It’s been a year of incredible growth in the world of African music.
Music from every corner of the African continent, from West Africa’s contemporary, vibrant Afrobeats supergenre to South Africa’s groovy, bubbling amapiano scene, has continued expanding its reach across the globe, while further embedding itself in the U.S. pop market. Rema & Selena Gomez‘s “Calm Down” and Tyla‘s “Water” both became top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards and American Music Awards added new categories honoring African music. And Uncle Waffles became the first amapiano act to perform at Coachella, while Burna Boy became the first Nigerian act to headline a U.S. stadium during his stint at NYC’s Citi Field.
And we wanted to honor the breadth of work by the continent’s established and emerging stars this year by sharing our individual favorite African songs (with an accompanying Spotify playlist) and albums of 2023, which can be found below.
Heran’s Favorite African Songs of 2023
- Tyla, “Water”
- Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable”
- Libianca, “People”
- Amaarae, “Princess Going Digital”
- Teni, “No Days Off”
- Adekunle Gold with Zinoleesky, “Party No Dey Stop”
- Crayon & Ayra Starr, “Ngozi”
- Victor Thompson & Ehis “D” Greatest, “THIS YEAR (Blessings)”
- Ruger, “Tour”
- Muzi, “eMtunzini”
Dan’s Favorite African Songs of 2023
- Davido feat. Morravey, “In The Garden”
- Teni feat. ODUMODUBLVCK, “Devil Dance”
- Olamide, “Problem”
- Asake, “2:30”
- BNXN, Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez, “GWAGWALADA”
- Khaid, “Jolie”
- King Promise, “Terminator”
- Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr & Young Jonn, “Stamina”
- Lil Kesh, “Bus Stop”
- Libianca, “People”
Heran’s Favorite African Albums of 2023
- Amaarae, Fountain Baby
- June Freedom, 7 Seas
- Bloody Civilian, Anger Management
- Tay Iwar, Summer Breeze
- Teni, TEARS OF THE SUN
- Davido, Timeless
- Asake, Work of Art
- Burna Boy, I Told Them…
- Spinall, Top Boy
- Bnxn, Sincerely, Benson
Dan’s Favorite African Albums of 2023
- Davido, Timeless
- Teni, TEARS OF THE SUN
- Olamide, Unruly
- Asake, Work of Art
- Kizz Daniel, Maverick
- Spinall, Top Boy
- Lil Kesh, Rhythm & Tunes EP
- Joeboy, Body & Soul
- Amaarae, Fountain Baby
- Burna Boy, I Told Them…
And check out our last Fresh Picks of 2023, while keeping up with the hottest new Afrobeats releases before the year is over with our Spotify playlist below.
