The UK's
African Music
Guide
Bringing together the UK's vibrant African music scene
Calabash!
Celebrates Africa!
Africa has the most diverse and exciting music on the planet.
Discover the latest releases – from Africa, the diaspora and homegrown talent in the UK with an African flavour!
Keep up with what’s on – with our events and gig guide dedicated to African music.
Enjoy our playlists – of songs from the latest African music releases and artists on stage in the UK.
COVID 19
Please follow venue guidelines – lets beat this!
Tony Allen photo credit : Bernard Benant
News, features & reviews
Ballaké Sissoko and Sona Jobarteh in masterful Kora collaboration
Malian kora maestro Ballaké Sissoko duets with leading Gambian Kora player Sona Jobarteh on the new single ’Djourou’ – the title track of his forthcoming album due out on 9 April 2021. The single is accompanied by a live video – watch it here or stream on all platforms.
Toumani Diabaté & The London Symphony Orchestra
‘Kôrôlén’ is a very special collaboration that elevates ancient griot melodies and Western orchestral arrangements to a beautiful and fresh sound. LISTEN to the FIRST TRACK from the album HERE.
IBALI releases single ‘Revelation’ A trumpet call to the youth of Africa
IBALI is a renowned Cameroonian musician and songwriter who uses his music as a weapon for change. With a blend of Makossa, Jazz and Afrobeat; with shades of Fela Kuti, his latest single release ‘Revelation’ deplores the reality of bad leaders, poor health care, infrastructure and education across Africa. The poignant video of this release certainly adds weight to the cause – watch it here
Album of the Month – January 2021
Urban Village are a quartet who grew up in the township of Soweto at the tail end of apartheid. Creating a unique spin on South Africa’s multiple musical genres, ‘Udondolo’ explores traditional Maskandi, zulu guitar, and jazz whilst blending their own indie folk with soulful harmonies that pays homage to the culture and people of Soweto.
Stay home, get cosy and embrace the potent and seductive melodies of Urban Village; you just might forget about the big bad world out there for a while.
Don't miss these
live and online events!
Out on the town
SHARE