From Lagos to Johannesburg, African music has a unique and powerful presence that transcends borders.
Over the decades, countless African artists have broken into the global scene with infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and powerful lyrics that have resonated with audiences worldwide.
Here, we celebrate 10 iconic African songs from the 20th century that have significantly impacted globally.
The 20th Century Gems
- “Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba (1967)
The legendary South African singer, Miriam Makeba also known as “Mama Africa” introduced global audiences to her upbeat anthem, which remains a timeless classic. Pata Pata which means “touch touch” in Xhosa describes a popular dance in South Africa but was used as an anti-apartheid anthem.
- “Sweet Mother” by Prince Nico Mbarga (1976)
This classic, celebrating maternal love, is one of the continent’s most beloved songs.
Mbarga was a Cameroonian-Nigerian highlife musician. His song “Sweet Mother” helped put Africa on the world stage, especially with its universal theme of praising mothers.
- “Soul Makossa” by Manu Dibango (1972)
The Cameroonian saxophonist’s hit became one of the first African songs to become an international sensation.
Known for the catchy phrase “ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-sa,” sampled by Michael Jackson’s hit song, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ and Rihanna’s Please Don’t Stop the Music.
- “Yeke Yeke” by Mory Kanté (1987)
This Guinean artist’s electrifying track became one of Africa’s best-selling singles.
The song became an international hit; it was one of Africa’s best-ever selling hits and a European number-one in 1988, making it the first African single to sell over one million copies.
The song was a top-five hit in France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, where it topped the chart for two weeks.
- “Water No Get Enemy” by Fela Kuti (1975)
The Afrobeat pioneer from Nigeria, Fela Kuti used his music to address social issues, gaining a global following.
This particular song, Water No Get Enemy resonated with international audiences not only for its complex rhythms but deep lyrics.
Based on the Yoruba proverb signifying the power of nature, Fela Kuti was mainly demonstrating that water is essential to human life and it is not advisable to become its enemy.
- “Welcome Home” by Osibisa (1975)
This song by the hit British Ghanaian and Caribbean band did not only skillfully combine rock, funk and jazz but it told the story of returning home especially within the African and Caribbean diaspora community, a sentiment that still reigns true today.
- “Seven Seconds” by Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry (1994)
This collaboration between the Senegalese star, Youssou N’Dour and Swedish singer, Neneh Cherry became an international hit.
The song was popular as it addressed key themes of racial harmony.
8.”Agolo” by Angélique Kidjo (1994)
Beninoise singer, Kidjo brings enviromental conciousness to music with one of her hit songs Agolo which means “please” in Yoruba.
Using African rhythms to raise awareness on an important topic, the song gained international acclaim earning Kidjo five Grammy Awards as well as status as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
- “Vulindlela” by Brenda Fassie (1997)
The South African “Madonna of the Townships” created an enduring hit with this song. The song meaning “clear the path” in Zulu celebrates freedom and new beginnings. It became an anthem for post-Apartheid South Africa.
- “Mbube” or the “Lion Sleeps Tonight” by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds (1939)
Thing song by the South African group has transcendded time and cultures, influencing many artists and adaptations worldwide.
These African songs spanning decades highlight the immense talent and cultural richnness of African music.