April 05, 2013
Africa: AllAfrica - Celebrating 'We Are the World' - Today
Twenty-eight years ago this month, dozens of popular musicians "checked their egos at the door" of a Los Angeles studio to record 'We Are the World' (WATW) - generating over $75… Read more »
April 03, 2013
South Africa: South Africa Hosts African Music Conference
Cape Town played host to the Breathe Sunshine African Music Conference, a new venture into the development of music produced on the continent. Read more »
June 20, 2011
Africa: Tupac's Godfather - RIP in Africa
Born in the swamps of Louisiana as Elmer Pratt, he died at the foot of Mount Kilamanjaro as Geronimo ji-Jaga. From decorated Vietnam war veteran to anti- government Black Panther,… Read more »
April 25, 2011
Tanzania: Bongo Flava and Hip Hop
Tanzanian hip hop emerged in the late 80s, and by the late 90s was being labeled: Bongo Flava. As this new genre went in the direction of pop and incorporated rap and R&B there… Read more »
August 11, 2010
Tanzania: This Year's Final Fiesta Headlined by Lil' Kim
After a series of concerts held throughout Tanzania, this year's final Fiesta was held in Dar es Salaam on August 7. The annual concert series, organized by Clouds FM, has a… Read more »
July 09, 2010
Africa: Rapper Blitz the Ambassador Talks Tour and Upcoming Projects
I last spoke with Blitz the Ambassador in 2007. Since then he has been busy doing a soundtrack for the film Bronx Princess, finishing a screenplay, releasing his third studio… Read more »
May 12, 2010
Africa: Newest Names in Fashion Show Designs in U.S.
African Vibes Magazine has held its fourth anniversary celebration in Los Angeles, California. The gala event on April 24 kicked off in the early evening with the “I Wear… Read more »
March 19, 2010
Africa: Rap Artists Join Forces on New Project
A new musical collaboration between artists representing Ghana, Uganda and the US has resulted in the creation of A.R.M., also known as African Rebel Movement or Artists… Read more »
November 11, 2009
Zimbabwe: 'Slow Boat to China'
When Zimbabweans were being attacked and killed in political violence, a little-known South African musician was inspired to act by the stories she heard from refugees living… Read more »
September 28, 2009
Liberia: Refugees Produce CD of Music With Canadian University
A musical link has been formed between a Canadian university and Liberia in the form of an annotated CD produced by the University of Alberta and Liberian refugee musicians. Read more »
September 22, 2009
Africa: Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka Campaigns Against Malaria
The singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka visits New York this week to help campaign for the voices of Africa's women and children to be heard at the opening of the new session of the United… Read more »
September 17, 2009
Senegal: Rap Group Da Brains Set to Release Fifth Album
Since its self-titled debut album in the late 1990s the Senegalese group "Da Brains" has been a fixture on the local hip hop scene -- one of the biggest in Africa because of its… Read more »
April 03, 2009
Sudan: Emmanuel Jal Sheds Light on Struggles in Southern Sudan
Emmanuel Jal has an aura of quiet resolve and patience, qualities that make it easy to forget the years of struggle reflected in his music, in his book, “War Child,”… Read more »
April 02, 2009
South Africa: Lucky Dube's Killers Jailed for Life
The killers of South African reggae superstar, Lucky Dube, were jailed for life on Thursday. Read more »
March 30, 2009
Malawi: Madonna Tries to Adopt Second Child
Madonna is back in Malawi, seeking to adopt another child from the country – despite controversy over her adoption of a child there three years ago. Read more »
January 23, 2009
Africa: Obama Inauguration Sparks Celebrations in Washington
Spurred by Barack Obama's African heritage, his Inauguration this week as the 44th U.S. president was marked by a number of Africa-related events in the Washington, DC area. Read more »
November 10, 2008
South Africa: Miriam Makeba Sang the Music of Her Roots
Singer, song writer, political activist and actress Miriam Zenzi Makeba, or "Mama Africa" as she was popularly known, was born in Johannesburg on March 4 1932. Read more »
South Africa: Miriam Makeba Sings to the Last
Miriam Makeba, the South African singing star whose career took off in the 1950s and who famously appeared at the United Nations to condemn apartheid, has died suddenly after a… Read more »
August 07, 2008
Africa: Youssou N'Dour, Other Top Talent Appear in U.S. Capital
African superstar Youssou N'Dour joined some of Africa's finest musical and fashion talent and African-American stars for a celebration of the continent's achievements at the… Read more »
July 07, 2008
Tanzania: Nakaaya Makes a Splash
Tanzanian songstress Nakaaya has been making a splash on the East African music scene of late. Her remake of the classic “Malaika” and her controversial yet honest… Read more »
June 26, 2008
Senegal: Festival Celebrates Global Hip Hop
The organizers of Festa 2H, a Senegalese hip hop festival running in Dakar this week, want to make the West African capital city the capital of the hip hop empire. Read more »
April 15, 2008
Liberia: Music Lovers Ready For 'Akon' Visit
The songs of the American superstar, "Akon" have been playing on virtually all Monrovia's radio stations in readiness for his big performance in the city today. Read more »
January 14, 2008
Uganda: African Rap Artist Creating a Major Buzz in the U.S.
Among the emerging African hip hop artists making a splash in the United States and globally is Edwin Ruyonga, a.k.a. Krukid. Read more »
November 21, 2007
Cote d'Ivoire: Hip Hop Artist Boobah Siddik Mixes Politics and Rhythm
Ivorian hip hop artist Boobah Siddik has been active in the hip hop community since he left West Africa in 1997 and headed for the U.S. For the past five years he has been… Read more »
October 19, 2007
South Africa: Lucky Dube - Beloved Brother and Artist
South Africa is today mourning the loss of our "Reggae Son," Lucky Dube. With his family, we grieve over the killing of a beloved brother and artist, who has been a prolific force… Read more »