Jon Muq, courtesy Larry Niehues For Ugandan musician and songwriter Jon Muq, “flying away” carries hopeful connotations. The title of his debut album, Flying Away is the story of a young man from a village, learning English and music by listening to old records—starting with a CD of “We Are…

Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids rehearse a routine during a music video dance rehearsal with Eddy Kenzo (Edrisah Musuuza), in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 20, 2023. Photo by Badru Katumba/AFP. African music showcase Madaraka Festival is hitting the touring circuit this year and coming to the Fillmore on June…

A few popular artists in East Africa, clockwise from top left: Sauti Sol, Eddy Kenzo, Nina Ogot, Them Mushrooms, Mimi Mars and Diamond Platnumz. Skott Bennett/STAFF. The Grammys added a new category for 2024: Best African Performance. It’s a small step, as there are many dozens of musical styles…

Muzi, courtesy Earl Abrahams. Many music records carry a thematic vehicle that bridges songs, whether an artist planned it that way or not. For South African electronic singer-songwriter and producer Muzi, that vehicle was more literal than most: his late father’s Toyota Cressida. uMUZI  Muzi Fool’s Gold, out now…

JAIN, courtesy Manu Fauque. Jeanne Louise Galice doesn’t spend much time on social media. But the French singer-songwriter, better known as Jain, understands why it’s such a big deal that a good chunk of the world this summer is listening—and dancing on TikTok to—a song that she released in…

Sona Jobarteh, courtesy. For Sona Jobarteh, music isn’t just an artistic pursuit or career, but a responsibility to contribute to society and inspire future generations. That’s something of which she is herself a shining example as the first woman to master the kora. The instrument is a 21-string cross…

Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper, courtesy. For anyone interested in attending Chance the Rapper’s and Vic Mensa’s free one-day music festival in Ghana (Africa), United Airlines is providing a discount on travel. The discount is for between 5 and 10 percent off travel from the United States and…

Fally Ipupa, courtesy Emma Birski. He’s playing intimate clubs on his North American tour, but Fally Ipupa can sell out a 20,000-capacity arena in Paris and his native country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), he’s pretty much the biggest name in music right now. Fally Ipupa Remaining…