Celebrating Fela Kuti: A Week of Storytelling on the Afrobeat Icon's Sound, Musical Rebellion, and Enduring Legacy

As the world marks Fela Kuti's 87th posthumous birthday this week, OkayAfrica celebrates the legendary musician's life and legacy with stories that explore his lasting impact on music, culture, and activism.

music

The Captivating Afro-Soul Stylings of Nigerian Canadian Singer Osé

From starting out in church as a young gospel singer to her former emphasis on R&B, Osé is charting a forward path with a hybrid sound that best represents her identity.

music

How Matata Is Taking Kenyan Pop Global Without Losing Its Roots

With viral hits like “Mpishi” featuring Bien, and “Tiki Tako,” the Oslo-based Kenyan band is proving that staying authentic is the best strategy to winning a global audience.

music

The Top African Songs You Need to Hear This Week: September 12, 2025

The best new African music tracks that came out this week, featuring Adekunle Gold, A-Reece, 2Baba, Skales, Petite Noir and more.

music

The Top African Songs You Need to Hear This Week: September 12, 2025

The best new African music tracks that came out this week, featuring Adekunle Gold, A-Reece, 2Baba, Skales, Petite Noir and more.

music

Bella Alubo Explores the Trials of Intimacy on ‘Love Is War’

On her sophomore album, the Nigerian singer/songwriter blends Afrobeats and R&B into a soulful journey to the heated arena of conflicting desires and heartbreak. She speaks to OkayAfrica about the stirrings of her inspiration, her early literary influences, and the potentials of a life in music.

music

Burna Boy, Tyla and 7 Other African Artists Bringing Their Influence to Global

From HUGO BOSS and Gap, to Puma and Nike, more global fashion brands are tapping African stars for memorable collaborations.

arts culture

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

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

The Best Southern African Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition

music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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