5 African Electronic Music Artists You Need to Know

5 African Electronic Music Artists You Need to Know: Get familiar with the continent’s most innovative and exciting sounds.

Who are they?

With the world’s attention increasingly turning to Africa, it’s no surprise that the continent’s music scene is also starting to get more recognition. In particular, African electronic music is beginning to make waves, with artists fusing traditional sounds with modern production techniques to create something altogether new and exciting.

Here are 5 African electronic music artists you need to know:

1. Muzi

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Muzi is one of the most exciting new talents in the African electronic music scene. His debut album ‘Afrovision’ was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, with Muzi drawing comparisons toChildish Gambino and Chance the Rapper for his unique blend of styles.

2. Sauti Sol

Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol are one of the biggest names in African music, period. They’ve won multiple awards and have collaborated with everyone from Ed Sheeran to Ziggy Marley. They’re also known for their social activism, using their platform to speak out on issues like gender equality and HIV/AIDS prevention.

3. Mr Eazi

Ghanaian artist Mr Eazi is at the forefront of the ‘Afrobeats’ movement, which is taking Africa by storm. His2017 mixtape ‘Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1: Accra To Lagos’ was a massive success, earning him a Best International Act nomination at the 2017 BET Awards. Mr Eazi has since gone on to collaborate with the likes of Diplo, Major Lazer and Rae Sremmurd.
akwaba!

What is their sound?

African electronic music artists are making some of the most innovative and exciting music today. Although they may not be as widely known as their counterparts in the West, these artists are creating new sounds that are sure to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

From the Afro-futurist hip-hop of South Africa’s Shabazz Palaces to the synth-heavy electro-pop of Ethiopia’s Dagmawi Yimer, there is a wealth of African electronic music to discover. Here are five artists you need to know.

1. Shabazz Palaces – USA
Shabazz Palaces is a hip-hop group from Seattle, Washington, made up of MC Palaceer Lazaro and producer Tendai “Baba” Maraire. Their sound is a unique blend of classic hip-hop and Afro-futurist aesthetics, with elements of jazz and psychedelic rock thrown in for good measure.

2. Dagmawi Yimer – Ethiopia
Dagmawi Yimer is an Ethiopian electronic musician who makes synth-heavy electro-pop songs with influences from traditional Ethiopian music. His debut album, ‘In a State of Transition’, was acclaimed by critics for its innovative sound and catchy melodies.

3. Adaba – Nigeria
Adaba is a Nigerian producer who creates atmospheric Afrobeat songs with a strong emphasis on mood and atmosphere. His tracks are often slower and more contemplative than other Afrobeat tunes, but no lessinfectious for it.

4. Okzharp & Manthe Ribane – South Africa/UK
Okzharp & Manthe Ribane is a collaboration between South African producer Okzharp and British vocalist Manthe Ribane. Their debut EP, ‘Closer Apart’, fused elements of UK grime, South African house, and American R&B to create something truly unique and exciting.

5. Mdou Moctar – Niger
Mdou Moctar is a Nigerien musician who makes hypnotic Saharan blues songs played on electric guitar. He has released several albums over the years, but he gained widespread attention with his 2018 record ‘Tahabort’, which featured an impressive array of guest musicians from across the world.

Why are they important?

There are many different African electronic music artists making a name for themselves in the music industry. These artists are important because they are creating new and innovative music that is influenced by their African culture. They are also helping to break down barriers and stereotypes about African music and culture.

Here are five African electronic music artists you need to know:

1. Fatima Al Qadiri
Fatima Al Qadiri is a Kuwaiti-born, Brooklyn-based artist who creates experimental electronic music that is influenced by her Arabian heritage. Her music has been described as “hypnotic” and “transcendent.”

2. Okzharp & Manthe Ribane
Okzharp & Manthe Ribane are a South African duo who create electronic music with a distinctly African flavor. Their music has been featured on shows like “Black Mirror” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

3. Muqata’a
Muqata’a is a Palestinian producer who creates electro chaabi, a unique blend of Arabic pop and electronic dance music. His music has been featured in VICE and Noisey.

4. Sote
Sote is an Iranian composer and producer who creates experimental electronic music with Persian instruments and influences. His work has been described as “electro-acoustic Persian minimalism.”

5. Bamba Pana & Makaveli
Bamba Pana & Makaveli are a Tanzanian duo who create afrobeat-influenced electronic dance music. Their song “Poa” was featured in the Netflix series “Drug Lords.”

Where can I find their music?

If you’re looking for some new music to add to your playlist, you can’t go wrong with these five African electronic music artists. They’re all making waves in the music industry, and you’re sure to find something you like no matter what your taste is.

1. Muzu aka Mura Masa – This producer/DJ is from the small island nation of Guernsey, but his music has a distinctly global sound. His 2016 debut album, “Mura Masa,” features collaborations with a variety of artists including A$AP Rocky and Charli XCX. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple Music.

2. Mr Eazi – Mr Eazi is a Ghanaian artist who is helping to grow the Afrobeat genre. His unique style combines elements of hip hop, R&B, and Afrobeats. You can find his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.

3. Black Coffee – Black Coffee is a world-renowned DJ and producer from South Africa. He has collaborated with a variety of artists including Usher and Alicia Keys. You can find his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Beatport.

4. Fossa Beats – Fossa Beats is a rising electronic artist from Kenya. His music has been featured on major radio stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra and Reprezent Radio in the UK. You can find his music on Bandcamp and SoundCloud.

5. Sosandarich – Sosandarich is an Algerian-French DJ and producer who creates unique soundscapes with a mix of traditional Algerian instruments and modern electronic production techniques. You can find her music on Bandcamp and SoundCloud .

Who are some of their influences?

In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for African electronic music. A new generation of African artists are fusing traditional sounds with modern production techniques to create unique and exciting new music. Here are five African electronic music artists you need to know.

1. Mr Eazi

Mr Eazi is a Nigerian artist who is at the forefront of the Afro-fusion movement. His music is a blend of Ghanaian highlife, Nigerian Afrobeat, and modern R&B and hip-hop. Mr Eazi has cited Fela Kuti, Wizkid, and Drake as some of his main influences.

2. Ventura

Ventura is a South African artist who specializes in creating atmospheric electronic music with a strong African twist. His music often features traditional instruments like the mbira and marimba alongside synth pads and drum machines. Ventura has cited Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba as two of his biggest influences.

3. Spoek Mathambo

Spoek Mathambo is a South African rapper, producer, and DJ who is known for his innovative blend of genres. His music draws from hip-hop, electro, kwaito, house, and Township Funk to create a uniquely South African sound. Spoek Mathambo has cited Public Enemy, Fela Kuti, and frontline house producers like Nozinja as some of his main influences.

4. Slikback

Slikback is a Kenyan producer who creates dark and atmospheric instrumental hip-hop beats infused with traditional Kenyan sounds. He often samples traditional Kenyan instruments like the nyatiti and the kalimba to create otherworldly textures. Slikback cites J Dilla and Madlib as two of his biggest influences.

5. Okzharp & Manthe Ribane

Okzharp & Manthe Ribane are a duo from South Africa who make wonky yet soulful electronic music inspired by their native country’s rich musical heritage They often use unconventional samples like field recordings and found sounds to create their unique sonic palette . Okzharp & Manthe Ribane have cited Sun Ra, Yusef Lateef ,and Alice Coltrane as some of their main musical influences .