17 Best African Songs of All Time: Top 17 Must-Listen

Hey there, music enthusiasts! It’s your friend TBone here, spinning the decks and turning up the bass at Level Tunes.

As a lifelong DJ and devoted music fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible diversity and rich cultural heritage found in African music.

It’s a tapestry of beats and melodies that is often overlooked in the mainstream scene.

So, I’ve decided to put together a list of the 17 best African songs of all time, showcasing the rhythm, passion, and spirit of this vast continent.

This is for all of you who are just as excited as I am to broaden your musical horizons. Let’s explore together, shall we?

Here are the best African songs of all time that you can check out:

List Of Best African Songs of All Time

Top African Tunes of all time in a list format:

1. “Yeke Yeke” – Mory Kanté (1987, Barclay Records)

Mory Kanté’s “Yeke Yeke,” from his album “Akwaba Beach,” is a mesmerizing concoction of pop and traditional Guinean music. Its infectious beat and Kanté’s soaring vocals made it the first African song to sell over a million copies. The song, a testament to the enchanting power of African rhythms, made me appreciate the fluid blend of cultural authenticity and contemporary sound. The layers of balafon (a kind of wooden xylophone), percussion, and Kanté’s resonating voice turn it into a tune that never leaves you.

2. “Jailer” – Asa (2007, Naïve Records)

From her self-titled debut album, Asa’s “Jailer” is a soulful, reggae-infused ballad that condemns societal oppression and calls for personal freedom. Asa’s velvety voice and honest lyrics struck me deeply, creating a resounding narrative that transcends borders. The song also features impressive performances from Janet Nwose as the backing vocalist and rhythm guitarist Nicolas Mollard.

3. “African Queen” – 2Face Idibia (2004, Kennis Music)

One of Africa’s most celebrated love songs, “African Queen” is from 2Face Idibia’s debut solo album “Face 2 Face”. The song is a beautiful celebration of African women, and its smooth blend of reggae and R&B showcased a fresh sound that catapulted 2Face to global recognition. This romantic ballad’s universal appeal to love and admiration made it an easy pick for this list.

4. “Wombo Lombo” – Angélique Kidjo (1996, Island Records)

From the album “Fifa,” Angélique Kidjo’s “Wombo Lombo” is an irresistible dance tune with vibrant rhythms and infectious melodies. The mix of traditional Beninese music with contemporary pop and the energy that Kidjo brings to this song is pure magic. Her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals featuring guitarist Lionel Loueke makes “Wombo Lombo” a classic that’s hard to forget.

5. “Zombie” – Fela Kuti (1977, Coconut Records)

A radical masterpiece from Fela Kuti’s album of the same name, “Zombie” is a biting critique of the Nigerian military regime delivered through hypnotic afrobeat rhythms. Fela’s courage to challenge authority, combined with the relentless groove of this song, captured by drummer Tony Allen and the rest of Afrika 70, is why “Zombie” had to make this list.

6. “Agolo” – Angélique Kidjo (1994, Island Records)

Another hit from Angélique Kidjo, “Agolo” from her album “Aye” is an upbeat song with a universal environmental message. Her mix of traditional Beninese elements, pop influences, and powerful voice make this Grammy-nominated song a must-listen for all music fans.

7. “Mama Africa” – Akon (2007, Universal Music Group)

“Mama Africa” is from Akon’s second studio album “Konvicted”. This song, a tribute to Akon’s homeland, with its catchy chorus, a fusion of hip-hop and reggae, exemplifies his African roots. His lyrical prowess and the rhythmic blend of modern beats and traditional elements are what make this song a modern African classic.

8. “Toumba” – Youssou N’Dour (1984, Virgin Records)

From his album “Immigrés”, Youssou N’Dour’s “Toumba” showcases his impressive vocal range and the spirited rhythms of Senegal. Youssou N’Dour is one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, and this song’s heartfelt storytelling and infectious beats embody the soul of Senegal, making it an essential pick for this list.

9. “Mandela Day” – Simple Minds (1989, A&M Records)

“Mandela Day” is a tribute to Nelson Mandela by Scottish rock band Simple Minds from their album “Street Fighting Years”. This song, though not African by origin, has such a significant cultural and political relevance to Africa, which justifies its inclusion in this list. Its soul-stirring lyrics, heartening message, and memorable melody have made it an anthem for freedom and equality.

10. “Koze Kuse” – DJ Merlon ft. Mondli Ngcobo (2014, Universal Music (Pty) Ltd)

“Koze Kuse” is a captivating house track by South African DJ Merlon featuring Mondli Ngcobo, from his album “Original Copy”. This song takes listeners on a musical journey with its pulsating beats and Ngcobo’s rich, resonant vocals. Its innovative approach to modern African dance music is why it earned a spot on this list.

11. “Sweet Mother” – Prince Nico Mbarga (1976, Rogers All Stars)

Prince Nico Mbarga’s “Sweet Mother,” from the album “Aki Special,” is one of the most beloved African songs of all time. This highlife classic celebrates motherhood with joyful rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, selling over 13 million copies. Its sweet, simple message and the nostalgic feeling it evokes have made it a timeless African anthem.

12. “Pata Pata” – Miriam Makeba (1967, Reprise Records)

From the album of the same name, “Pata Pata” by South African singer Miriam Makeba is a lively tune that captivated global audiences with its upbeat tempo and Makeba’s charismatic voice. This dance song, performed in Xhosa language, helped put African music on the global map, earning its rightful place on this list.

13. “Neria” – Oliver Mtukudzi (1993, Sheer Sound)

“Neria” by Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi, from the album “Tuku Music,” is a poignant ballad that speaks of the struggles of a widow. Mtukudzi’s husky voice and touching lyrics, set to the mellow sounds of the mbira (thumb piano) and acoustic guitar, make this song a touching experience, embodying the essence of African storytelling.

14. “Umqombothi” – Yvonne Chaka Chaka (1988, Roy B. Records)

South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Umqombothi,” from the album “I’m Burning Up,” is a vibrant tune that celebrates the African beer, Umqombothi. The rhythmic beats, catchy chorus, and Chaka Chaka’s powerful performance make it an unforgettable African dance classic.

15. “Nwa Baby” – Flavour N’abania (2010, 2nite Entertainment)

From the album “Uplifted”, “Nwa Baby” by Nigerian artist Flavour N’abania is a high-energy Afropop tune known for its infectious beat and Flavour’s distinctive vocals. It’s a love song that effortlessly combines modern and traditional sounds, making it a staple in African music.

16. “Seven Seconds” – Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry (1994, Columbia Records)

This powerful collaboration between Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry from the album “The Guide (Wommat)” transcends language barriers with its message of universal love and understanding. The song’s blending of African rhythms and Western pop, along with its globally relevant message, make it a classic worthy of this list.

17. “Premier Gaou” – Magic System (2002, Next Music)

“Premier Gaou” by Ivorian group Magic System, from their album of the same name, is an electrifying dance track that represents the energy and vibrancy of Coupé-Decalé, a popular music genre in Ivory Coast. Its fast-paced rhythm, catchy hook, and the exhilarating performance by the group members make it an ultimate party anthem and an essential inclusion in this list.

Fun Facts: Top African Tracks of All Time

“Yeke Yeke” – Mory Kanté

Fun Fact: Mory Kanté’s “Yeke Yeke” was such a hit in Europe that it was later remixed by various DJs and even reached the top of the European charts, making Kanté the first African artist to achieve a million-selling single in Europe.

“Jailer” – Asa

Fun Fact: Asa wrote “Jailer” as a social commentary based on her own experiences and observations growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. The term “Jailer” represents anyone who uses their position to oppress others, a metaphorical figure that can take many forms in different societal contexts.

“African Queen” – 2Face Idibia

Fun Fact: “African Queen” was so popular upon release that it was used as the soundtrack for the film “Phat Girlz” in 2006, which introduced the song to an even wider global audience.

“Zombie” – Fela Kuti

Fun Fact: “Zombie” was a controversial song that critiqued the Nigerian military. The song led to violent repercussions from the government, including a raid on Fela’s commune, during which his mother was fatally injured.

“Mama Africa” – Akon

Fun Fact: Akon’s “Mama Africa” features samples from the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a famous tune which itself originates from a South African folk song.

“Pata Pata” – Miriam Makeba

Fun Fact: “Pata Pata,” which translates to “touch touch” in Xhosa, was a major international hit and is said to be the first African song to reach the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Neria” – Oliver Mtukudzi

Fun Fact: “Neria” is also the soundtrack to a film of the same name. The film, like the song, addresses the challenges that African women face due to patriarchal traditions.

“Seven Seconds” – Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry

Fun Fact: “Seven Seconds” was a global hit that sold over 1.3 million copies in France alone and stayed at number one on the French Singles Chart for a record-breaking 16 weeks.

“Premier Gaou” – Magic System

Fun Fact: “Premier Gaou” is based on an Ivorian folk tale. The term “Gaou” refers to a naïve person in Ivorian slang, and the song tells a story of a man whose girlfriend leaves him when he’s poor, only to try and return when he’s successful.

And there you have it, music lovers! Our melodious journey across Africa’s rich tapestry of sounds and stories comes to an end. These 17 songs are just the tip of the iceberg, as Africa’s musical scene is vast and varied. So, keep exploring, keep listening, and remember, every tune tells a tale!

Thanks for reading.

TBone