Nigeria’s Yemi Alade Is Dauntless on ‘Rebel Queen’
Yemi Alade takes the nebulous concept of Afropop from cheap copout to something far more powerful and interesting: a sonic indexing of widespread community.
afrobeats
Yussef Dayes’ Debut Is an Enormous Statement of His Talent
Black Classical Music takes the listener on a highly groovy and ultimately fulfilling ride through the peaks and valleys inside Yussef Dayes’ musical brain.
Flow Is Key to Ekiti Sound’s Masterfully Eclectic ‘Drum Money’
Ekiti Sound’s Drum Money highlights seamless connections between London and Lagos, vintage and contemporary, acoustic folk and electric funk.
Pierre Kwenders Blends Rumba, Rock, and R&B on ‘José Louis and the Paradox of Love’
Pierre Kwenders’ José Louis and the Paradox of Love is inventive and heartfelt. Kwenders isn’t simply blazing a narrow trail but opening up a cosmos.
Ibibio Sound Machine Bring the Electrofunk with Hot Chip-Produced ‘Electricity’
Ibibio Sound Machine hit new heights as they draw on the power of musical currents flowing between Lagos and London on the Hot Chip-produced Electricity.
Zimbabwean Sungura Fortifies the Spirit on Gonora Sounds’ ‘Hard Times Never Kill’
Gonora Sounds’ Daniel Gonora sings about economic crises, tragic deaths, and social struggles from his personal history and the lives of those around him.