27 Best Songs About Africa
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11. “Marrakesh Express” by Crosby Stills and Nash
Song year: 1969
The quintessential band of the ’60s and early ’70s, Crosby Stills Nash’s music is famous for being the overriding theme of 60s counterculture, Woodstock, and free love. “Marakesh Express” has the trio harmonizing in their characteristic sound over the gorgeous scenery in the North African country of Morocco.
The lyrics offer vivid descriptions of the markets, brightly painted buildings, and lively culture experienced by the narrator as he travels from town to town on a train with his lover.
12. “Africa Talks to You: The Asphalt Jungle” by Sly and the Family Stone
Song year: 1971
From Sly and the Family Stone’s fifth album, There’s a Riot Going On, “Africa Talks to You: The Asphalt Jungle is a long-lasting psychedelic funk song with high-pitched lyrics repeated over and over.
The Asphalt Jungle may refer more to urban lifestyles, while the lyrics themselves are more about uncertainty, the purpose of life, and living life for yourself instead of trying to live up to societal expectations.
13. “Africa Is Where My Heart Lies” by Miriam Makeba
Song year: 2000
Miriam Makeba is a beloved South African soul singer whose song Africa is Where My Heart Lies has been a theme song of South African Freedom Day since its release on Freedom Day back in 2000.
This patriotic and poignant song about feeling connected to your homeland will strike a chord with any listener who is proud of where they come from. In fact, the Grammy-nominated album that features this song is called Homeland.
14. “Mama Africa” by Peter Tosh
Song year: 1983
Mama Africa is the first song on the album of the same name from former Wailers member and famed solo reggae artist Peter Tosh. Like Bob Marley and many of the reggae artists of his generation, Tosh was a Rastafarian.
Thus, “Mama Africa” expresses the credence of Rastafarianism. Tosh self-identifies as a displaced African, idealizing and honoring his homeland, waiting excitedly for the day he’s reunited with his “Mama Africa.”
15. “Land Of Promise” by Nas and Damien Marley
Song year: 2010
Bob Marley fathered many children who in turn went on to become famous reggae artists in their own right. Damien Marley may be the most famous of the Marley children. He collaborates with rapper Nas on this Afrocentric song, written in the Rastafarian vernacular.
The Land of Promise refers to Africa as the promised land, a utopia here on earth for all African descendants. Marley goes on to compare different cities in Africa to the most iconic cities, states, and neighborhoods in the U.S. He romanticizes Africa as a land of plenty, with just as much high society, culture, and entertainment as New York or Las Vegas.
16. “African Mailman” by Nina Simone
Song year: 1959
Nina Simone is one of the most beloved jazz singers and Black activists of a generation; her voice and unapologetic presence are a source of inspiration for both Blacks and women everywhere.
“African Mailman” is an instrumental jazz song on Simone’s debut album Little Girl Blue, recorded live from a jazz club two years before it was released. “African Mailman” wasn’t on the original 1959 release, appearing years later after Simone had garnered national fame.
17. “Mama Africa” by Chico Cesar
Song year: 1995
Famous Brazilian singer, songwriter, and poet Chico Cesar wrote “Mama Africa” as an ode to single motherhood and the struggles of the oppressed African and black race.
Mama Africa is a metaphor for the African and black experience wherein a single mother has to endure the harsh conditions of day labor on top of her responsibilities as a mother.
The lyrics are in Cesar’s native Brazilian language of Portuguese, and despite their profound and serious nature, the melody is a catchy reggae sound that’s garnered worldwide popularity.
18. “Africa Lando” by Novalima
Song year: 2009
Novalima is an Afro-Peruvian hip-hop and electronic group with a unique sound that uses traditional African drumming with electronic beats and a funky melody. The lead vocals come from a woman with a male voice chiming in and joining her in the chorus.
The unique blend of Latin salsa sound with African percussion, a funky bassline, and urban sounds make for a wonderful auditory experience.
19. “Under African Skies” by Paul Simon
Song year: 1986
Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel was the true poet of the duo, so when he launched a solo career, he garnered even more awards and acclaim. A case in point is the album Graceland, an eclectic album that runs the gamut of genres and famous guests.
From Graceland, “Under African Skies” is inspired by recordings Simon listened to from South African singers. The album was in solidarity with African activists in their fight to dismantle Apartheid.
20. “Nefertiti” by Miles Davis
Song year: 1968
Nefertiti is both the name of the album and the song from iconic jazz musician Miles Davis. Nefertiti, an Egyptian queen, was the muse for this acoustic album. Ironically, Miles Davis didn’t write any of the songs on this album. The composer who wrote “Nefertiti” is a famous saxophonist named Wayne Shorter.
