African Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

There’s a lot of great African music out there, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the best African folk music artists you need to know. From traditional to contemporary, these artists are sure to get your toes tapping.

Who are some African folk music artists that are popular?

Although Western music is often what comes to mind when thinking about Africa, the continent has a rich and varied musical history. African folk music is a broad category that encompasses many different styles and traditions. Here are just a few of the many talented African folk musicians that you should know about.

Keola Beamer is a Native Hawaiian slack-key guitar player who is credited with helping to revive the Hawaiian musical tradition of ki hoalu, or slide guitar. Beamer’s music incorporates elements of Hawaiian, jazz, blues, and rock. He has released several solo albums and has collaborated with artists such as Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and entertainer Bette Midler.

Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara is a multi-instrumentalist who combines traditional Malian music with elements of pop, rock, and jazz. She has collaborated with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Bono, and has appeared in several films, including Timbuktu (2014) and Black Panther (2018).

Tinariwen is an award-winning Saharan desert blues band from Mali that was formed in 1979. The group’s music draws on traditional Tuareg music as well as Western rock and blues influences. Tinariwen has released several studio albums and toured internationally. In 2011, they won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.

Roger Damawuzan was a Ivorian singer and politician who was active in the 1960s and 1970s. He was best known for his Afro-beat style of music, which blended traditional Ivory Coast rhythms with James Brown-inspired funk grooves. Damawuzan’s song “Zoukou Zoukou” was reportedly an anthem for the country’s military during the Civil War of 2002-2007.

What are some African folk music artists that are up-and-coming?

There is a wealth of talented African musicians making waves in the folk music scene. Here are just a few of the artists you need to know about.

Nyekesse Petit Merveille is a singer-songwriter from Cameroon who draws inspiration from traditional folk music and contemporary pop. Her music has been described as “infectious” and “full of life.”

Angola’s Banda Maravilha de Lourenço Marques are a 13-piece band that play a unique blend of African and Brazilian styles. Their music is filled with joy and energy, and their live shows are said to be an experience not to be missed.

Sierra Leone’s Janka Nabay & the Bubu Gang are one of the most innovative and exciting groups in African music today. Nabay’s unique style combines traditional folk sounds with electronic beats, resulting in a truly original sound.

If you’re looking for something new and different, check out these African folk music artists. You won’t be disappointed!

What are some African folk music artists that are underrated?

There are many African folk music artists who are underrated. Some of these artists include:

-Alem Girma
-Ebenezer Obey
-King Sunny Ade
-Malian group Tartit
-Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
-Orchestra Baobab

What are some African folk music artists that are experimental?

There are many African folk music artists who are experimental in their approach to the genre. Here are just a few that you should check out:

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Mbongwana Star: This Congolese band fuses traditional Ngwaka music with Western rock and pop influences. Their sound is both infectious and unique.

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Amadou & Mariam: This Malian duo is one of the most popular African music acts in the world. They mix traditional Malian music with elements of blues, jazz, and rock.

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Tinariwen: Another renowned Mali group, Tinariwen creates hypnotic and atmospheric desert blues. Their music is deeply rooted in the Tuareg culture of the Sahara Desert.

What are some African folk music artists that are classic?

African folk music is a tradition of music that has been passed down orally for generations. It is often simple in form and melody, and is meant to be enjoyed by all members of the community. Here are some classic African folk music artists that you need to know.

1. Bebe and Cece Winans are an American gospel duo who have won multiple Grammy Awards. Bebe is originally from Nigeria, and his musical style is heavily influenced by Nigerian folk music.
2. Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, composer, and politician. He is one of the most internationally recognized African musicians of his generation. His music blends Senegalese mbalax with aspects of jazz, R&B, soul, and reggae.
3. Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and civil rights activist. She was an influential figure in the world of African music and helped to popularize Afropop internationally.
4. Ali Farka Touré was a Malian musician who blended traditional Malian music with blues and jazz influences. He was one of the first African musicians to gain international recognition, and he won multiple Grammy Awards during his career.
5. King Sunny Adé is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader who helped popularize the genre of Yoruba juju music internationally in the 1980s. His musical style incorporates traditional Yoruba percussion with Western pop influences

What are some African folk music artists that are traditional?

There is a wide variety of African folk music, and it varies significantly from region to region. Here are some traditional African folk music artists that you should know:

-Mbongwana Star: This Congo-based band plays a mix of Congolese rumba and modern rock. They are known for their lively and energetic performances.

-Tinariwen: This Tuareg band from Mali is one of the most famous African folk music groups. They play a mix of traditional Tuareg music and modern rock. Their music is deeply rooted in the Tuareg culture and history.

-Oumou Sangaré: This Malian singer is one of the most popular African folk music artists. She sings in the Wassoulou style, which is a traditional style of music from Mali. Her songs often deal with social issues such as women’s rights and poverty.

-Amadou & Mariam: This husband and wife duo are some of the most popular African folk music artists. They sing in a mix of traditional Malian music and modern pop. Their songs often deal with themes of love and humanity.

What are some African folk music artists that are contemporary?

There are many talented African folk music artists making great music today. Here are just a few that you should check out:

Mamadou Diabate is a world-renowned kora player from Mali. He has released several solo albums, as well as collaborations with other artists. His music is a beautiful mix of traditional and contemporary sounds.

Toukouleur is a Senegalese group that combines traditional Senegal music with elements of hip hop, R&B, and reggae. Their sound is truly unique and their live performances are high-energy and full of joy.

Oumou Sangare is a Malian singer who is often called the “Songbird of Wassoulou.” Her music combines traditional Wassoulou sounds with modern pop and African rhythms. Her powerful voice is sure to captivate any listener.

If you’re looking for some great African folk music, these artists are a great place to start.

What are some African folk music artists that are popular in other genres?

If you’re a fan of African music, then you’ve probably heard of at least some of these popular African folk music artists. Some of these artists have managed to cross over into other genres and become international stars. Others are well-known within the African music community but may be less familiar to those outside it.

either way, these are all talented musicians who are worth checking out if you’re looking for something new to listen to.

Youssou N’Dour
A Senegalese singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, Youssou N’Dour is one of the most famous African musicians in the world. He has released more than 20 albums and has won multiple Grammy Awards. His music is a mix of traditional Senegalese sounds and Western pop and jazz influences.

Miriam Makeba
A South African singer, songwriter, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and civil rights activist, Miriam Makeba was one of the most influential African musicians of the 20th century. She was an early pioneer of Afropop and helped to popularize the genre internationally. She also used her platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa.

Orchestra Baobab
A Senegalese band that formed in the 1970s, Orchestra Baobab is considered one of the pioneers of Afropop. The band mixes traditional Senegalese sounds with Cuban influences. They have released 13 albums and continue to tour internationally.

Tinariwen
A Tuareg rebel group turned musical collective from Mali, Tinariwen combines traditional Tuareg music with rock and blues influences. The band has won multiple Grammy Awards and their music has been featured in films like The Good Lie and Mali Blues.

What are some African folk music artists that are popular in other countries?

There are many African folk music artists that are popular in other countries. Some of these artists include:

-Tinariwen: This group is from Mali and their music is a mix of traditional Tuareg music with influences from rock and blues. They have been very popular in Europe and the United States and have won several awards, including a Grammy.

-Liham: This group is from Senegal and their music is a mix of traditional Senegalese music with influences from different genres like hip hop and reggae. They have been very popular in France and Germany.

-Baaba Maal: This artist is from Senegal and his music is a mix of traditional Senegalese music with influences from rock, jazz, and world music. He has been very popular in the United Kingdom and has won several awards, including a Grammy.

What are some African folk music artists that are popular in the African diaspora?

There are many African artists who have made an impact in the world of folk music. In the African diaspora, there are a few who stand out as having particularly strong followings.

Tinariwen is a Tuareg band from Mali that has gained a large following for their unique style of music, which blends traditional Tuareg sounds with elements of rock and blues. Their music has been featured in several films and they have won multiple Grammy Awards.

Ali Farka Touré was a Malian musician and songwriter who blended traditional Malian music with blues and jazz. He was one of the first African musicians to achieve international acclaim, and he won a Grammy Award for his album Talking Timbuktu.

Orchestra Baobab is a Senegalese band that formed in the 1970s. They play a mix of Cuban son, Congolese rumba, and other West African styles. They have been credited with helping to revive Cuban son music in Senegal, and their album Pirate’s Choice is considered a classic of world music.

Mamadou Diabate is a Mali musician who specializes in the kora, a 21-string West African harp. He has collaborated with many internationally-renowned musicians, including Ry Cooder and Yo-Yo Ma. His album Kora Man is considered one of the greatest kora albums ever recorded.