Set: Africa

Artists from Africa.

Get a Random A-List.

Consumer Guide Artists

Major (A-list) artists (count in set: 105; in parentheses: A-list album count/total album count, release dates); red indicates 3+ A-list albums:

• Dele Abiodun (2/2, 1985)
• Jewel Ackah (1/1, 1990)
• King Sunny Ade (4/9, 1981-2007)
• Eric Agyeman (1/1, 1992)
• Amadou & Mariam (5/8, 1999-2017)
• Natacha Atlas (1/4, 1997-2006)
• Issa Bagayogo (1/4, 1999-2008)
• Baobab (1/1, 1998)
• Francis Bebey (1/3, 1984-2012)
• Bhundu Boys (2/4, 1986-2001)
• Alpha Blondy (2/7, 1987-2013)
• Henri Bowane (1/1, 1994)
• Dollar Brand (1/2, 1977-80)
• Sam Chege (1/1, 1996)
• Stella Chiweshe (1/4, 1987-2006)
• I.K. Dairo M.B.E. and His Blue Spots (1/2, 1991-94)
• Ya Ntesa Dalienst and Le Maquisard (1/1, 1992)
• Dark City Sisters/Flying Jazz Queens (1/1, 1994)
• Zani Diabate (1/1, 1988)
• Alpha Yaya Diallo (1/2, 1998-99)
• Djeli Moussa Diawara (1/2, 1996-99)
• Diblo Dibala & Matchatcha (1/1, 1992)
• Manu Dibango (1/4, 1972-94)
• Diblo (1/1, 1989)
• Henri Dikongué (1/2, 1998-99)
• Etoile de Dakar (3/4, 1993-2010)
• Etoile 2000 (1/1, 1996)
• Césaria Évora (2/8, 1995-2002)
• Chaba Fadela (1/1, 1989)
• Faudel (1/2, 2001)
• Franco (5/5, 2000-09)
• Franco & Rochereau (1/1, 1985)
• Ghorwane (1/1, 1993)
• Hakim (2/2, 2001-02)
• The Highlife Allstars (1/1, 2001)
• Abdullah Ibrahim (2/2, 1986-2000)
• Jaojoby (1/3, 1996-2004)
• Jali Musa Jawara (1/2, 1989-90)
• Pépé Kallé (1/2, 1990-92)
• Kanda Bongo Man (1/4, 1987-93)
• Mory Kante (2/3, 1988-2004)
• Salif Keita (3/11, 1987-2019)
• Kékélé (2/3, 2001-06)
• Khaled (1/4, 1992-2002)
• Cheb Khaled/Safy Boutella (1/1, 1989)
• The Ousmane Kouyate Band (1/1, 1990)
• Ali Hassan Kuban (2/4, 1991-2002)
• Fela Anikulapo Kuti (6/19, 1977-2013)
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo (10/19, 1984-2016)
• Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca (2/4, 1998-2009)
• Les Ambassadeurs (2/2, 1984-92)
• Cheikh Lô (1/3, 1995-2012)
• Loketo (2/2, 1990-91)
• Pablo Lubadika (1/1, 1993)
• Baaba Maal (2/7, 1990-2001)
• Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck (1/1, 1989)
• Mahlathini (1/2, 1987-93)
• Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens (3/7, 1988-2023)
• Mahotella Queens (1/3, 1986-93)
• Miriam Makeba (1/3, 1988-91)
• Sam Mangwana (2/6, 1987-2000)
• Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Virunga (2/2, 1990-2001)
• Thomas Mapfumo (5/6, 1984-96)
• Dorothy Masuka (1/1, 1991)
• Mzwakhe Mbuli (1/3, 1992-96)
• Daniel Owino Misiani and Shirati Band (1/1, 1989)
• Tshala Muana (2/2, 1991-96)
• Youssou N'Dour (11/22, 1986-2021)
• Youssou N'Dour & Étoile de Dakar (1/1, 2002)
• Youssou N'Dour & Le Super Etoile (1/4, 1999-2004)
• Yaa-Lengi Ngemi (1/1, 1986)
• Obed Ngobeni (1/1, 1988)
• Papa Noel & Papi Oviedo (1/1, 2002)
• Koffi Olomide (1/2, 1990-2002)
• Remmy Ongala and Orchestre Super Matimila (1/2, 1989-92)
• Godwin Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International (1/1, 1995)
• Orchestra Baobab (7/8, 1992-2017)
• Orchestra Makassy (1/1, 1982)
• Orchestra Marrabenta Star of Mocambique (1/1, 1992)
• Orchestra Super Mazembe (1/2, 2002-13)
• Orchèstre Vévé (1/1, 2001)
• Oriental Brothers International (1/1, 1990)
• Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe (2/2, 1996-2001)
• Tabu Ley Rochereau (1/3, 1984-91)
• Tabu Ley Rochereau (3/3, 1996-2010)
• Oumou Sangaré (5/7, 1991-2022)
• Thione Seck (1/2, 1997-2005)
• Leo Wadada Smith/Thomas Mapfumo (1/1, 2001)
• Soul Brothers (2/5, 1988-2001)
• Super Mama Djombo (1/1, 2003)
• Super Sweet Talks International (1/1, 1995)
• Sweet Talks/A.B. Crentsil (1/1, 1992)
• Rachid Taha (8/8, 1998-2019)
• Tarika Sammy (1/2, 1992-94)
• Tinariwen (4/8, 2002-17)
• Djelimady Tounkara (1/1, 2002)
• Ali Farka Touré (2/6, 1988-2006)
• Sidi Touré (1/4, 1996-2018)
• T.P O.K Jazz (1/1, 1990)
• Boubacar Traoré (1/8, 1990-2017)
• Lobi Traoré (2/4, 1996-2013)
• Rokia Traoré (3/5, 2000-15)
• Viva la Musica & Papa Wemba (1/1, 1995)
• Papa Wemba (4/5, 1988-2004)
• Zazou Bikaye (1/1, 1986)

Minor (not A-List) artists (count: 140; in parentheses: album count, release dates):

• Abana Ba Nasery (1, 1992)
• Safi Abdullah (1, 1990)
• King Sunny Ade and the New African Beats (1, 1994)
• African Connexion (1, 1984)
• Africando (2, 1993-1994)
• African Image (1, 1983)
• Mahmoud Ahmed (4, 1986-2005)
• Aisha Kandisha's Jarring Effects (1, 1996)
• Ali & Tam's Avec l'Orchestre Malo (1, 1986)
• Tony Allen (4, 2000-2010)
• Amaphisi/Uthwalofu Namakentshane (1, 1988)
• Amina (1, 1990)
• Anti-Choc (1, 1988)
• Aster Aweke (1, 1992)
• Adewale Ayuba (1, 1992)
• Sékouba Bambino (2, 1997-2012)
• Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles (1, 1995)
• Waldemar Bastos (1, 1998)
• M'Bilia Bel (2, 1991-2007)
• Tony Bird (3, 1976-1990)
• Black Umfolosi (1, 1993)
• Alpha Blondy and the Solar System (1, 1995)
• Alpha Blondy and the Wailers (1, 1988)
• Afel Bocoum (1, 1999)
• Boyoyo Boys (1, 1987)
• Anouar Brahem (1, 2002)
• Mzikayifani Buthelezi (1, 1988)
• Stella Rambisi Chiweshe (2, 1991-1992)
• I.K. Dairo (1, 1996)
• Dama and D'Gary (1, 1994)
• Le Général Defao (2, 1999-2008)
• Ignace de Souza (1, 1994)
• D'Gary (1, 1993)
• D'Gary & Jihé (1, 1995)
• Adama Diabate (1, 1995)
• Djanka Diabate (1, 1991)
• Sona Diabaté (1, 1990)
• Toumani Diabate with Balaka Sisoko (1, 1999)
• Sona Diabate & M'mah Sylla (1, 1988)
• Ramata Diakité (1, 1999)
• Diblo Dibala (1, 1996)
• Fallou Dieng (1, 2000)
• Vieux Diop (1, 2000)
• Wasis Diop (1, 1996)
• Nahawa Doumbia (2, 1990-1993)
• Eyuphuro (1, 1990)
• Mose Fan Fan (1, 1994)
• Alou Fané's Foté Mocoba (1, 1994)
• Fantcha (2, 1997-2001)
• Majek Fashek and the Prisoners of Conscience (1, 1991)
• Fela (2, 1981-1985)
• Fihlamahlazo Nabochwepheshe (1, 1988)
• 4 Etoiles (1, 1993)
• Hi-Life International (1, 1984)
• Juluka (1, 1983)
• Cheb Kader (1, 1991)
• Lokua Kanza (2, 1993-1997)
• Alione Kassé (1, 1998)
• Sharon Katz & the Peace Train (1, 2002)
• Angelique Kidjo (5, 1992-2007)
• Ami Koita (1, 1993)
• Habib Koité & Bamada (2, 1999)
• Kotoja (1, 1994)
• Kandia Kouyate (1, 1999)
• Sanougue Kouyate (1, 1990)
• Fela Anikulapo-Kuti & Egypt 80 (1, 1984)
• Fela Ransome-Kuti & the Africa 70 (1, 1984)
• Forward Kwenda (1, 1997)
• La Commandant de Bord (1, 1991)
• Lemzo Diamano (1, 1997)
• Ismaël Lo (2, 1994-1997)
• Lokassa et Soukous Stars (1, 1993)
• Baaba Maal et Dande Lenöl (1, 1988)
• Aurlus Mabele and Loketo (1, 1991)
• Mabulu (1, 2001)
• Madilu System (1, 1994)
• Kasse Mady (1, 1990)
• Mahlathini and Amaswazi Emvolo (1, 1990)
• Mali Music (1, 2002)
• Malopoets (1, 1985)
• Malouma (1, 1998)
• Mama Sana (1, 1992)
• Cheb Mami (2, 1989-2001)
• Mandingo (1, 1984)
• Kante Manfila (1, 1995)
• The Manhattan Brothers (1, 2000)
• Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited (4, 1991-2006)
• Marimba Ava Murewa (1, 1997)
• Hugh Masekela (1, 1984)
• Hugh Masekela With Kalahari (1, 1987)
• Master Musicians of Jajouka (1, 1995)
• Prince Nico Mbarga and Rocafil Jazz (1, 1981)
• Jimmy Mbaye (1, 1997)
• Syran M'Benza (1, 1993)
• Busi Mhlongo & Twasa (1, 1994)
• Mlimani Park Orchestra (1, 1994)
• The Mthembu Queens (1, 1990)
• Oliver Mtukudzi (4, 1992-2007)
• Mzwakhe (1, 1988)
• El Hadj N'Diaye (1, 2001)
• Shiyani Ngcobo (1, 2004)
• Mbongeni Ngema (1, 1988)
• Samba Ngo (1, 1998)
• Wally Ngonda (1, 1995)
• West Nkosi (1, 1992)
• N.T.U. Small Tigers (1, 1987)
• Nyboma (3, 1984-2005)
• Ebenezer Obey (1, 1985)
• Sonny Okosuns (3, 1984-1991)
• Osibisa (3, 1971-1972)
• Orlando Owoh (1, 1995)
• O'Yaba (1, 1997)
• Abiodun Oyewole (1, 1996)
• Lesego Rampolokeng with the Kalahari Surfers (1, 1992)
• Seigneur Tabu Ley Rochereau (1, 1994)
• Rochereau et l'Orchestre Afrisa (1, 1993)
• Rossy (2, 1991-1994)
• Rumba-Soukous (1, 2001)
• Sakhile (1, 1984)
• Samite (1, 1996)
• Thione Seck & Raam Daan (1, 2000)
• Sedhiou Band (1, 1998)
• Yandé Codou Sène (1, 1997)
• Shirati Jazz (1, 1987)
• Jonah Sithole (1, 1995)
• Foday Musa Suso (1, 1990)
• Taha/Khaled/Faudel (1, 2001)
• Tidiane et Les Dieuf Dieul (1, 2001)
• Ali Farka Touré with Ry Cooder (1, 1994)
• Bibi Den's Tshibaya (1, 1984)
• Tsinjaka (1, 1992)
• The Venanda Lovely Boys (1, 1989)
• Via Afrika (1, 1985)
• Virunga (1, 1992)
• Papa Wemba et Viva la Musica (1, 1994)
• Wenge Musica (1, 1994)
• Chaba Zahouania (1, 1989)
• Zaiko Langa Langa (1, 1995)
• Hukwe Zawose (1, 1996)
• Zimbabwe Legit (1, 1992)

Consumer Guide Compilations

Set includes 99 albums.

• Adventures in Afropea 3: Telling Stories to the Sea [1995, Luaka Bop/Warner Bros.] A-
• Africa Dances [1973, Authentic] A
• African Acoustic Vol. 2: Kenya Dry [1988, Original Music] B+
• African Ambience: The Ultimate African Dance Party [1999, Shanachie] A
• African Connection, Vol. 1: Zaire Choc! [1988, Celluloid] A+
• African Connection, Vol. 2: West Africa [1988, Celluloid] B+
• A*F*R*I*C*A*N E*L*E*G*A*N*T [1992, Original Sound]
• African Music [1983, Vertigo] A
• African Salsa [1998, Sterns/Earthworks] ***
• The African Typic Collection [1989, Earthworks] A-
• Africa Raps [2002, Trikont] A-
• Africolor 2 [1991, Celluloid]
• Afrobeat . . . No Go Die! [2000, Shanachie] ***
• Assalam Aleikoum Africa Volume One (Progressive and Popular Music of West Africa) [1977, Antilles] B
• Assalam Aleikoum Africa Volume Two (Traditional and Modern Folk Music of West Africa) [1977, Antilles] B+
• Azagas and Archibogs [1991, Original Music] A-
• Badenya: Manden Jaliya in New York City [2002, Smithsonian/Folkways] *
• Before Benga 2: The Nairobi Sound [1993, Original] A
• Bergville Stories [1997, Sony International] A-
• Black Star Liner: Reggae from Africa [1983, Heartbeat] B+
• Cape Verde [1999, Putumayo World Music] A-
• Dada Kidawa/Sister Kidawa [1995, Original Music] **
• Divas of Mali [1996, Shanachie] ***
• Éthiopiques 1 [1998, Buda] ***
• Éthiopiques 2 [1998, Buda Musique] *
• Éthiopiques 3 [1998, Buda Musique] B+
• Éthiopiques 4 [1998, Buda Musique] *
• Éthiopiques 5 [1999, Buda Musique]
• Freedom Fire--The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Volume Three [1990, Earthworks] A-
• Gnawa Music of Marrakesh: Night Spirit Masters [1990, Axiom]
• God Bless Africa [2000, Music Club]
• The Gospel According to Earthworks [1998, Sterns/Earthworks] *
• Guitar Paradise of East Africa [1991, Earthworks] A+
• The Heartbeat of Soweto [1988, Shanachie] A
• Heartbeat Soukous [1988, Earthworks/Virgin] A-
• Hi-Jivin' [1990, Kijima] A-
• The History of Township Music [2002, Wrasse] A-
• Homeland 2 [1990, Rounder]
• The Indestructible Beat of Soweto [1986, Shanachie] A+
• In Griot Time: String Music from Mali [2000, Sterns] B+
• Iscathamiya: Zulu Worker Choirs in South Africa [1986, Heritage] A-
• I've Found My Love: 1960's Guitar Band Highlife of Ghana [1993, Original Music] *
• Jit -- The Movie [1991, Earthworks] A-
• Jive Nation--The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Volume Five [1995, Earthworks] A-
• Jive Soweto--The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Volume Four [1993, Earthworks] A-
• The Kampala Sound [1989, Original Music] A
• Kenya Dance Mania [1991, Earthworks] A-
• The Kings and Queens of Township Jive: Modern Roots of the Indestructible Beat of Soweto [1991, Earthworks] A
• Kings of African Music [1997, Music Club] A-
• Kwaito: South African Hip Hop [2000, Sterns/Earthworks] A-
• Lightning Over the River: The Congolese Soukous Guitar Sound [1999, Music Club] A-
• Mbube! Zulu Men's Singing Competition [1987, Rounder] B+
• Mbuki Mvuki [1993, Original Music] A
• Mbuti Pygmies of the Ituri Rain Forest [1992, Smithsonian/Folkways] A-
• Mondo Soukous [2001, Mondo Melodia] A-
• Mozambique Relief [2000, Naxos World] **
• The Music in My Head [1998, Sterns] A+
• Muziki Wa Dansi [1995, Africasette] A-
• The Nairobi Beat (Kenyan Pop Music Today) [1989, Rounder] B+
• The Nairobi Sound [1982, Original Music] B+
• Only the Poorman Feel It: South Africa [1995, Hemisphere] A-
• Oujda-Casablanca Introspections, Vol. 1 [1994, Barbarity] A-
• Phezulu Eqhudeni [1985, Carthage] A-
• Pop-Rai and Rachid Style [1990, Earthworks] ***
• Queens of African Music [1997, Music Club] *
• Rai Rebels [1988, Virgin] B+
• Red Hot + Riot [2002, MCA] A-
• Remember Soweto 76-86: Bullets Won't Stop Us Now [1986, Mordam] B
• Roots Rock Guitar Party: Zimbabwe Frontline Vol. 3 [1999, Sterns/Earthworks] A-
• The Secret Museum of Mankind: Music of East Africa [1998, Yazoo] *
• Sheshwe: The Sound of the Mines [1988, Rounder] B-
• Singing in an Open Space: Zulu Rhythm and Harmony [1990, Rounder] *
• Sound d'Afrique [1981, Mango] A-
• Sound d'Afrique II: Soukous [1982, Mango] A-
• The Sound of Kinshasa: Guitar Classics From Zaire [1983, Original Music] A-
• South African Freedom Songs [2002, Making Music] A-
• South African Rhythm Riot: The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 6 [1999, Sterns/Earthworks] A-
• South African Trade Union Worker Choirs [1987, Rounder] B+
• Soweto [1982, Rough Trade] B+
• Soweto Never Sleeps [1986, Shanachie] A-
• Spirit of Africa [2001, RealWorld] **
• The Spirit of Cape Verde [1999, Tinder] B+
• Spirit of the Eagle: Zimbabwe Frontline (Vol. 2) [1990, Earthworks] A-
• Streets of Dakar: Generation Bool Falé [1999, Sterns] A-
• The Tanzania Sound [1987, Original Music] A-
• A Taste of the Indestructible Beat of Soweto [1994, Earthworks] A
• Tea in Marrakech [2001, Sterns/Earthworks] A
• Telephone Lobi/Telephone Love [1995, Original Music] ***
• Thunder Before Dawn--The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Volume Two [1988, Earthworks/Virgin] A-
• Township Jazz 'n' Jive [1997, Music Club] A
• Vibrant Zimbabwe [1994, Zimbob]
• Viva Zimbabwe! [1983, Earthworks] A-
• Yalla: Hit List Egypt [1990, Mango] A-
• Zimbabwe Frontline [1988, Earthworks] A-
• Zulu Jive/Umbaqanga [1983, Earthworks] B+
• Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation [1997, Mango] A-
• Sarafina! [1988, Shanachie] B
• Sarafina! The Music of Liberation--Broadway Cast Recording [1988, RCA Victor/Novus] B-
• Women of Africa [1990, CSA]

Essays

• Afropop Without Guilt [0000]
• Salif Keita: Papa / Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate: Kalujan [0000]
• Meeting of the Moguls: Original Music's Big Score [0000]
• You Gotta All Jump: Les Ballets Africains [0000]
• Africanist Scholar, Africanist Saint [0000]
• Juju Beats: The Rise and Rise of African Music [1990-11-06]
• Vendant l'Afrique: MASA 1995 [1995-05-23]
• Not Yet Uhuru: Mzwakhe Mbuli [1999-01-12]
• Dakar in Gear: The Music in My Head [1999-02-02]
• The Music in My Head [1999-02-18]
• God After Midnight: Youssou N'Dour, Oumou Sangare [1999-04-27]
• Bwana-Acolyte in the Favor Bank: Banning Eyre's In Griot Time [2000-11-06]
• Franco de Mi Amor: Franco [2001-07-01]
• No Gimcracks: Tounkara Takes It to the Stage [2001-07-31]
• Arab Pop [2002-01-17]
• Home of the Brave: Westernizing Anglophone West Africa [2002-07-30]