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Residential Life

Eniola's Blog: Celebrating African Artists

By RAEniola 24 Oct 2021

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

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