7 best African musicians you need to know

From Jazz to Rock N Roll, from Hip-Hop to Funk and Disco, African music has been a major influence on nearly every modern genre. African music is as diverse as the land that birthed it, coming in a varying array of soundscapes including upbeat tempos, clapping and boundless energy.

You can hear the influence of African music in the song structures of bands like Talking Heads and Vampire Weekend and you can see the influence of rhythm and tempo on Shakira's music. But why do contemporary artists love the music of Africa so much? Well, it's time to find out for yourself.

Below are 7 of the best African musicians that you need to know.

1 Fela Kuti. Nigeria

Fela Kuti isn't just a hero of his native Nigeria, he is also widely considered the most recognisable voice in African music history. He called himself the “black president” and is often credited with inventing the Afro Beat genre. However, his influence doesn't stop there, he was also a prominent activist and fought corrupt Nigerian governments through his music until his death in 1997.

2 William Onyeabor, Nigeria

William Onyebor was an innovator that influenced a countless number of bands, but most prominently David Byrne of Talking Heads fame. A big part of Onyeabor's appeal is the mythicism that surrounded him during his life. Little was know about him other than the music he released, which was enough because the music he released was light years ahead of it's time and impacted genres such as House, Funk, and Disco.

3 Manu Dibango, Cameroon

Manu Dibango is the definition of multi-talented, being well versed in genres such as Blues, Jazz, Soul, Electro, and Spirituals. He might have dipped his toes in all sorts of music forms but one thing is absolutely certain, he is one of the greatest saxophonists of his generation. Check out his most popular hit “Soul Makossa” that was a big influence on a certain icon of pop music.

4 Tidal Waves, South Africa

Often called the hardest working reggae band in Africa, Tidal Waves have gained a widespread fan base with their soulful stylings. The group tends to play over 100 shows a year and have played in venues all over the world.

5 Salif Keita, Mali

Salif Keita is literally royalty, being an offspring from one of the founding fathers of the Mali Empire, yet he chose a path in music. Much to the anger of his family, who thought music an occupation that was beneath him, but Salif stuck to his dream and gained major success while doing so.

6 Yvonne Chaka Chaka, South Africa

Yvonne is one of the queens of African music and managed to get there during the heights of the Apartheid regime. She began singing as a child and rose to fame at the tender age of 18 and hasn't slowed down since. Not only does she have the voice of an angel but she is also a prominent philanthropist.

7 Dobet Gnahore, Ivory Coast

Dobet Gnahore is one of the most promising female artists to come out of Africa in recent years. Born on the Ivory Coast and raised by a respected drummer, Boni Gnahore, Dobet grew up surrounded by interesting people and interesting sounds that influence her as she grew older. Dobet's songs are beautiful in their melodies, fearless in their lyrical content and will knock you off your feet.

Even if you are not into African music or culture there is a big chance your favourite band is connected or influenced by it in some way. It's always good to check out new artists and music genres and you can use the above article as your musical map of Africa and start listening to some new and exciting things today!  

Mary Frenson is a Marketing Assistant at Checkdirector.co.uk