The Best African Reggae Music to Listen to Right Now

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Looking for some new African Reggae music to listen to? Check out our top picks for the best tunes to get you grooving!

African Reggae Music

If you’re in the mood for some good vibes, then you should definitely check out African reggae music. This genre of music is influenced by both African and Jamaican music, and it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy yourself. African reggae music is also great for dancing, so if you’re looking to get your groove on, then this is the perfect type of music for you.

What is African Reggae Music?

African reggae is a music genre that combines elements of West African music with reggae, dancehall, and hip hop. The earliest form of African reggae can be traced back to the 1970s, when Nigerian musician Fela Kuti combined elements of James Brown-style funk with traditional Nigerian music. African reggae has since evolved to encompass a wide range of styles, from the more traditional sounds of artists like Lucky Dube and Majek Fashek to the more contemporary vibes of artists like Sean Paul and Wyclef Jean. Whatever your taste, there’s an African reggae artist out there that’s sure to get your toes tapping.

The Best African Reggae Music to Listen to Right Now

There’s no denying the appeal of reggae music. The infectious rhythms and catchy melodies are impossible to resist, and the positive messages of peace, love, and unity resonate with people from all walks of life.

Interestingly, reggae music is often thought of as a distinctly Jamaican genre. However, the influence of reggae can be heard in the music of many African countries. In fact, some of the best African reggae tunes are being produced on the continent right now.

If you’re looking for some new music to add to your collection, check out this list of the best African reggae tunes currently making waves. From Nigeria to South Africa, these tracks will transport you to a sunny beach somewhere in Africa. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of African reggae music.

The History of African Reggae Music

African reggae music has its roots in the Rastafarian movement of the 1960s. The music was popularized by artists such as Bob Marley andPeter Tosh. African reggae music is a fusion of reggae, ska, and rocksteady. The music is characterized by its lyrics, which are often about social issues such as poverty, racism, and political oppression.

The Origins of African Reggae Music

African reggae music is a genre of music that originated in Africa. It is a fusion of African music with elements of reggae, Hip Hop, and R&B. African reggae is a popular genre of music in Africa and the Caribbean. It is also gaining popularity in the United States and Europe.

The origins of African reggae music can be traced back to the 1970s, when Jamaican reggae artists began to experiment with incorporating African rhythms and sounds into their music. The results were a new type of reggae music that was more upbeat and Danceable than traditional Jamaican reggae. This new African-influenced style of reggae quickly spread throughout Africa and the Caribbean, where it became hugely popular.

In the 1980s, African reggae artists began to gain international recognition, thanks in part to the success of Nigerian artist Majek Fashek. Fashek’s hit song “Send Down the Rain” was a massive hit in both Africa and the Caribbean, and helped to bring African reggae music to a wider audience.

Today, African reggae is more popular than ever, with new artists emerging all the time. If you’re looking for some great African reggae music to listen to, check out the list below.

The Development of African Reggae Music

The roots of African reggae can be traced back to the 1960s, when Jamaican musicians began to experiment with the sound of ska, an uptempo style of music that combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. Reggae—a slower, more laid-back version of ska—soon emerged as the dominant form of Jamaican popular music, and by the 1970s it had spread to other parts of the world, including Africa.

African musicians were quick to adopt reggae as their own, infusing it with local flavors and sensibilities. In Nigeria, for example, artists like Majek Fashek blended reggae with traditional Yoruba music to create a unique sound that came to be known as afroreggae. In Kenya, meanwhile, groups like Them Mushrooms combined reggae with traditional East African rhythms to create a new style known as “reggae tarab.”

Over the past few decades, African reggae has continued to evolve and mutate, incorporating elements of hip hop, dancehall, and other genres. Today there are literally hundreds of different subgenres of African reggae, each with its own distinctive sound. Here are just a few of the many different types of African reggae you might encounter:

-Nigerian Afroreggae: A fusion of Jamaican reggae and Nigerian Yoruba music, characterized by intricate guitar work and harmonious vocals. Artists include Majek Fashek and King Sunny Ade.

-Kenyan Reggae Tarab: A fusion of Jamaican reggae and traditional East African rhythms, characterized by extended DJ sets and conscious lyrics. Artists include Them Mushrooms and Black Scorpio Sound System.

-South African Kwaito Reggae: A fusion of Jamaican reggae and South African kwaito music, characterized by rapid-fire delivery and warehouse parties. Artists include Lucky Dube and TKZee.

-Ghanaian Hiplife: A fusion of Jamaican reggae and Ghanaian highlife music, characterized by syncopated rhythms and social commentary. Artists include Samini and Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal.

The Popularity of African Reggae Music

African reggae music has been gaining in popularity in recent years. This type of music is a fusion of African and Jamaican musical styles, and it often has a political or religious message. Many African reggae artists sing in English, French, or Portuguese, which makes their music accessible to listeners around the world.

Reggae originated in Jamaica in the 1960s, and it soon spread to other parts of the world, including Africa. In Africa, reggae found a welcoming audience among people who were struggling with political oppression and economic hardship. African reggae artists often sing about social issues such as poverty, injustice, and disease.

Some of the most popular African reggae artists include Tiken Jah Fakoly from Ivory Coast, Lucky Dube from South Africa, and Alpha Blondy from Liberia. These artists have garnered international attention for their powerful lyrics and catchy melodies.

If you’re looking for some new music to add to your collection, be sure to check out some African reggae artists. You’re sure to find something that you enjoy!

The Different Types of African Reggae Music

African reggae music is a genre that is a mix of traditional African music and reggae. It has a strong beat and is very catchy. African reggae is very popular in Africa and the Caribbean. It is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself.

Traditional African Reggae Music

Traditional African Reggae Music is the type of Reggae music that has its roots in the culture and traditions of Africa. This type of music is usually performed by Africans who have been influenced by the Reggae culture and its music. Traditional African Reggae Music usually has a slower tempo and is often more mellow than other types of Reggae music.

Contemporary African Reggae Music

Contemporary African Reggae music has been influenced by various other genres from all over the world. This type of music often has a message of peace and love, which is why it is so popular in many parts of Africa. Some of the most popular contemporary African Reggae artists include Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, and Alpha Blondy.

Fusion African Reggae Music

With its catchy beats and easy-to-singalong lyrics, reggae music is beloved by many across the globe. In Africa, the genre has taken on a life of its own, with many artists infusing it with traditional African sounds and instruments. This fusion of African and reggae music is sometimes referred to as Afro-reggae.

There are many different styles of Afro-reggae, but some of the most popular include:

* Kwaito: This South African style of Afro-reggae is characterized by its use of local dialects, as well as electronic instrumentation.
* Dancehall: This Jamaican style of Afro-reggae is characterized by its fast tempo and often sexually explicit lyrics.
* Reggaeton: This Puerto Rican style of Afro-reggae combines reggae, hip hop, and Latin American rhythms.

The Artists Making African Reggae Music

African reggae music has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that it has started to gain international recognition. The genre is a fusion of traditional African music and reggae, and it often has a political or social message. Some of the best African reggae artists are making waves right now, so if you’re looking for some new music to check out, look no further.

Famous African Reggae Musicians

Reggae music has its roots in Jamaica, but the genre has been adopted by artists all over the world, including many from Africa. African reggae is a unique blend of traditional reggae sounds and African rhythms and melodies, and it has become hugely popular in recent years.

There are many famous African reggae musicians, both past and present, who have made a big impact on the music scene. Here are just a few of the most popular and influential African reggae artists:

-Bob Marley: Bob Marley is probably the most famous reggae musician in the world, and he is also one of the most famous Africans. He was born in Jamaica to an English father and a Jamaican mother, but he spent much of his childhood in Ghana. His music is heavily influenced by both Jamaican and African sounds.

-Alpha Blondy: Alpha Blondy is a singer and songwriter from Ivory Coast. He is one of the pioneers of Afro-reggae, and his music blends elements of reggae, rock, and traditional West African sounds. He is very popular in Africa and has a large international following.

-Tiken Jah Fakoly: Tiken Jah Fakoly is another Ivorian singer and songwriter who is very popular in Africa. His music combines elements of traditional Ivorian music with reggae, rock, and hip hop. He is known for his political lyrics that often criticise corrupt governments in Africa.

-Youssou N’Dour: Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and percussionist who has been hugely influential in the world of world music. He incorporated elements of Senegalese mbalax music into his own unique sound, which also includes elements of jazz, soul, funk, and pop. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and was appointed as Senegal’s Minister of Culture in 2012.

Up-and-Coming African Reggae Artists

There is a growing community of African reggae artists making music that is both deeply rooted in the genre and uniquely their own. Here are some of the best up-and-coming African reggae artists you should be listening to right now.

Nattali Rize

Hailing from Jamaica, Nattali Rize is a singer, songwriter, and rapper whose music is infused with elements of reggae, hip hop, and R&B. Her debut album, Rebel Frequency, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. Nattali Rize is currently working on her follow-up album, which is due out later this year.

Jah9

Jah9 is a reggae artist from Jamaica whose music combines elements of jazz and dub. She has released two albums – New Name (2013) and 9 (2016) – both of which have been well received by critics and fans alike. Jah9 is currently working on her third album, which is due out later this year.

Third World

Third World is a reggae band from Jamaica that has been making music since the 1970s. The band has released 16 studio albums, the most recent of which, More Work to Be Done, was released in 2017. Third World is currently touring in support of the new album.

The Future of African Reggae Music

African reggae music has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more artists beginning to experiment with the genre. The results have been nothing short of incredible, with a new generation of artists taking the sound in exciting new directions. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best African reggae music to listen to right now, as well as what the future of the genre might hold.

The Popularity of African Reggae Music

African reggae music is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world. Artists such as Tiken Jah Fakoly, Lucky Dube, and Alpha Blondy have gained international recognition for their soothing melodies and meaningful lyrics.

Reggae music has its roots in Jamaican ska and rocksteady, but the African influence is what sets it apart from other genres. The rhythms are more African-sounding, and the lyrics often deal with socially conscious topics such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.

African reggae artists are using their music to spread positive messages of hope and unity. In a world that is often divided by race, religion, and politics, their music is a refreshing reminder that we are all more alike than we are different.

If you’re looking for some new tunes to add to your playlist, here are the best African reggae artists to listen to right now:

Tiken Jah Fakoly: A political activist as well as a musician, Tiken Jah Fakoly is one of the most popular African reggae artists in the world. His songs often deal with social issues such as racism, colonialism, and inequality. He has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Kora Award for Best African Artist of the Year.

Lucky Dube: Lucky Dube was a South African reggae artist who was tragically killed in 2007. His music was deeply rooted in his country’s history and culture, and he was known for his moving lyrics and catchy melodies. His album Prisoner was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1988.

Alpha Blondy: A native of Ivory Coast, Alpha Blondy is one of the most popular reggae artists in Africa. He has been described as “the Bob Marley of Africa” due to his ability to cross over into different genres including reggae, hip hop, and R&B. He has won several awards throughout his career, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.

The Development of African Reggae Music

African reggae music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s. The genre has undergone a major revival in recent years, with a new generation of artists taking inspiration from the sounds of their predecessors.

The development of African reggae music can be traced back to the roots of Jamaican reggae itself. Reggae began to gain popularity in Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, with artists like Burning Spear and Bob Marley gaining a following among African audiences. However, it was not until the 1980s that truly African reggae began to emerge.

In the 1980s, Nigerian artist Fela Kuti merged traditional Afrobeat with Jamaican reggae to create a new sound that was distinctly African. This new sound quickly gained popularity across the continent, with artists like King Sunny Ade and Alpha Blondy becoming household names.

The 1990s saw a resurgence of interest in Jamaican reggae, as well as the rise of dancehall music. Artists like Buju Banton and Beenie Man achieved global success with their catchy dancehall tunes, while others like Capleton and Sizzla became well-known for their socially conscious lyrics.

The 21st century has seen African reggae continue to evolve, with artists incorporating elements of hip hop, R&B, and even electronic music into their sound. This new generation of African reggae artists is sure to keep the genre fresh and exciting for years to come!

The Future of African Reggae Music

With the release of several new albums and singles, African reggae music is having a moment. Here are some of the best artists to listen to right now.

African reggae music has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more artists releasing new albums and singles. The genre combines elements of traditional reggae with African rhythms and instruments, resulting in a unique sound that is both familiar and new.

One of the most popular African reggae artists right now is Tiken Jah Fakoly, who comes from Ivory Coast. His latest album, “AfricAfrica,” was released in 2019 to critical acclaim. Another artist to check out is Kenyan singer-songwriter Chronixx, whose 2015 debut album “Chronology” remains one of the most popular African reggae albums to date.

If you’re looking for something a little different, be sure to check out Nigerian artist Nneka, who blends elements of Afrobeat with reggae and hip-hop. Her 2016 album “My Fairy Tales” is definitely worth a listen.

so there you have it – a few of the best African reggae artists to listen to right now. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, give them a try!

Similar Posts