Fela Kuti (Nigeria)
Most Famous Song: “Zombie”
Short Bio: Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì (1938-1997) was a Nigerian musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, human rights activist, and political maverick. He was a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and used his music as a powerful tool for social and political commentary. His blend of traditional Nigerian music, jazz, funk, and highlife created a unique and influential sound.
Miriam Makeba (South Africa)
Most Famous Song: “Pata Pata”
Short Bio: Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” was a South African singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. She rose to international fame for her distinctive voice and her fusion of traditional African pop with jazz and world music. Makeba used her platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa, leading to her exile for many years.
Hugh Masekela (South Africa)
Most Famous Song: “Grazing in the Grass”
Short Bio: Hugh Masekela (1939-2018) was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, bandleader, composer, and singer. He was a significant figure in jazz and world music, known for his unique blend of jazz, Afrobeat, and traditional South African music. Like Makeba, he was a staunch anti-apartheid activist and his music often reflected his love for Africa and his experiences under apartheid.
Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)
Most Famous Song: “7 Seconds” (with Neneh Cherry)
Short Bio: Youssou N’Dour (born 1959) is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and composer. He is a prominent figure in African music, known for his soulful voice and his role in developing “mbalax,” a popular Senegalese music genre that combines traditional griot percussion and praise singing with Afro-Cuban arrangements. He has also served as Senegal’s Minister of Tourism.
Brenda Fassie (South Africa)
Most Famous Song: “Vuli Ndlela”
Short Bio: Brenda Fassie (1964-2004), often called the “Queen of African Pop” or “Madonna of the Townships,” was a South African singer, songwriter, and dancer. She was celebrated for her powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and candid lyrics that often reflected the realities of township life during apartheid.
Angélique Kidjo (Benin)
Most Famous Song: “Agolo”
Short Bio: Angélique Kidjo (born 1960) is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist. A multiple Grammy Award winner, she is recognized for her powerful vocals, diverse musical influences (including Afropop, jazz, and R&B), and her vibrant music videos. Kidjo is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and education.
Salif Keita (Mali)
Most Famous Song: “Africa”
Short Bio: Salif Keita (born 1949) is a Malian singer-songwriter, often referred to as the “Golden Voice of Africa.” He is known for his unique fusion of traditional Malian music with elements of jazz, R&B, and other international genres. As an albino, he has faced discrimination and uses his platform to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of albinos.
Johnny Clegg (South Africa)
Most Famous Song: “Scatterlings of Africa”
Short Bio: Johnny Clegg (1953-2019) was a South African musician, dancer, and anthropologist. Known as “The White Zulu,” he was celebrated for his innovative, ethnically integrated musical collaborations (with bands like Juluka and Savuka) that openly challenged apartheid. He blended traditional Zulu music and dance with Western rock and pop.
Master KG (South Africa)
Most Famous Song: “Jerusalema” (featuring Nomcebo Zikode)
Short Bio: Kgaogelo Moagi (born 1996), professionally known as Master KG, is a South African record producer and DJ. He gained global recognition for his hit song “Jerusalema,” which became a viral sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring dance challenges worldwide. He is a pioneer of the Amapiano music genre.
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Most Famous Song: “Ye”
Short Bio: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (born 1991), known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the most prominent African artists of his generation, recognized for his distinct blend of Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, and R&B. He has achieved significant international success, including a Grammy Award.
Pistol Hydro
Van is hitch-hiking and he gets picked up by a larnie in a merc. After travelling awhile and making small talk, Van asks the larnie what the 3-pointed star on the bonnet is for. The larnie decides to have some fun with Van.
\”Oh, that\’s the sights, you know, for aiming. When I see someone on the side of the road and I want to run him over, I just line him up in the sights.\”
chlorine
Fun South African Fact: It’s believed that Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world. Table mountain is approximately 260 million years old; it’s also home to thousands of species of plant life, including species unique to the Cape Floral Region. The glorious mountain is one of the world’s 7 New Natural Wonders. It is also apparently one of 12 main energy centres on the planet emitting spiritual, magnetic, and electric energies. It’s an idyllic and very popular hiking destination with hundreds of routes to explore.