July 14, 2023
Africa: Zimbabwean Legend, Thomas Mapfumo Retires in Exile
After five decades on the stage, one of the continent's great musical innovators, and an outspoken critic of corrupt politics, takes his last bow - in exile, because it was too… Read more »
May 27, 2023
Nigeria: Afrobeats - The Birth of Afro-Adura
The fast-rising genre is spawning a new wave of Afrobeats stars, and adds a spiritual dimension rooted in a century-old African church. Read more »
April 19, 2023
Africa: Why ZANU-PF Still Can't Dance to Chimurenga Music
ZANU-PF's aversion to protest music only confirms the lyrical power of a line of artists from Marley and Mapfumo to Winky D. Read more »
September 15, 2022
Uganda: Why Does Nyege Nyege Music Festival Keep Getting Banned and Then Un-banned?
Why does the popular music festival keep getting banned and then un-banned? Read more »
July 29, 2022
Africa: Dance to Buga, but Please Don't Do This
Opening a bottle with your teeth could end up being painful, disfiguring, and expensive. Read more »
July 21, 2022
Zimbabwe: 'Zimdancehall Is Dead' - Critics Say Ghetto Sound Was Sold for a Song
Zimdancehall was once known for its revolutionary lyrics. Now its singers are hyping up businessmen in songs and performing at Zanu-PF rallies. Read more »
March 30, 2018
Ethiopia: 'We Are Here' - the Soundtrack to the Oromo Revolution Gripping Ethiopia
Far from being a footnote in the Oromo struggle, musicians like Haacaaluu Hundeessa have been its centre of gravity. Read more »