African music is having its moment—and honestly, it’s about time. From Afrobeats to amapiano, the sounds of the continent are lighting up stages and playlists across the globe.

And right in the heart of it all? Angélique Kidjo, a powerhouse who’s spent decades proving that African music isn’t just a vibe—it’s a force.

Her latest move is a jaw-dropping symphonic take on Jerusalema, the anthem that took the world by storm. If you don’t know the original, it’s the track that gave us hope when everything felt upside down. Created by South Africa’s Master KG and featuring the soulful Nomcebo Zikode, it became a global phenomenon, sparking the #JerusalemaChallenge and uniting people from all walks of life.

Now, imagine that infectious rhythm reimagined with lush symphonies and Kidjo’s signature touch. She’s teamed up with Derrick Hodge and the Colour of Noize Orchestra to elevate Jerusalema to something even more breathtaking. It’s like taking the spirit of Africa and giving it wings to soar higher than ever before.

But Kidjo’s rendition isn’t just a remix—it’s a statement. It’s about showing the world that African music can stand tall on any stage, from viral TikTok trends to iconic venues like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, where she recently performed this masterpiece.

Her version of Jerusalema is more than music; it’s cultural pride wrapped in symphonic brilliance. It’s a reminder that Africa’s soundtracks don’t just make us dance—they tell our stories, celebrate our heritage, and connect us to something bigger.

So if you’re ready to feel inspired, energized, and maybe even a little emotional, it’s time to press play. Because Angélique Kidjo isn’t just reimagining Jerusalema—she’s redefining what global music really means. 🌍🎵

For nine years, Nyege Nyege has been shaking things up in the music festival world. Held on the stunning shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, it draws an impressive crowd of 50,000 music lovers from all over the globe. But this isn’t your typical festival—it’s a vibrant explosion of African sounds fused with experimental electronic beats from around the world.

Co-founder Derek Debru sums it up perfectly: “Nyege nyege is that feeling when you hear music and can’t help but dance. It’s this irresistible urge to let loose.” That spirit of uninhibited joy is what the festival is all about.

The journey to creating Nyege Nyege started back in 2011 when Debru, who’s of Belgo-Burundian heritage, moved to Uganda to teach at a film school. Immersed in Kampala’s budding hip-hop scene, he and co-founder Arlen Dilsizian began hosting African cinema nights that organically morphed into parties, jam sessions, and creative collaborations. From those humble beginnings, Nyege Nyege was born.

Now dubbed an “Afrogalactic” festival, Nyege Nyege has evolved into a movement celebrating music and art on the fringes of the African mainstream. From Togolese rap to South African gqom, Tanzanian singeli, and Kenyan gengetone, the lineup bridges diverse local sounds with global influences. It’s a space where underrepresented artists find a platform, and cross-cultural inspiration flows freely.

But Nyege Nyege is more than just music. Think film screenings, live welding performances, traditional wrestling matches, and festival goers decked out in everything from traditional attire to avant-garde costumes. It’s a kaleidoscope of African culture, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Such boundary-pushing doesn’t come without challenges. In the lead-up to this year’s festival (November 15–18), criticism surfaced, with some local religious groups labeling the event “ungodly.” Debru and his team handled it with grace, responding, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom… and we hope that includes the freedom to dance!”

Despite the controversies, Nyege Nyege has become a symbol of freedom, self-expression, and inclusivity. It’s not just a festival; it’s a statement—a celebration of the right to be different in a world where conformity often rules.

As the team gears up for the festival’s tenth anniversary, Debru reflects on the challenges and successes. “The last edition was incredible, but there’s so much room to grow. We’re still figuring out the economics, but it’s clear that Nyege Nyege has become a platform for important conversations about culture, morality, and identity.”

If this year was any indication, the festival’s future is bright. Nyege Nyege is redefining what it means to celebrate African music and culture, proving that dance and creativity are universal languages

Lagos is gearing up for one of the most exciting nights of the year as the Afrovibes Festival 2024 takes center stage at the Ecobank Pan-African Center on December 15th. This highly anticipated event promises a vibrant showcase of African music, creativity, and culture, bringing together fans and creators from across the continent and beyond.

An Unforgettable Musical Experience

The festival lineup boasts some of the most talented voices in African music, guaranteeing a night filled with soul-stirring performances and electric energy. With a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and other genres rooted in African sounds, the event is set to offer a diverse and enriching experience for music lovers.

Whether you enjoy love ballads, storytelling through music, or upbeat tracks that get you dancing, the Afrovibes Festival has something for everyone. Expect performances that not only entertain but connect deeply with audiences.

A Spotlight on African Creativity

More than just a concert, the Afrovibes Festival is a celebration of the depth and diversity of African culture. From its rich musical heritage to its vibrant art and creative energy, the festival serves as a meeting point for fans and artists who share a love for all things African.

Visual storytelling has become the dominant trend in African music in 2024. Artists are pouring serious effort- and cash- into crafting music videos that are basically mini-movies. They’ve gone beyond your average performance-based clips. They’re deep, emotional, and visually stunning- showing off culture and identity laced with deep emotions.

Best part: The world’s paying attention.

Here are some common trends we’ve observed

1. Cultural Representation

African heritage is shining brighter than ever in these videos. Think traditional clothing, stunning landscapes, and spiritual symbols woven into the visuals. You’ll see elements like traditional dances, vibrant markets, and village life, making you feel like you’re right there in the heart of it all. It is like boldly saying this is who we are, and we love it.

2. Cinematic Production Quality

The days are behind when African music videos were just a bunch of shaky close-ups. Directors like TG Omori and Clarence Peters are setting the bar high with videos looking like something straight out of Netflix. Drone shots, true-to-life effects, and epic sets- all making you forget you're watching a music video. Everything looks slick, polished, and ready for the big screen.

3. Themes That Hit Home

Music videos are no longer just eye candy. They’re exploring the themes behind the songs- whether it’s love, resilience, or tough social issues. You see love songs with all the fairytale representation, while conscious music takes you straight to the gritty streets. It’s all about connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

4. A Global Mash-Up

Even though these videos are rooted in African culture, there’s a cool blend of global influences. You’ll spot Afrocentric styles mixed with modern Western or Asian aesthetics. This mash-up makes the visuals relatable and appealing to a broader international audience, expanding Africa’s footprint in the music scene.

5. Music Videos as Visual Journeys

Beyond the “watch it once and forget it” that we were once used to, music videos are now art forms on their own. Music videos are now combined efforts of artists, seasoned filmmakers and choreographers who create visual journeys that speak for themselves, even without the lyrics. These videos engage all your senses, making them unforgettable.

With visual storytelling, African artists are amplifying the emotional pull of their music and connecting with fans worldwide. And as fans and observers, we’re here for all they’ve got up their sleeves as they scale higher heights on the global entertainment stage.