For years, the phrase ‘Africa rising’ was applied to the continent’s growing economies and vibrant business space. But it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the phrase could equally be applied to Africa’s music scene.
While these collaborations have historic precedent — think about Miriam Makeba’s work with Harry Belafonte in the 1960s or Lady Smith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in the 1980s — they have never come thicker, faster, or included a more diverse collection of artistes from across the continent than they do today.
It’s difficult to pinpoint when the trickle became a torrent, but there have been a few seminal moments. The inclusion of several South African artistes, including Babes Wodumo, Sjava, Yugen Blakrok, and Saudi, on the soundtrack for Marvel blockbuster Black Panther, is just one example.
