Songs About Africa have long captured the hearts and imaginations of listeners around the world.
These songs highlight the continent’s diverse cultures, vibrant landscapes, and powerful history.
Through melodies and lyrics, artists express their love for Africa, drawing inspiration from its beauty and spirit.
Whether it’s traditional rhythms or modern beats, music about Africa bridges the gap between cultures and generations.
In this post, we’ll explore a wide range of songs that celebrate Africa, offering a glimpse into the stories and emotions behind each track.
From heartfelt ballads to energetic anthems, each song carries the essence of Africa’s unique charm.
1. “It’s Nearly Africa” by XTC (1982)
About this song:
- Album: English Settlement
- Released: 1982
- Artist: XTC
- Genre: New Wave
- Key Lyric: “It’s nearly Africa, it’s nearly everywhere.”
“It’s Nearly Africa” was released as part of the English Settlement album in 1982, marking XTC’s experimental phase.
The song’s lyrics and tribal rhythms reflect the band’s fascination with the natural world and African culture.
Andy Partridge, the lead singer, was inspired by the continent’s untamed beauty and the idea of reconnecting with the earth.
XTC explores the primal connection between humans and nature, with Africa representing this ideal.
The song uses imagery of the landscape and people, blending it into a metaphor about humanity’s roots.
2. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira (2010)
About this song:
- Album: Sale el Sol
- Released: 2010
- Artist: Shakira
- Genre: Pop, Afrobeat
- Key Lyric: “This time for Africa!”
“Waka Waka” was the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa.
Shakira collaborated with the South African band Freshlyground to create a song full of energy and African rhythm.
The track celebrates unity, strength, and the spirit of Africa, bringing global attention to African culture.
The lyrics encourage perseverance and victory, echoing the vibrancy of the World Cup.
It’s become a symbol of African pride, as well as an international hit that resonated with millions.
3. “African Beauty” by Diamond Platnumz ft. OMARION (2018)
About this song:
- Album: A Boy from Tandale
- Released: 2018
- Artist: Diamond Platnumz ft. OMARION
- Genre: Afro-pop, R&B
- Key Lyric: “African beauty, ya you are the remedy.”
Released in 2018, “African Beauty” is a celebration of African women’s grace and elegance.
Diamond Platnumz collaborated with American R&B singer OMARION to bridge African and Western music styles.
The song’s lyrics praise the beauty of African women and the strength of African culture.
Composed during Diamond Platnumz’s rise as a major Afrobeat artist, it highlights love and appreciation for Africa’s allure.
Its upbeat rhythms reflect the modern Afro-pop genre, blending local sounds with international influence.
4. “Africa Lando” by Novalima (2009)
About this song:
- Album: Coba Coba
- Released: 2009
- Artist: Novalima
- Genre: Afro-Peruvian, Electronic
- Key Lyric: “Lando, a rhythm from Africa, danced all over the world.”
“Africa Lando” blends traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms with modern electronic beats released in 2009.
Novalima, a Peruvian group, draws inspiration from African influence on Latin American music, particularly in the genre of Lando.
The song reflects the historical connection between Africa and Latin America, focusing on cultural migration.
The band’s experimental style brings African musical heritage to the forefront, mixed with contemporary sounds.
It serves as a tribute to Africa’s enduring impact on global music, highlighting Afro-Peruvian culture.
5. “Africa” by Toto (1982)
About this song:
- Album: Toto IV
- Released: 1982
- Artist: Toto
- Genre: Rock, Pop
- Key Lyric: “I bless the rains down in Africa.”
“Africa” was released in 1982 as part of Toto IV, quickly becoming a global anthem.
The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, drawing from Paich’s fascination with Africa.
Its lyrics depict a deep yearning and emotional connection to the continent despite the writers never having been there.
The song blends rock with a hint of African musical influences, representing a Western idealized vision of the continent.
“Africa” continues to resonate with fans for its nostalgic melody and uplifting message about the natural beauty of Africa.
6. “Under African Skies” by Paul Simon (1986)
About this song:
- Album: Graceland
- Released: 1986
- Artist: Paul Simon
- Genre: Worldbeat, Folk
- Key Lyric: “This is the story of how we begin to remember.”
“Under African Skies” was released on Paul Simon’s groundbreaking album Graceland in 1986.
The song reflects Simon’s journey to South Africa, where he collaborated with local musicians and was inspired by African culture.
It speaks about memories and storytelling, combining African rhythms with Simon’s folk background.
Simon’s lyrics reference his admiration for the beauty of Africa’s skies and the continent’s deep connection to music and tradition.
The song is a testament to cross-cultural collaboration, bringing African sounds to a global audience through Western pop.
7. “African Queen” by 2Baba (2004)
About this song:
- Album: Face 2 Face
- Released: 2004
- Artist: 2Baba
- Genre: Afro-pop
- Key Lyric: “You are my African Queen, the girl of my dreams.”
“African Queen” is one of 2Baba’s most iconic songs, released in 2004 as part of his debut solo album Face 2 Face.
The song celebrates the beauty, grace, and uniqueness of African women, making it an anthem of African pride.
Written during a time of emerging Afro-pop dominance, it helped solidify 2Baba’s reputation across Africa and beyond.
“African Queen” has been hailed for its smooth blend of R&B and Afrobeat, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The song’s affectionate portrayal of African women has made it a timeless tribute to African beauty and culture.
8. “Africa Bamba” by Santana (1999)
About this song:
- Album: Supernatural
- Released: 1999
- Artist: Santana
- Genre: Latin Rock, Worldbeat
- Key Lyric: “Africa Bamba, our roots come from the sacred ground.”
“Africa Bamba” was released in 1999 on Santana’s critically acclaimed album Supernatural.
The song highlights the connection between African and Latin music, a theme central to Santana’s career.
Its title pays homage to African roots, exploring the shared cultural heritage between Africa and Latin America.
Santana’s distinctive guitar work is paired with African-inspired rhythms, creating a cross-cultural fusion.
The song emphasizes the sacred and spiritual ties that bind Africa to the rest of the world, making it a powerful celebration of heritage.
9. “Africa Is Where My Heart Lies” by Miriam Makeba (2000)
About this song:
- Album: Homeland
- Released: 2000
- Artist: Miriam Makeba
- Genre: Afro-jazz, World
- Key Lyric: “Africa is where my heart lies, it’s where I belong.”
“Africa Is Where My Heart Lies” was released in 2000 as part of Miriam Makeba’s album Homeland, her first album in 15 years.
The song reflects Makeba’s emotional return to South Africa after years of exile during the apartheid regime.
It celebrates the resilience of the African people and Makeba’s deep love for her homeland.
Known as “Mama Africa,” Makeba’s powerful voice brings the song to life, blending African rhythms with jazz.
The song resonates as both a personal journey and a broader reflection of Africa’s struggle and triumph.
10. “Mama África” by Chico César (1995)
About this song:
- Album: Cuscuz Clã
- Released: 1995
- Artist: Chico César
- Genre: MPB, Afro-Brazilian
- Key Lyric: “Mama África, the whole world owes you.”
“Mama África” was released in 1995 on Chico César’s album Cuscuz Clã, becoming one of his signature tracks.
The song reflects on the historical and cultural debts owed to Africa by the rest of the world.
It blends Brazilian music with African rhythms, showcasing the Afro-Brazilian influence on César’s work.
The lyrics honor Africa as the cradle of civilization with a call for recognition of the continent’s contributions.
“Mama África” is both a tribute to the resilience of African people and a reminder of their enduring influence on global culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Songs About Africa offer a unique way to celebrate the continent’s rich culture, history, and beauty.
From traditional rhythms to modern pop, these songs resonate with listeners across the globe, connecting people through powerful melodies and stories.
Each track reflects the artists’ deep admiration for Africa, showcasing its influence on music worldwide.
By exploring Songs About Africa, we gain insight into the continent’s spirit and the timeless impact it has on our collective musical heritage.
Whether you’re new to African-inspired music or a longtime fan, these songs will undoubtedly inspire and uplift you.