Observed annually on 25 May, Africa Day honours the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, which later became the African Union. The day is dedicated to celebrating African unity and heritage.
Ahead of the big day, here is a carefully curated selection of songs that continue to shape Africa’s comprehensive narrative; a perfect opportunity to delve into the continent’s rich musical heritage, told by respected artists across the continent and beyond.
The playlist accommodates a diverse range of motifs, from Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s celebration of a bold identity to Wiyaala’s unpacking of the continent’s resource paradox, as well as Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ poignant longing for home and Bob Marley’s timeless call for unity and collective strength.
‘Made in Africa’ by Stephen Marley ft. Wale
Featuring Nigerian-American rapper Wale, the sobering and yet hopeful record by Stephen Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, is taken from his Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life album. It reaffirms Africa as the birthplace of humanity, weaving through a complex history while highlighting resilience and the importance of knowledge about our past as the one true path toward self-determination.
‘Motherland’ by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
South African singer-songwriter Yvonne Chaka Chaka earned the title ‘Princess of Africa’ in the 1990s. Decades later, she has, without question, ascended to the office of queen or its equivalent, a fearless, graceful presence, and among Africa’s most important cultural voices. It is no wonder that her 1989 classic ‘Motherland’, with its celebratory energy and uplifting message, remains one of the most beloved tracks about the continent.
‘Africa’ by Wiyaala
Ghana’s Wiyaala, self-titled the ‘Lioness of Africa’, grounds her work in pan-Africanism. This commitment shines through in her statements, fashion and songs. Her dance-driven track ‘Africa’ laments the continent’s ironic plight – teeming with resources but often discussed in the context of poverty.
‘Akwaba’ by Magic System, Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan
Football is one of Africa’s unifying forces, with the continent producing some of the world’s most talented players. The Africa Cup of Nations, the continent’s most coveted competition, is always a major event. It serves as a battleground for supremacy and consistently generates some of the biggest anthems. By the time hosts Ivory Coast lifted the trophy for the third time in February, ‘Akwaba’, the official anthem featuring Ivorian pop band Magic System, Nigeria’s Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan, had firmly established itself in that enviable catalogue.
‘Bring Him Back Home’ by Hugh Masekela
The collapse of apartheid was due to a number of factors, including the work of creatives. The late South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela’s ‘Bring Him Back Home’, for instance amplified the call for change, contributing to the momentum that led to the release of Nelson Mandela, a paragon of African unity, in February 1990. The song was also famously performed live at Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland concert in Zimbabwe, featuring legends like Miriam Makeba, Ray Phiri and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
‘Afrique Mon Toit’ by Annie-Flore Batchiellilys
On this subtle, guitar-led ballad, Gabonese star Annie-Flore Batchiellilys reflects on her departure from Africa for love. Touching on universal themes of sacrifice and longing, she grapples with loneliness, finding solace in the thought of embracing it. Yet her heart longs to return to Africa’s warmth and happiness, guided by the power of love to overcome obstacles and find home again.
‘Ifrikya’ by Labess
On their 2014 song ‘Ifrikya’, Quebec-based Algerian band Labess extols a continent that has mastered the art of survival, saluting fallen heroes and victims of political oppression.
‘Radio Africa’ by Latin Quarter
The lyrics to the British band Latin Quarter’s top 20 single ‘Radio Africa’, released in 1985, criticises ongoing struggles in African nations, including apartheid, unequal aid and economic hardships. It also highlights how financial control hinders progress, yet underscores resilience in the fight for true independence.
‘Mama Africa’ by Akon
‘Mama Africa’, taken from Senengalese-American singer Akon’s Konvicted album and ferried on enchanting reggae rhythm, expresses love for Africa, urging listeners to experience its beauty firsthand. Akon highlights Africa’s history, resilience and culture, emphasising unity and forgiveness.
‘Africa Unite’ by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1979)
The message in Bob Marley’s 1979 classic is straightforward. Divided, there’s no hope for the. African continent. It finds the reggae icon delivering a fervent plea for unity, via particularly impassioned lyrics, which continue to serve as a timeless reminder of the value of collective strength.
