There are few better ways to celebrate Africa month all month than putting Bongeziwe Mabandla’s specially compiled Apple Music playlist on repeat.
His playlist forms part of Africa Is featuring music from West Africa, Francophone Africa, East Africa, Lusophone Africa, and Southern Africa, with 18 exclusive guest playlists that are all inspired by what it means to be African.
“Africa Is… royalty. I call this the African Royals playlist,” says Bongeziwe of his palyist. “I have selected some of the top artists and songs from different generations and origin in Africa. Our musical journey starts in Angola then heads South to the beautiful Zimbabwe, and then up north to Mali the birthplace of music legends and creators of some of the most beautiful music in the world.
“I have included a lot of the young female musicians mostly coming from Southern Africa that bring new ideals and approach to music. We then venture to contemporary Cameroon and back to South Africa to visit icons that made musical history during and post the struggle. And ending with one of my songs – ‘Isiphelo’. Where I am as an artist is influenced by everyone in this playlist. These are the artists I love. I listen to them at home and make me so proud to be African.”
Listen right now, right here.
