Why Do You Listen to African Music?
For those who grew up in major African cities during the 90s and early 2000s, especially Lagos, Western music was the in-thing. Hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, TLC, Eve, Busta Rhymes, and many others provided the soundtrack that made young people's parties pulse and dancehalls heat up. Tracks such as "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, "Scrubs" by TLC, "Spice Up Your Life" by Spice Girls and others influenced many.
Then gradually, Nigerian pop groups and solo artists emerged - Plantashun Boiz, Trybesmen, Infinity, Remedy, and others; likewise their other African counterparts - slowly influencing listening habits and the music culture. Fast forward to today, and you'll barely hear foreign music at parties anymore. Our dancehalls are now charged and electrified with African sounds, rhythms, and most importantly, lyrics that tell stories and scenarios listeners can truly identify with.
What fundamentally changed? For you personally, why do you listen to African music? Circumstances? Culture? No option? The sounds? Please share with us in the Comment section.
Opportunities with the Library:
BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION - African Music Library | Oregon Office
The African Music Library seeks a passionate leader based in the US to join our Board of Trustees in Oregon. As Director, you'll provide strategic guidance for preserving and celebrating African musical heritage while leveraging your community connections and fundraising expertise to advance our mission.
This volunteer leadership role (18 hours in a year) offers a meaningful opportunity to help amplify African voices and musical traditions for future generations. If you're committed to cultural preservation and possess nonprofit governance experience, contact us at librarian@africanmusiclibrary.org
VOLUNTEER WRITERS NEEDED - African Music Library | Global
The African Music Library is seeking volunteer writers passionate about documenting and sharing African musical traditions. In this role, you'll create engaging content that educates our community about diverse African musical styles & genres, artists, and cultural contexts.
We welcome writers from all backgrounds who can commit to 2 - 3 pieces monthly. No formal music background required—just enthusiasm for cultural storytelling and a dedication to amplifying African musical heritage. To join our team, please contact librarian@africanmusiclibrary.org
Beautiful Merch from the Library Store - Shop at https://african-music-library-org.rdi.store
Yours in African Music,
Librarian
African Music Library
As an English guy with no African heritage (and having only visited the African mainland for the first time last year), I listen to African music simply because it is there. Sure, it gives me an insight into other cultures, and it interests me from an ethnomusicological perspective, but primarily I'm a music fan and it has never made sense for me to NOT listen to music from all over the world.