African music Archives | This is Africa

Thomas Mapfumo hurts. For many reasons #Zimbabwe

Takura Zhangazha — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:46:22 +0000

From childhood nostalgia to writing sleeve notes in exile, Takura Zhangazha’s devotion to Thomas Mapfumo faces its ultimate test. As the Chimurenga icon plans a controversial 2026 return to Zimbabwe funded by the ultra-rich, Mukanya’s legacy hangs in the balance. Can a legendary champion of the poor perform for elites without bankrupting his revolutionary soul?

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Abdullah Ibrahim in the 1960s: how the famous pianist began to shape an African jazz sound

The Conversation — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:13:39 +0000

In exile, he imagined a different Africa in his music, while being exposed to new realities abroad.

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Beyond the Hits: How to Build Africa’s Sound as a Business

Beatrice Waruinge — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:38:06 +0000

Why professionalisation, not just talent, will decide who profits from the continent’s music boom.

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Africa’s Sound Is Global — But Where’s the Money?

Dannish Odongo — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:59:48 +0000

How the world fell in love with African music, and why the continent still earns less than 1% of global revenues.

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Syndicated Loverboy – Oliver Mtukudzi in Kwekwe

Onai Stanely Mushava — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:32:48 +0000

Recent damning revelations about Zimbabwean superstar, Oliver Mtukudzi’s paternal negligence divided public opinion. This piece revisits the songs Tuku wrote in the heat of his family controversies and libertine adventures. What influence did Kwekwe have on his career over his decade there with his new family and an abused daughter from his first marriage?

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