Artists

Singeli evolved from mchiriku, with Wazaramo coastal sounds, segere and bongo flava in the mix, to create an exciting and energetic electro style that is uniquely Tanzanian. Its rhythms are fast-paced, loopy and repetitive, with rapid-fire vocals articulating often humorous but pertinent stories over rolling, percussive beats. Singeli is not a read more

A sorceress who casts hexes with words and sound waves, Yugen Blakrok grew up in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Influenced by the political, militant and spiritual aspects of hiphop, her music is a deep lyrical and audio odyssey into the world around us, both seen and unseen. Gaining recognition through various read more

Elias Barnabas, aka Barnabas Classic, started in music aged 16 after joining Tanzania House of Talent (THT) in 2007. He has grown to be a prominent singer-songwriter and guitarist, with many hit songs including Njia Panda and Hawajui (Vanessa Mdee), Lonely (Linah), Upepo, Kizunguzungu and Promise (Recho), Anamalele and Chuna read more

Almost a century ago, Zanzibari singer Siti Binti Saad reimagined what had been formal court music into a private form of improvisation, laced with a spirit of inclusivity that combined Arabic and Swahili lyrics. In doing so, she paved the way for other female taarab singers, including Bi Kidude. In turn, read more

Dawda Jobarteh is a Denmark-based artist, originally from The Gambia. He takes his griot heritage seriously, being the grandson of Alhaji Bai Konte and son of Amadou Bansang Jobarteh. In Mandinka kora music, both were legends of their times. Dawda learned music playing calabash at the feet of his uncle Malamin. read more

Ahmed Djamil Ghouli aka DJAM is a charismatic and energetic singer-songwriter and performer from Algiers. In 2004, whilst studying at university, he started improvising Gnawa standards and creating original compositions. Enthusiastic responses gave him the motivation to create the Djmawi Africa band. Their first album “Mama” (2007) was highly acclaimed, read more