.

The song is a favorite among the diaspora populations of Cameroonians living abroad and one of the first Cameroonian songs to be known outside of Cameroon. The song contains African instrumentation that uses drums, bells, whistles, and other African instruments because it is an Afro track. The song’s vocals are also performed in an African language, which sets it apart from the numerous other Afro-inspired songs that have been recorded.

A catchy dance beat and an upbeat chorus that honors valor, human achievement, and the fight against injustice are the focal points of “Zamina Mina.” The song offers a distinctive glimpse into the traditional African sub-Saharan worldview of how humans fit into their surroundings.

7. Magic System – Premier Gaou from Ivorian

The groovy rhythm of Premier Gaou distinguishes it from other songs released in the same year or even earlier. The song’s beat is positively infectious. No matter where you are, it makes you want to start swaying and raising your arms in the air. The English translation of “Premier gaou’s” chorus is “first dance,” therefore it’s clear why this was picked as the song’s title for its contagious danceability.

Magic System, an Ivorian musician, has released the song Premier Gaou. The song, which was first released in 2002, has subsequently become popular both in Africa and across the globe. One of the greatest singles ever recorded by Ivorian performers is the song. The tune is moving and danceable. It describes the qualities of a lady who is genuinely admired and loved by her man.

The song describes a man’s relationship with his girlfriend and how he perceives her. He calls her a “premier gaou,” referring to her as the best dancer in town. When an African woman dances like his fiancée in this song, a man could not ask for more. The song is fantastic and has become popular since it was released.

The song begins with a funky rhythm that develops into a tune that will get you up and moving. Along with other nations, the song has been sold in France, Africa, and the United States. You’ll want to sing along with the song because of the straightforward yet appealing lyrics. You’ll find yourself singing along as the song goes on and on. One of those songs that you can keep singing along to even after numerous listens. This song is pure gold because to the catchy chorus.

Premier Gaou is not your normal love song or ballad, but what makes it more more unique is that it depicts a man who genuinely cares for his girlfriend.

8. Angelique Kidjo – Wombo Lombo from Benin

One of the rare African songs that truly captures the essence and aesthetic of African music and culture is “Wombo Lombo.” One of the rare African songs that truly captures the essence and aesthetic of African music and culture is “Wombo Lombo.” This song by Angelique Kidjo, which was published in 1996, was written to introduce Africa as we do not typically see it.

It was a song that celebrated the people of Africa and their energy, heart, and soul. The song’s straightforward tone immediately drew in listeners from all across the world. A traditional song called “Wombo Lombo” expresses the power and vigor that permeate Africa. It illustrates African pride and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The song’s rich rhythms and native African melodies speak to us from the continent’s heart.

Each verse flows into the next, making it simple to understand the lyrics and allowing for subtle changes in mood between verses. The song has a consistent rhythm and strong vocal performance. Because the song’s lyrics are sung in both French and English, it has an international feel that makes it more appealing to a wider audience. The song tells the story of a woman speaking proudly of her people and the glory they have brought to Africa. It’s about a desire for celebration and living life to the fullest in remembrance of the ancestors.

Wombo lombo is sung by the drummer and a chorus at the beginning of the song, which is repeated multiple times when the lead singer sings. The song is about African strength and the ability to overcome any challenges life may throw your way. The chorus repeats itself a few times before fading out as the main singer enters and delivers her verses, concluding with “Oh Africa.”

9. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Umqombothi from South African

South African songwriter, singer, and musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka performs music. Throughout her career, she has released albums and recorded a number of popular songs. Her song “Umqombothi (African Beer)” is one of her most well-known. One of the first African records to be released in South Africa following the end of apartheid, it was published in 2007 on the album Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Yvonne wrote and performed all the instruments on this song herself.

The Zulu term “Umqombothi” means “to shake” or “to stir.” This song has a highly distinctive tone because it is a traditional Zulu song. The effects of drinking African beer, or more specifically how it makes one feel, are discussed in this song. It is regarded to be one of South African society’s most well-liked songs, and according to the Zulu, the Zulu church initially composed it.

When South Africa celebrated 20 years of democracy in 2007, this song was performed in the US. Many South Africans claimed they would miss the extremely well-known song after apartheid. It is regarded as a national classic, and Yvonne Chaka Chaka is one of the most well-liked performers in South Africa. Due to the large number of songs she has recorded that are both hugely successful and regarded as classics in their own right, she is frequently referred to as “South Africa’s Queen of Jazz.”

The song experiments with many different styles and sounds and has a pleasant melody with a danceable vibe. The song has a distinctive southern flavor that is unlike anything else on this list because to the use of the banjo, guitar, and harmonica. Up until the chorus, the beat remains constant and monotonous. Then, percussion begins to play in the background, adding some much-needed diversity to the song.

10. Awilo Longomba – Coupe Bibamba from Congolese