Residential Life

Celebrating African Artists

By QMResLifeEni 04 Oct 2023

Fela Kuti famously said, ‘Music is a spiritual thing, you don’t play with music’. Nigerians and many other Africans have a deep appreciation for music, and it is an integral part of our culture, it’s a way we celebrate life. In honour of Black History Month, I have curated some fascinating facts about five African artists and their most popular songs as well as some of my personal favourites. I hope you have the chance to listen to some of the recommended songs and join us in celebrating this important month!

Name: Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti
Other names: Fela, Abami Eda (‘My Immortal’), Father of Afrobeats
Country: Nigeria
Did you know?

Fela has been nominated for the Rock and Roll: Hall of Fame
His last name ‘Anikulapo-Kuti’ means ‘one who carries death in his pouch’

He performed At Glastonbury in 1984

Name: Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo
Other names: Angélique
Country: Benin
Did you know?

She sang during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games
On top of the 5 languages she's fluent in, she has her own language.

She is a 4-time GRAMMY-winner

My recommended songs:
Agolo
Batonga
We We

Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (AKA Wizkid)
Other names: IB-boy, Ayodeji
Country: Nigeria
Did you know?

His concert at the O2 in 2021 was sold out in 12 minutes

He started recording music at 11 years old
He is the first African to receive 7 billboard nominations.

My recommended songs:
Ojuelegba
Energy (Stay far away) (Feat Skepta)

Everyday

Name: Tiwatope Savage
Other names: Tiwa
Country: Nigeria
Did you know?

She auditioned for the X-Factor in 2006
She was the first Nigerian Artist to perform at the Royal coronation of King Charles III
She received an honorary degree for career in Music from the University of Kent

My recommended songs:
Koroba
49-99
Who Is Your Guy?

Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (AKA Burna Boy)
Other names: African Giant, Oluwa Burna
Country: Nigeria
Did you know?

His grandfather was known as being the first manager of Fela Kuti
He started making music at the age of 10

His name Burna boy was inspired by a superhero

My recommended songs:
Jerusalema (feat Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode)
Last Last

City Boys

Some honourable mentions:

QMResLifeEni Hi! I’m Eni, one of the Residential Life Officers. I studied at Queen Mary and worked as a Residential Assistant within the Residential Services department. If you see me at any of our events come and say hello and if you have any questions, I am always happy to answer them and help!
View All Posts