Music has always been a key element to societies across Africa and in 2015 the industry grew in leaps and bounds.
‘Lets open our eyes’ was a major hit in 2015, the song that received massive airplay in both radio and Chadian television. 10 Chadian artists came together to raise awareness about Islamist group, Boko Haram. And to ensure the message spread beyond Chad it was done in several different languages including French and English.
“We truly extend this call of vigilance to all the people who have experienced attacks, who are at risk of attack, or who are being threatened. We call on everyone to be vigilant….”Rays’s Kim, head of vigilance collective and rapper
Chad is part of a regional military task force fighting Boko Haram. The Nigerian militant group has killed thousands during its insurgency. And then there was a major hit from Nigeria, Nigerian pianist and songwriter, Cobhams Asuquo…with a message of peace and hope. Although visually-impaired this did not stop him from pursuing his goal to become a musician. His work is a fusion of different genres including, RnB, Jazz, classical music and various African rhythms.
“I would sleep on many studio floors and I would dream of owning my own studio you know, and there was a time in my life, a time I describe as poor, broke and homeless when I just went from studio to studio and I just made music and it didn’t matter what I got paid,” Cobhams Asuquo, Musician
Cobhams optimism and drive have propelled him to the top of Nigeria’s charts.
Mali has always had an incredibly vibrant music industry. Despite Islamist militants banning several activities in the north of the country this band …beat great odds to bring their music to the world.
“It was a question of life or death there not only for us in particular but for the whole population of civilians. We are talking about jihad here, we are talking about Islamists, we are talking about the armed groups. ” Aliou Tour, Songhoy blues singer/guitarist
While the band’s music is mainly the fusion of rhythms and tunes from the north and the south of Mali. They are also influenced by a lot of modern western musicians, including the legendary Jimi Hendrix.
This year also saw award-winning artist Stromae perform in the DR Congo, 6,000 people packed the parking lot of the Pullman Grand Hotel to watch him deliver hit after hit. But an unexpected illness saw him cancel his last two appearances of his first African tour.
“I think Congolese music gave birth to many movements, especially in Nigeria currently or in Ivory Coast, etc. For me, the Congo is of paramount importance musically….” Stromae, Musician
So, an iconic year for music in Africa in 2015 and we’re certainly looking forward to what 2016 will bring next.
