african
what it is
"Traditional African music is symbolic, an expression and validation of psychic energy. " W. Komla Amoakua Africa has an extraordinary musical diversity — more than any other continent.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make african a playlist
turn these 33 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is african?
"Traditional African music is symbolic, an expression and validation of psychic energy. " W. Komla Amoakua Africa has an extraordinary musical diversity — more than any other continent.
What are good african albums to start with?
Try Amassakoul by Tinariwen, Sou Ni Tile by Amadou & Mariam, Savane by Ali Farka Touré, and Africadelic by Manu Dibango.
Who are some women making african?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/african/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making african, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20