Playlist: Post-independence riffraff
Mayuyuka Kaunda has compiled an epic 40-track playlist of songs by musicians of African descent that question ideas of spirituality, commerce and geopolitics.
Musical artists of today infuse Pan-Africanism into their work in differing ways; with some choosing to be overt while others opt for the deft and subliminal — from the exploration of the personal on Stogie T’s ‘Sins of Our Father’s’, anti-war commentary in Asa’s ‘Fire on the Mountain’ and King Lutendo’s heritage-celebrating ‘Fhedza Vhothe’. Whether in their personal views, lyrics, choice of instruments, production techniques or choice of collaborators, these artists continue the work of their predecessors; they continue to (re)imagining what ‘Africanness’ is.
Kick back and listen to the playlist on Spotify:
Full track listing:
1. King Lutendo — Fhedza Vhothe
2. M.anifest — Rich People Problems
3. Burna Boy — Another Story
4. M.I Abaga — Do you know you are, take some time to meditate on you
5. The Us — Magwala
6. HHP — Harambe
7. Sampa the Great — The Return
8. Akua Naru — Kaya
9. Blitz The Ambassador — Hello Africa
10. K’NAAN — Wavin’ Flag
11. Nneka — From Africa 2 U
12. Ayo — Slow, Slow (Run Run)
13. Nas & Damian Marley — Tribes At War
14. Calypso Rose — Back to Africa
15. Zubz — No Place Like Home
16. Asa — Fire on the Mountain
17. BLK JKS — Harare
18. Bongo Mafiin — One Africa
19. Kwesi Arthur — Colours
20. Jo Kunnuji Experiment — Adura Fun Afrika
21. King Lutendo — Black Soul
22. Stogie T — Sins of Our Fathers
23. Amanda Black — Afrika
24. Shane Eagle — Vanya
25. Muzi — Stimela seGolide
26. Solo — See Plenty Dreams
27. Tumi and the Volume — La tete savante
28. DemiMa — Sondela
29. DJ Khalab — Black Noise
30. Adekunle Gold — Back to Start
31. Blinky Bill — Oh Wah
32. Orquestra Akokan — No Te Hagas
33. Mr Eazi — Life is Eazi
34. Africa Express — Johannesburg
35. Seun Kuti — Struggle Sounds
36. Petite Noir — Beach
37. Daara J — Paris Dakar
38. Reason — Azania
39. Walshy Fire — African Lady
40. Wale — Black is Gold
Kaunda is a writer and music curator. Currently, he shares his insights on Red Bull Music and OkayAfrica, while copywriting and playlisting contemporary African music for Apple Music.
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