The Africa Music Awards is a highly anticipated ceremony across the continent. This is where Africa’s best artists are honored. Africa is a continent full of talent. Some of them are legendary musicians from the continent, others are on the rise – but at an incredibly fast pace.
The 10 Most Gifted Winners of the Africa Music Awards
In no particular order:
1. P square
This “duo” is worth mentioning at least severaltimes. When you think of music in Africa, P-square is a team that must be on your list. Twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye can really electrify a crowd. Her performances around the world have been ranked as exceptional. They’ve been in the industry for about a decade now and their growth is evident. They’ve done international singles with the likes of Rick Ross and Akon.
2. Miriam Makeba
Makeba, bless her soul, is one of the worlds iconic musicians. She was named a MAMA legend in 2010. In fact, she also goes by the nickname Mama Africa. She has been cited as an inspiration by many musicians today. In addition to being a musician, she was also an anti-apartheid activist. She went into exile for this reason. If there’s anyone who can handle multiple genres with ease, it has to be Miriam Makeba. She’s done practically everything from jazz to rock. Initially she started with jazz but her legacy consists of some of the best pop, folk, marabi, afro soul and rock songs. She is also a Grammy Award winner.
3. Eminem
Yes, he also won the MTV Africa Music Award. The same year Makeba was named MAMA Legend, Eminem received the Best International Artist award. He is definitely worth the price. Since then he’s only grown bigger, releasing hit after hit and collaborations that get played on your device over and over again. He is a world-renowned rapper, especially for his style. His lyrics are not mere rhymes, but they are understandable. This is one reason why people love his music. He is also a songwriter and has been in the music industry for more than three decades. He’s really making an impact on the industry. He has been touted to be among the smartest musicians.
4. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys speaks of smart musicians as artists are emulated. She has been cited as an influence on fast-rising stars like Emeli Sande. Keys is one of those musicians who can be said to have evolved tremendously. Her journey to where she is today has been dramatic, but changes are evident. She is stronger vocally; Her lyrics are more mature and very relatable. She is also an acclaimed pianist and actress.
5. 2Face Idibia
He is known for his terribly romantic song ‘African Queen’. It has melted the hearts of many women around the world – even those who are only African at heart. He is one of the few African musicians who work across a wide range of genres with incredible ease.
6. Nameless
David Mathenge, best known as Nameless, is an acclaimed musician. He has won the award not just once, but twice. In 2009, he took home Best Male Artist and the Listener’s Choice award. His music isn’t just about hitting the clubs and living life to the fullest like most Kenyan music does. It deals with political and social issues. He is married to Wahu, who also won MAMA for Best Artist in 2008. Together both have been named as the most influential Kenyans in the music industry.
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7. Seether
Seether must be the most successful rock band from Africa. It is not known that Africa is really big with rock music, especially metal rock. However, Seether was truly undefeated in his more than decade-long career. They have played with world-renowned rock bands such as Evanescence and Three Days Grace. They really deserved the Best Alternative award they received in 2008.
8. Lucky Dube
Over 25 years in the industry he has left a legacy recording 22 albums in different languages - English, Zulu and Afrikaans. Lucky Dube has been loved by reggae fans around the world. He was a truly talented songwriter and performer. He was one of the best-selling artists in the world.
9. D’banj
You should hear him playing the harmonica by now, this is really going to be a show. He is not only a best-selling musician, but also a very smart businessman. He won the Best Artist award two years in a row. He is one of Africa’s greatest musicians.
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10. Fela Kuti
Of all the instrumentalists in the world, FelaKuti has to be one of the most outstanding. He had great singing. He played keyboard, saxophone, electric guitar and many other instruments excellently. He was well-deservedly awarded the 2008 MTV Africa Music Award Legendenpreis.