27 Best Songs About Africa
Contents
21. “Liberian Girl” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1987
From the King of Pop, “Liberian Girl” debuted on the album Bad even though Jackson had written it in 1983. The song honors the woman he loves and is an empowering song for Liberian women in particular. The Liberian population was especially proud to be on Jackson’s radar.
22. “Africans” by Nneka
Song year: 2007
Nneka is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who fuses genres like reggae, afrobeat, soul, hip hop, and R&B. Her songs combine languages, from English to Igbo, to Nigerian Pidgin.
“Africans” recounts the African history of colonialism, slavery, and a turbulent modern history of corruption, civil wars, and oppression. She pleads with her African people to quit repeating past mistakes.
23. “Africa Bamba” by Santana
Song year: 1999
From famed Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana, “Africa Bamba” is a cheerful, Afro-Latino song that embraces the musical culture of Afro-Latinos all over Latin America and the world.
Music and dance are a way to shed light in the face of sadness or oppression, a practice Santana attributes to Africa.
24. “It’s Nearly Africa” by XTC
Song year: 1982
“It’s Nearly Africa” is from British post-punk rock band XTC’s fifth album, English Settlement. Frontman Andy Partridge wrote “It’s Nearly Africa” about the discomfort he feels living in modern times. He views the modern society in which he lives on the brink of disaster.
25. “Mozambique” by Bob Dylan
Song year: 1976
Bob Dylan is as much a poet as he is a singer and songwriter. The 1976 classic, “Mozambique,” is a poetic depiction of the pristine beaches of its namesake African nation. While Dylan is known for his politically charged, progressive, and activist lyrics, “Mozambique” remains lighthearted and romantic.
26. “Out of Africa” by John Barry
Song year: 1985
John Barry wrote and composed the song for the 1985 movie Out of Africa, starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. In keeping with the theme of the movie, the song is romantic and beautifully played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It won an Oscar at the Academy Awards for Best Original Score.
27. “Biko” by Peter Gabriel
Song year: 1980
English rock musician Peter Gabriel wrote Biko in solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement. It goes back and forth between English lyrics and native South African dialects. The song honors the late anti-apartheid activist Bantu Biko who died three years before the song was released as the result of police brutality.
Top Songs About Africa, Final Thoughts
Africa is a fascinating, beautiful, and complex continent that has inspired musical traditions around the world. Whether it’s a lighthearted ode to African paradise or an activist song against government oppression, the above list of songs about Africa expresses a variety of themes and sentiments.
