Zed Beats artists aren’t known for political songs, but they’ve become so popular that they’re used to mobilise voters during elections.
Articles on African popular culture
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One of ten young Malian musicians chosen to study in Cuba, he would pioneer his own brand of African salsa.
Famous around the world, rolex is a symbol of national pride. It has multicultural roots, creates employment and reflects deeper issues in society.
Released in 1997, Vulindlela reflects the optimism of a democratic South Africa – but Fassie’s ‘bad girl’ image also asks who is really welcome in this new society.
The book tells the inside story of how they changed the sound of urban pop.
With Renaissance, Beyoncé is again shaping pop culture, honouring black disco pioneers and Africa’s rise.
Nigerian popular music - Afrobeats - is storming the world’s stages. But it’s just the latest stage in a vibrant century of recorded music in the country.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a new genre of popular protest - its spirit would be felt even in 2011 when protests toppled a dictator.
From oil disasters in Mauritius to street artists in South Africa, the story of rubbish in the media helps shape popular culture and environmental change.
Top contributors
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Potsdam
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Associate of the Gordon Institute for Business Science, University of Pretoria
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Lecturer in Music, University of Nigeria
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PhD candidate, Sapienza University of Rome
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Professor in Media Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
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Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg
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Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, Makerere University
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Professor emeritus of music, SOAS, University of London
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Lecturer, Arts and Musicology Department, Copperbelt University