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LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
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Africa has produced some of the most entertaining and exciting female musicians in the world, each with their unique style, voice, and personality. Here are some of the top female musicians in Africa whose music have stood the test of time and continue to rule the airwaves even after some of them are gone.
NOTE: This is not a ranking, (It’s impossible to rank such talent and we won’t even try) but a celebration of Africa’s rich music, along with examples of their best hits.
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Zuhura Othman Soud, popularly known as Zuchu, is a Bongo Flava artist who has taken the industry by storm with her beautiful voice, unique style, and excellent songwriting skills. She is the first female artist signed to WCB Wasafi, a Tanzanian record label owned by Diamond Platnumz, one of the biggest artists in East Africa.
Zuchu has released several hit songs, including “Nisamehe,” “Wana,” and “Sukari.” Her music is characterized by its melodious Swahili lyrics and catchy beats. She has won several awards and accolades for her music, including the Soundcity MVP Awards for Best New Artist and the AFRIMMA Awards for Best Female East Africa.
Here’s Zuchu’s most famous hit song Sukari
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become one of Africa’s biggest stars in recent years. Her music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, and she has released several chart-topping hits, including “Johnny,” “Tangerine,” and “Koffi Anan.”
Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist who has won multiple Grammy Awards. She is known for her diverse sound, which blends African rhythms, pop, funk, and soul. One of her most popular songs is “Agolo,” a track from her 1994 album “Ayé,” which was a hit in both Africa and Europe.
Mariam Doumbia (Mali)
Mariam Doumbia is one half of the legendary duo Amadou & Mariam, who have been making music together since the 1980s. Their music is a fusion of traditional Malian rhythms and modern pop, and they have collaborated with a range of international artists, including Damon Albarn of Blur. One of their most popular tracks is “Senegal Fast Food,” which was a hit in France and other European countries.
Zahara (South Africa)
Zahara is a South African singer and songwriter who has won several awards, including multiple South African Music Awards. Her music is a blend of traditional African music and contemporary pop, and she sings in both English and Xhosa. Her hit single “Loliwe” was one of the biggest songs in South Africa in 2011 and helped to launch her career.
Nneka (Nigeria)
Nneka is a Nigerian-German singer and songwriter who has gained international recognition for her soulful music, which is often politically charged. She has collaborated with a range of international artists, including Nas and Damian Marley, and has released several critically acclaimed albums. One of her most popular songs is “Heartbeat,” which was a hit in both Nigeria and Europe.
Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast)
Dobet Gnahoré is an Ivorian singer, dancer, and percussionist who has won critical acclaim for her unique blend of African rhythms, jazz, and world music. She has released several albums, including “Na Afriki” and “Djekpa La You.” One of her most popular songs is “Palea,” a track from her album “Na Afriki.”
Simi (Nigeria)
Simi is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become one of the country’s most popular female artists. Her music is a fusion of Afro-pop and R&B, and she has released several hit singles, including “Joromi,” “Duduke,” and “Tiff.” She has won several awards, including the Headies Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.
Mbilia Bel (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Mbilia Bel is a veteran Congolese singer and songwriter known for her soulful and captivating voice and dance moves. Her music is a blend of traditional Congolese rumba and other African rhythms. One of her most popular hits is “Nadina,” a song that propelled her to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa)
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African singer and songwriter who has been active in the music industry for over 30 years. She has won numerous awards, including the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, for her humanitarian work. One of her most popular songs is “Umqombothi,” a cheerful and uplifting song that has become a popular party anthem.
Brenda Fassie (South Africa – 1964-2004)
Brenda Fassie was a South African singer and songwriter who was known for her powerful voice and outspoken personality. She was a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. One of her most popular hits is “Vulindlela,” a song that became an instant classic and is still played at weddings and parties to this day.
Tshala Muana (Democratic Republic of Congo – 1958-2022)
Tshala Muana was a Congolese singer and dancer, known as the “Queen of Mutuashi.” She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the most popular musicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa. Her music was a fusion of traditional Congolese rhythms and modern styles, and she was known for her energetic performances and powerful voice.
Tshala Muana passed away on December 10, 2022. Her death was a great loss to the African music industry, as she was a pioneer and role model for many young musicians. Her music was a celebration of Congolese culture and identity, and she used her platform to promote social and political change.
Some of Tshala Muana’s most popular hits include “Karibu Yangu,” “Dezo Dezo,” and “C’est Comment.” Her music has influenced generations of African musicians and will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)
Emma Kosgei is a Kenyan gospel artist who has become a household name in East Africa. Her music is a fusion of traditional Kalenjin music and contemporary gospel, creating a unique and uplifting sound. One of her most popular songs is “Taunet Nelel,” which has become an anthem for young people across the region.
Esther Wahome (Kenya)
Esther Wahome is another Kenyan gospel artist who has made significant contributions to the African music scene. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her music, which is characterized by its inspirational lyrics and lively beats. One of her most popular songs is “Kuna Dawa,” a song that urges people to seek healing and restoration.
Miriam Makeba (South Africa)
Miriam Makeba, also known as “Mama Africa,” was a South African singer, actress, and civil rights activist. She became famous in the 1960s for her powerful voice and her advocacy against apartheid in South Africa. One of her most popular songs is “Pata Pata,” a catchy and upbeat tune that has become a classic of African music.
Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Another notable musician from Tanzania is Vanessa Mdee, who has been active in the music industry for over a decade. She is known for her versatile sound, which blends various genres, including pop, R&B, and Afrobeat. Some of her most popular songs include “Kisela,” “Cash Madame,” and “Niroge.”
Princess Jully (Kenya)
Princess Jully began her music career in the 1980s. Her music blends Benga, Rhumba, and other traditional Kenyan rhythms, creating a unique and uplifting sound.
Princess Jully is best known for her hit song “Dunia Mbaya” (A Tough World), released in the 1990s, and has released several albums, including “Mpenzi Nakukumbuka” and “Maisha Ya Mjini.”
In addition to her music, Princess Jully is also known for her philanthropic work. She has been actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS and has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease in Kenya.
“Dunia Mbaya” remains one of Princess Jully’s most famous songs, used as an anthem to create awareness about HIV/AIDS. The song has a catchy melody and lyrics that easily commands attention.
Akothee (Kenya)
Akothee began her music career in the early 2000s and has released several albums over the years, including “Benefactor,” “Sweet Love,” and “Madam Boss.” Her music often addresses social issues affecting Kenya and Africa as a whole, and she has been recognized for her efforts to promote women’s empowerment through her music.
In addition to her music, Akothee is also a successful entrepreneur, running several businesses in Kenya. She is also a philanthropist, running the Akothee Foundation, which supports education and health initiatives for women and children in rural Kenya.
Some of Akothee’s most popular songs include “Give It To Me,” “Oyoyo,” and “Tucheze.” She has won several awards for her music, including the AFRIMMA Award for Best Female Artist in East Africa and the African Entertainment Award for Best Female Artist.
Akothee has not only broken barriers in the music industry but has also used her music as a platform to inspire and uplift her fans. Her unique sound and powerful voice have made her one of the most iconic female musicians in Kenya and across Africa. She continues to be a role model for young musicians and is helping to shape the future of African music.
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