The Greatest African Musicians of All Time
In today’s article I’ll be talking about the greatest musicians from Africa the world has seen starting from the political activism of Fela Kuti to the traditional rhythms of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, African musicians have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire generations of musicians around the world.
1. Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Fela Kuti was a highly influential and respected Nigerian musician, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Some of his most notable music awards include:
- In 2003, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously awarded the “Africa” category of the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
- In 2010, Fela was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
- In 2012, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
- In 2014, he was posthumously honored with an MTV Africa Music Award for Legend.
- In 2015, he was posthumously honored with a BET Soul Train Award for Best International Performance.
- In 2020, he was posthumously honored with a BET International Global Good Star Power Award in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
Fela’s music has been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and stage productions, which helped to bring his music and message to a wider audience and further cemented his status as one of the most important and influential African musicians of all time.
2. Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa
Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, was a South African singer and civil rights activist. She was a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and her music helped to spread awareness of the plight of black South Africans. In 1965, Miriam Makeba won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording for her album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.”
- In 1986, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her contributions to the arts.
- In 2008, she was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to the music industry.
- In 2012, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
- In 2017, she was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards.
She was also a UN goodwill ambassador, working on issues of hunger, poverty, and HIV/AIDS.
4. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group that has been active since the 1960s and is known for their unique harmonies and traditional Zulu rhythms.
- In 1987, Ladysmith Black Mambazo won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording for their album “Shaka Zulu.”
- In 1988, they won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording for their album “The Indestructible Beat of Soweto.”
- In 2005, they won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album for their album “Raise Your Spirit Higher.”
- In 2012, they was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of their contributions to African music.
- In 2019, they was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at the South African Music Awards.
They have also been honored by the South African government and have received the Order of Ikhamanga, a prestigious national award for excellence.
5. Angelique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her blend of African rhythms and Western pop and her activism on behalf of women’s rights and education.
- In 2008, Angélique Kidjo won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for her album “Djin Djin.”
- In 2012, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
- In 2016, she was honored with a Victoire de la Musique award for World Music Album of the Year for her album “Eve.”
- In 2020, she was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of her contributions to African music.
She is also an advocate for women’s rights, education, and health and an active member of the ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization.
6. Amr Diab
Amr Diab is an Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actor, known as the “King of Mediterranean Music” for his blend of Mediterranean and Egyptian rhythms. He is considered one of the most successful and influential Arabic singers of all time. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his music. Some of his notable music awards include:
- In 2009, Amr Diab was honored with a World Music Award for World’s Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist.
- In 2010, he was honored with a World Music Award for World’s Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist.
- In 2012, he was honored with a NRJ Music Award for International Male Artist of the Year.
- In 2013, he was honored with an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Arabic Act.
- In 2020, he was honored with a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, in recognition of his contributions to African music.
His music is known for its energetic and upbeat rhythms and he has been credited with revolutionizing contemporary Egyptian music.
These music icons gave birth to the good Africa music that the whole world is enjoying and celebrating today
Their music reflects the political and social issues of the continent, and they have been instrumental in bringing the rich culture and traditions of Africa to the world.
Let’s appreciate the music of Africa.
