music

Four decades after Live Aid transformed the musical landscape, Evelyn O'Rourke reflects on ten significant ways this legendary event made history. "A weird and wonderful crusade." This is how BBC journalist Michael Buerk characterized the Band Aid project initiated by Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and their fellow musicians during Christmas 1984. He pointed out that even though many of the participating pop stars were immensely wealthy, they displayed remarkable public empathy for the suffering of the Ethiopian people. It all…

Angélique Kidjo has taken a monumental step in history, becoming the first Black African artist to earn a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone, not only for Kidjo but for countless artists who dream of global influence. The vibrant, five-time Grammy-winning vocalist, hailing from Benin, is among the 2026 honorees, which also includes luminaries such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and towering figure Shaquille O'Neal. Kidjo's journey through the music industry spans…

Sarah Aderibigbe, known to the world as Ayra Starr, has made headlines once again. At the prestigious 25th annual BET Awards held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, she walked away with the coveted title of Best International Act for 2025. Her victory was remarkable, especially when considering the formidable competition she faced. Among the nominees were notable names such as Tyla from South Africa, Rema representing Nigeria, and Black Sherif from Ghana. The list also included talents from across the globe, including…

Nigerian singer Tems is set to make history as the headliner for the inaugural halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final, happening at MetLife Stadium in New York on July 13. This groundbreaking event promises to be a vibrant fusion of sport and music, capturing the spirit of the global football community. The production, orchestrated by Global Citizen, will ensure that the enthralling performance is accessible to a wide audience, as it will be broadcast live and free on DAZN.com. This decision not only democratizes…

In a recent interview with the American talk show host Sherri Shepherd, Senegalese-American singer Akon ignited a firestorm of debate when he asserted his instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats—a genre that has captivated audiences worldwide since its emergence in West Africa. Akon, known for his catchy hits and distinctive style, claimed that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists, including legends like Wizkid, PSquare, and D'banj, during the late 2000s helped pave the way for the vibrant sounds that now…

LONDON, UK (AX) — In an exciting development for the music industry, Forbes has officially recognized Nasra Artan, a Somali-Norwegian executive at the forefront of international A&R at Sony Music Publishing, by including her in their prestigious 2025 30 Under 30 Europe list within the Entertainment category. This distinction highlights her transformative impact on the global music landscape, particularly through remarkable cross-cultural collaborations and innovative artist development strategies. At just 27 years of…

The tragic loss of Sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi has ignited a firestorm of indignation regarding Zimbabwe’s ailing healthcare system. This intense response was sparked by a heartbreaking video that captured his desperate pleas for a simple painkiller, all while medical staff resorted to using cellphone flashlights to navigate through the darkness of a power outage. Pinjisi's untimely demise at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital followed a harrowing car accident near the Norton Tollgate as he made his way to Kadoma for a…

Imagine stepping into a room in Minneapolis, where the air is thick with anticipation and cultural melodies. A group of Somali musicians, bonded by shared heritage, encircles a trove of instruments. Among them is Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, their passionate leader. They play tunes steeped in emotions as deep as the Indian Ocean, a rhythm echoing the nostalgic cafes of Mogadishu. This is "Somali blues," a sound as soulful as it is historic. "The lyrics are just showing you what it means," Ahmed muses, his voice a tapestry…

In recent years, African music has taken the world by storm, resonating with diverse audiences and adding vibrancy to playlists across the globe. As these melodious waves reach the ears of millions, platforms like Spotify have become pivotal in spotlighting African talent. Consequently, artists from this richly diverse continent are reaping tangible rewards, holding checks from the Swedish music giant thanks to their unique contributions. Despite this success, Africa…

In a significant move to honor the historical legacy and contributions of marginalized groups, a new inscription in the lxam language has been etched into the façade of Rhodes House at Oxford University. This endeavor acknowledges the tribulations and relentless labor of those whose hardships ultimately contributed to Cecil Rhodes’ immense wealth. The lxam inscription was skillfully crafted by Fergus Wessel, a stone mason hailing from the UK, whose work is steeped in the traditions of the English Arts and Crafts movement.…