Picture a group of kids drumming under the shade of a baobab tree, their rhythms alive with stories passed down for generations. Now, imagine a computer trying to capture that magic. Sounds impossible, right?

Well, that’s the debate shaking the music world. Artificial intelligence has burst onto the scene, remixing beats, composing tracks, and even creating virtual singers like Mya Blue—a digital star powered by AI and dreamed up by Nigerian producer Eclipse Nkasi.

Mya’s got some impressive pipes for a virtual being, and Nkasi insists she sings from the “soul.” But can a machine even have one?

Music in Africa is More Than Just Sound

In Africa, music isn’t something you just make; it’s something you live. It’s the heartbeat of celebrations, rituals, and everyday life. It’s spiritual, dynamic, and deeply human. Tabu Osusa, a Kenyan musician, says it best: “Music in Africa is always alive. It’s so dynamic. That shouldn’t be taken away from us.”

And yet, AI is trying to recreate it. Algorithms scour data, learn patterns, and churn out tracks inspired by African sounds. But is that music, or just a clever imitation?

Can AI Feel What We Feel?

AI’s strength lies in precision, not emotion. It can analyze a traditional Ghanaian drum pattern and spit out a polished version faster than you can say “Afrobeats.” But what it can’t do is feel the joy of a village gathering or the sorrow of a mourning song.

African music comes from the soul—the kind of place no algorithm can reach. That’s why many artists worry that when AI replicates their work, it’s stealing the essence that makes their music unique. And let’s not even start on the question of ownership. If a machine remixes a melody from a small Nigerian village, who gets the credit? Spoiler: it’s usually not the original creators.

The Danger of Losing the Soul

There’s a darker side to all this innovation. What if AI makes traditional instruments and techniques feel obsolete? Why learn to master a kora or mbira when a machine can mimic it in seconds?

That’s a scary thought. Africa’s music is rich because it’s alive. It evolves with its people, shaped by history, struggles, and triumphs. Strip away the human touch, and you’re left with something hollow—like a meal with no spice.

A New Frontier

But hold up, it’s not all doom and gloom. Nkasi, the brain behind Mya Blue, believes there’s a way to blend tech with tradition. For him, AI isn’t a replacement; it’s a tool—a way to amplify creativity, not erase it.

“The limits we Africans experience with AI can be a good thing,” he says. “While AI can’t give the very detailed African sound, there’s still room for the guy who can play it.”

So, maybe the answer isn’t to reject AI but to teach it. Feed it with real African stories, sounds, and rhythms. Use it to preserve traditions, not replace them. And most importantly, keep the heart of African music beating strong.

Why isn’t Kenyan music a global hit? Everyone’s talking about it. Nigeria has Afrobeats, South Africa has Amapiano, and both are flying high internationally. Meanwhile, Kenya—culturally rich and packed with talent—seems stuck on the sidelines.

It’s easy to blame the usual suspects: no unifying sound, limited resources, or even colonial history. But maybe, just maybe, the real problem lies closer to home. Are Kenyans giving their music the love it deserves?

Take a look at what happens in Nigeria and South Africa. Their DJs, partygoers, and even regular listeners hype their own music like it’s the best thing on the planet. And guess what? The world believes them. But in Kenya? You’re more likely to hear Amapiano and Bongo Flava than Kenyan tracks on the radio or at parties. Even Kenyan DJs seem hesitant to push local music as hard as foreign hits. Why is that?

Blinky Bill, the lead singer of Just A Band, said it perfectly: “We haven’t rallied behind Kenyan music.” And he’s not wrong. Sauti Sol and other Kenyan stars have done amazing work, but they’re often overshadowed, even on home turf. How can the world celebrate Kenyan music if Kenyans don’t start the party themselves?

And it’s not like they’re short on talent or variety. Kenyan music is a beautiful mash-up of styles—from the hard-hitting gengetone to the nostalgic sounds of Benga. That diversity is something no other country can claim. Yet, without local support, it’s hard for those styles to find footing internationally.

But here’s where things get tricky: the industry doesn’t make it easy. Many Kenyan artists can’t afford to make music their full-time job. Studios are underfunded, and opportunities to break into international markets are rare. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem. No industry growth means no income for musicians; no income means fewer full-time artists.

Still, change isn’t impossible. It’s simple, really. Want Kenyan music to go global? Play it, request it, and share it. If Kenyans hype their own songs the way Nigerians and South Africans do, they’ll create that buzz. And buzz matters.

So, the next time you’re at a party or scrolling through your playlist, don’t just reach for the familiar. Try Kenyan. Play it loud, love it harder, and who knows? Maybe that’s all it takes to spark something big.

Collaborations are often treated like a formula. You team up with another artist, drop a track, maybe shoot a video, and hope the fans come flooding in.

But the music industry is too crowded. Everyone’s shouting to be heard.

So, how do you stand out when you’re following the same old collaboration formula?

The most successful collaborations often break all the traditional rules.  

And today, we want to share some strategies with you. Interested? Let’s get to it...

1. Collaborate with Non-Music Influencers

It’s time to think outside the music world. Collaborate with influencers from completely different fields—fashion, gaming, food, or even comedy.

Imagine teaming up with a popular fashion designer to create a unique line of merchandise. It could be a viral TikTok creator for a series of funny skits about the behind-the-scenes of your music career.

Fans from these unexpected worlds will get curious about your music, and suddenly, you’re not just an artist; you’re a lifestyle.

Take a page from Davido; remember what he did with Kai Kenat when the latter (Kenat) flew to Nigeria. With that, Davido didn’t need to have a song out at the time to keep his name in conversations.

You can do the same too and gain access to a new audience.

2. Host a "No Music" Collaboration

This could be a podcast, YouTube series, or Instagram Live session. No music. Just share your process, talk about your inspirations, or debate the weirdest conspiracy theories in the music industry.

This is about creating a new type of connection with your fans—one that’s rooted in personality, not just music.

You don’t always need music to bring in a new crowd.

3. Crowdsource the Collaboration

What if your next collab wasn’t even with another artist or influencer?

Imagine crowdsourcing ideas from your fans. Let them decide what direction the music or video should take, whether it's the style, the concept, or even the features. Involve them in the creative process, letting them feel like they’re a part of something special.

This creates a deep connection because fans are no longer passive listeners—they’re co-creators.

Nigerian artist Odunsi (The Engine) has leveraged his fanbase’s creativity in unique ways, letting fans shape the outcome of his releases.

When fans feel involved, they’re more likely to promote your work and help spread it.

4. Make Playlists That Tell a Story

Your playlists should not be just… Playlists. Make them mini experiences.

Imagine creating a playlist with another artist that feels like a journey. You could go for “Afrobeat Adventures” or “Chill Vibes for Rainy Days,” mixing your songs with theirs and throwing in a few fan favorites.

But here’s where it gets cool—record some voice notes explaining why you picked certain songs. Picture this: “This track reminds me of late nights in Lagos, where I first got inspired to write my song.”

Suddenly, the playlist isn’t just music; it’s a vibe your fans and theirs want to be part of.

Don’t Follow the Crowd—Stand Out

We all know that collaborations can be a game-changer when done right, but it’s time to stop following the same old patterns. Get weird with it. Get creative.

The strategies outlined here aren’t the usual, but that’s exactly why chances are high that they’ll work—they break the rules in the book and make people take notice.

So, which of them will you do to shake up the scene? Challenge expectations, and watch your fanbase grow in ways you never imagined.

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.