A Blast From The Past
10 African Songs You Need In Any Retro Playlist
Where my girls at! This week on Blast from the Past we focus on the ladies who have left an impact on African music with their unique style and feminine power. From all over Africa, we have selected ten songs from dynamic female artistes who reigned supreme. This week the category is “Girl Power, Vibes, and Sounds”.
1. Angélique Kidjo – Wombo Lombo
All hail queen Angélique Kidjo, a three-time Grammy Award winner. With several hits and thirteen albums to her name. This week we feature her classic song Wombo Lombo. Released in 1996, Wombo Lombo is the 2nd song off of Kidjo’s album, Fifa. Wombo Lombo is a timeless song that captures the essence of the African spirit.
2. Evi Edna Ogholi – Happy Birthday
If you grow up in an African household then you have probably have heard Edna Ogholi rendition of Happy Birthday! Evi Edna Ogholi is a Nigerian female reggae musician, who is popular for her song “Happy Birthday”. Make sure at your next birthday you jam out to this catchy tune.
3. Akosua Agyapong – Eka Bi Nie
Akosua is a Ghanaian female highlife artiste, who left her mark on the Ghanaian music industry with classic songs such as ‘Me ye Obaa’, ‘ Eka Bi Nie ‘San be hwe wo mba’ and many others. With song filled with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics, Akosua Agyapong has a plethora of hits to choose from.
Eka Bi Nie is a danceable tune that will get anyone on their feet. A great party song filled with insightful lyrics. Akosua is a great storyteller who will have you begging for more.
4.Salawa Abeni Alidu
If you love traditional music filed with the Ogene, the talking drum, and the Igba then Salawa Abeni Alidu music is for you. A pioneer in Waka music, Salawa Abeni Alidu tells stories accompanied by unique traditional instrumentation. Challenge Cup’ 82 give you straight thirty-four minutes of the best in Waka Music.
5.Brenda Fassie – Vulindela
Brenda Fassie is a true African Icon. With breathtaking vocals accompanied on a groovy beat, Vulindela tells a tale about the various trail and tribulations in life. Vulindlela is a masterpiece that you are bond to keep on repeat
6.Monique Seka – Okaman
Monique Seka is an iconic Ivorian singer who created the genre Afro Zouk, a combination of mixing zouk and rhythms. Her song Okaman will have you dancing and groovy with its unique blend of zouk vibes and sweet melodies.
7. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Umqombothi
With simple lyrics and a danceable beat, Umqombothi is a memorable tune that will remain timeless.
8. Miriam Makeba – Akana Nkomo
Miriam Makeba, nicknamed Mama Africa, was a South African singer, songwriter, and actress. A multitalented musician Miriam Makeba bless consumers with classic such as You Can Call Me Al, Pata Pata, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, and Malaika. Featured today, is her song Akana Nkomo. Akana Nkomo is a Afro jazz tune that talks about marriage and understanding a woman’s worth.
9. M’bilia Bel – Faux Pas
M’bilia Bel is a rumba and world music singer hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She is known as the “Queen of Congolese and African Rumba. Her song Faux Pas, will transport you back to the past with its nostalgic feel.
10. Grace Decca – I Need Some Love
Grace Decca is a Cameroonian singer and producer. This talented songstress release I Need Some Love in 1998. I Need Some Love is a classic ballad proclaiming all our innate want of being loved and cared for.