Since I had a bit of a lack of inspiration today, I had a look on the calendar again. Apparently today is International Day of the African Child. Still I subject that’s not my cup of tea. But let’s just hijack a part of it and see if I can find some good music with an African theme. Challenge accepted.
10. Toto – Africa
Probably one of the most famous songs about Africa. This song is about a boy who tries to imagine what living in Africa must be like.
9. Lauryn Hill – To Zion
This song is a loveletter from her to her firstborn Zion David Marley.
8. Revelation Time ft Ruud Gullt – South Africa
Remember this one? South Africa is an anti-apartheids song which focused on the opponents of Nelson Mandela , the white regime.
7. Margaret Singana – We Are Growing
Theme song from the 1986 TV serie Shaka Zulu.
6. Nas & Damien Marley – Land of Promise
Yep, again a song from Nas.
5. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Africa Unite
4. Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force – Planet Rock
Groundbreaking electronic artist from New York who changed his name to Afrika Bambaata after a visit to Afrika.
3. Santana – Africa Bamba
Collaboration with African band Toure Kunda. Did anyone ever notice that Carlos Santana looks a bit like Edward James Almos?
2. Paul Simon – Under African Skies
From his brilliant Graceland album that had more African influences.
1. Mory Kante – Yé ké yé ké
Released in 1987 and a European number 1 in 1988. This was the first African song that sold over 1 million copies. And there are some great remixes of this track. My favorite is the Hardfloor remix which you will find below. If you prefer the original, click here.