Music - Central Africa | OkayAfrica

Central Africa

Guedra Guedra’s ‘MUTANT’ is a Pan-African Sonic Archive

The Moroccan producer releases his second album of experimental Pan-African music, re-centering polyrhythms and the many stories behind the voices.

music

September 2, 2025

The Best East African Songs Right Now: August 2025 Edition

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

music

August 27, 2025

The Best Southern African Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition

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

music

August 2, 2025

Nigerian Music Star Peruzzi on Why He’s Just Getting Started

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.

video

July 28, 2025

How Director Pink Visualizes the Imagery of Afrobeats

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

video

July 21, 2025

Afrobeats Intelligence: Lanre Masha on Authenticity and the Evolution of Nigerian Music

The Orchard’s West Africa Director joins Joey Akan to talk about surviving the Alaba era, staying authentic, and how content now drives the industry.

music

July 14, 2025

Ruger Discusses The Process of an Afropop Mind on ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’

On the latest episode of the podcast,the blownboy unpacks his genre-blending style, the writing process, and the requirements of a life in music with host Joey Akan.

music

July 7, 2025

South African Artist Samthing Soweto Is Exactly Who He Thinks He Is

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

music

July 4, 2025

Get to Know Libyan Disco, Reggae & Pop in This New Collection From Habibi Funk

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.

music

July 4, 2025

Young Jonn Talks About The Journey From Behind the Boards to Center Stage

Joey Akan gets the man of few words to talk about beats, breakthroughs, and becoming his own kind of artist.

podcasts

June 27, 2025

Listen to OkayAfrica, Okayplayer & Global Grind's New Installment of 'The Diaspora Download' Playlist

A playlist that celebrates the many vibrant sounds and vibes of Black Music.

music

June 25, 2025

Tiwa Savage Talks Legacy, Motherhood and the Demands of Inspiration on Afrobeats Intelligence

The Afrobeats megastar holds one of her most candid conversations ever, unpacking what has gone into her powerful sound and image.

music

June 20, 2025

Joey Akan: Afrobeats’ Original Critic, Storyteller and Troublemaker

Once known for being a vociferous critic, the Nigerian music journalist has grown into a conscientious podcaster who digs thoughtfully into the stories behind the phenomenon that is Afrobeats. In partnering with OkayAfrica, he’s going in even deeper.

popular

June 19, 2025

Burna Boy Announces North American Tour in Support of Upcoming Album

The Nigerian singer’s eighth album, ‘No Sign of Weakness,’ is scheduled for a mid-July release.

music

June 18, 2025

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.

video

June 16, 2025

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

June 14, 2025

Yugen Blakrok on Going Global Without Selling Out

After six years in Europe, the South African rapper returns withThe Illusion of Being, a new album forged from displacement, discipline, and defiance.

music

June 5, 2025

Donawon on Building With Tems: “It Can’t Break”

From trade secrets to tough lessons, Donawon reflects on the journey that shaped Tems’ global rise.

music

May 30, 2025

Joeboy: From Star Signee to Budding Label Boss

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.

video

May 9, 2025

Joeboy Takes It Back to the Beginning With ‘Viva Lavida’

On his third studio album, the Nigerian Afropop star is keeping things light while allowing space for vulnerability and introspection.

music

March 27, 2025

M.anifest Solidifies His Legacy as a Storyteller on ‘New Road and Guava Trees’

The iconic Ghanaian rapper talks toOkayAfricaabout his latest album, a triumphant ode to where he’s come from and where he wants to go.

music

March 13, 2025

The Best North African Songs Right Now

Featuring the hottest raï, rap, house, and dance music from Morocco to Sudan—and a few introspective ones, too.

music

February 27, 2025

How ‘Kenya’s Lover Girl’ is Taking Her Sound Global

The rising Afro-indie star, Njerae, on her new ‘Four Letter Word’ EP, signing with Universal Music and joining Apple Music’s Africa Rising Class of 2025.

editorial

February 17, 2025

Tyla Teams Up With Dancehall Legend Sean Paul for “PUSH 2 START (REMIX)”

The collaboration marks the South African singer’s second foray into the dancehall genre, following her song “Jump.”

music

February 14, 2025

Sjava and the Art of Intimate Live Performances

The South African artist discusses his new live album 'Inkanyezi,' his preference for intimate theater shows, and his commitment to elevating unknown talent.

music

February 13, 2025