Ten Years Ago, ‘4’ Found Beyoncé Running and Challenging the World
While 4 didn’t showcase peak Beyoncé, it nonetheless hinted at how she’d shape popular culture for decades to come.
afrobeat
Angélique Kidjo Continues to Shine with Timely ‘Mother Nature’
The common thread on Mother Nature is Angélique Kidjo’s energy, shining through in a voice that never seems to lose strength or agility.
Afrobeat’s El’Vee Celebrate the Love of Football on New Single “Balotelli”
British-Nigerian twin sisters El’Vee bring thrilling Afrobeat textures to UK electronic club music on their latest single, “Balotelli”.
Jupiter and Okwess Work on a Larger Scale Than Ever Before on ‘Na Kozonga’
Na Kozonga is Jupiter and Okwess at a larger scale than ever before. They rise to those new heights in front of them, drawing on styles from around the world.
Femi Kuti’s ‘Stop the Hate’ Reminds That Optimism Doesn’t Have to Mean Compromise
Unity and positivity in the face of widespread corruption and oppression continue to be key aims of Femi Kuti’s music on Stop the Hate.
4 Mars’ ‘Super Somali Sounds from the Gulf of Tadjoura’ Highlights Djiboutian Popular Music
These are recordings prematurely aged, but their grit belies fresh sounds that speak to Djibouti's history as a port region connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean to the Horn of Africa.
The Budos Band Prove They Are Not ‘Long in the Tooth’
The Budos Band are more ferociously funky than ever with their 15th-anniversary album, Long in the Tooth.
The Budos Band Call for Action on “The Wrangler” (premiere)
The Budos Band call on their fans for action with the powerful new track "The Wrangler" that falls somewhere between '60s spy thriller soundtrack and '70s Ethiojazz.
South Africa’s Phelimuncasi Thrill with Their Gqom Beats on ‘2013-2019’
A new Phelimuncasi anthology from Nyege Nyege Tapes introduces listeners to gqom and the dancefloors of Durban, South Africa.
Hip-Hop’s Raashan Ahmad Talks About His Place in ‘The Sun’
In his latest work The Sun, rapper Raashan Ahmad brings his irrepressible charisma to this set of Afrobeat-influenced hip-hop.
Nkem Njoku and Ozzobia Brothers Bring Summery Highlife to ‘Ozobia Special’
Summery synths bring highlife of the 1980s on a reissue of Nkem Njoku and Ozzobia Brothers' innovative Ozobia Special.
Duende Libre Blend Jazz and African Sounds on ‘The Dance She Spoke’
Seattle-based jazz ensemble Duende Libre draw on warm sounds from Africa and its diaspora on The Dance She Spoke.