Summer is upon us full force, and nothing sounds better in summer than music from the continent and its global diaspora. Here are seven new video offerings for you to keep the summer vibe going.
Check out the full Afropop Top Videos playlist for all our recent selections. And remember, if you have suggestions of videos our fans would love, send them to info@afropop.org with the subject line “Top Videos 2024.” Enjoy!
Bob Marley and the Wailers: “Punky Reggae Party”
The man will never die! With the Marley biopic on screens everywhere and limited edition vinyl reissues proliferating, Cameroonian graphic artist Maxime Manga directed this new video of “Punky Reggae Party,” the B-side of the 1977 mega-hit “Jamming.” That year, the punk movement was coming on strong in the UK, and soon the world. Bob wanted in on the action.
Y.G. Marley “Praise Jah in the Moonlight”
While we’re on reggae, we featured this breakout hit on a recent edition of our podcast Planet Afropop. The son of Lauryn Hill and grandson of Bob himself, Y.G. scored a huge hit with this track, and now there’s a video. He’s got the voice and vibe of a rising star.
Yemi Alade” “Tomorrow Refix ft Loud Urban Choir”
Nigerian Afrobeats diva Yemi Alade is riding high on her lush track “Tomorrow.” In this reworking, it’s lusher still with awesome vocals by Loud Urban Choir. The name says it all. This one is total joy!
Burna Boy: “Higher”
The latest drop from Nigeria’s top star today is somewhat self-promotional, showcasing his social work and philanthropy in Lagos. But it’s a sweet track once it gets going, and a good model for others to emulate.
Tinariwen: “Sastamaqqam (Infinity Sessions)”
The pioneers of Tuareg desert rock are on the move again this summer. This studio performance comes from Auckland, but they’re currently on tour in the U.S. and Canada. Dates here.
Aaron & The Jeri Jeri Band: “Sunugal Remix by Le Kaiju”
This collaborative Afropop band, with strong Senegalese connections, just dropped a remix of their track “Sunugal” with French DJ Le Kaiju. The track is funky and fun, and the live animation video tells a story of migration and return.
QOHA: “Kampala ft. Tucker”
We were recently introduced to QOHA (pronounced KHO-hah), a rising star from Uganda, based in London. She’s got a powerful voice and an Afro-R&B sound with her band, but she also performs backed only by her guitarist. In this song/video, featuring rapper Tucker, she takes us into the streets of Kampala, not its glitz and glamour but rather on a ride on public transportation. Is this celebration or lament for the city? Maybe some of both.
