Residential Life
Eniola's Blog: Celebrating African Artists
This Black History Month, I wanted to celebrate some of the most influential and recognised African artists.
I've pulled together some interesting facts about five artists and some of their most famous songs, plus a few of my favourites too! Music is one of the ways we celebrate life and I really hope you get a chance to listen to some of the recommended songs and celebrate Black History Month with us!
“Music is a spiritual thing; you don’t play with music”- Fela Kuti
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
My recommended songs:
Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense
2000 Blacks Got to be free
I.T.T (International Thief Thief)
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 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
Essence (feat Tems)
Energy (Stay far away) (Feat Skepta)
Name: Tiwatope Savage
Other names: Tiwa
Country: Nigeria
Did you know?
- She auditioned for the X-Factor in 2006
- She is described as the top-most influential woman in Nigeria
- Tiwa is the first African female to sign with Pepsi
My recommended songs:
Koroba
49-99
Love struck (Feat Wstrn and Mr Eazi)
Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (AKA Burna Boy)
Other names: Shotgun
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)
Killing Dem (Zlatan)
Kilometre
Topics
- Read Next
- How to deal with loneliness living in halls Study tips from Residential Assistants National Pet Day 2024: Showcase! Holi 2024 Photo Gallery Holi: Immerse yourself in the Colours of Spring What Kind of Flatmate Are You? Take the Quiz! Aiman's student- friendly 15-minutes meals The best Asian spots around London Share Your Feedback! RAMADAN: What is it?
- Popular
- The Residential Services Online Shop How do I get my Residents' Rewards Card? Queen Mary Food pre-paid meal plans - ON SALE NOW! How to contact Security at Queen Mary The Queen Mary Zero Waste Shop Aspire Point 101- Quick Guide to Aspire Point FAQs How to Report Maintenance Issues in Queen Mary Halls Introducing the Residential Welfare Team Receiving post to halls? Guarantor scheme with Housing Hand