Other than showcasing a cultural diversity unlike any other, Africa is also home to many locally and internationally renowned musical giants, many of which are pioneers of various styles of African music that have become part of authentic African sound. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 6 of these African music legends that you should know.

Fela Kuti

This great musical tradition is popular for its 'high octane performances.' Fela, generally regarded as the greatest African artist ever to have existed, was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, and composer who rose to fame in the 1970s with his band 'Afrika'70. He was also a vocal political activist and is considered to be the founder of the music genre known as Afrobeat. He was famous for singing his native tongue and pidgin English in Yoruba.

Miriam Makeba

His South African beauty is regarded to be the most famous female artist to come from Africa. The Grammy-award recipient also referred to as 'Mama Africa,' is still remembered around the world for her distinctive sound and stage performances. Her music dealt with the socio-political plight of South Africans under apartheid and is considered to have established the very sound of South African music.

Ali Farka Toure

Ali Farka Toure was a multilingual Malian singer and guitarist famed for his musical brand that blends African American jazz with Malian traditional music. He is viewed as one of the finest musicians to come from Mali and is adept at performing songs in 10 languages from Mali, which is perceived to be an impressive feat.

Youssou N'Dour

This brilliant Senegalese singer, songwriter, composer, and percussionist is one of the pioneers of the popular music style known as Mbalax in Wolof. He is a renowned singer, songwriter, and composer and is highly regarded worldwide. This is primarily due to his creative fusion of Mbalax with Cuban, Latin, Hip-hop, and pop elements.

Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie was a South African pop singer well-known as the Queen of African Music. Her songs were considered to be at the top of the charts, and each of her albums was multi-platinum vendors in South Africa. Even in her death, she remains to inspire many, particularly a whole new generation of emerging artists.

King Sunny Ade

King Sunshine Ade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a pioneer in modern world music. He is believed to be one of the most influential musicians of all time, and is literally a royal musician, as he was born to a royal family in Ondo, Nigeria. It is popularly known for playing 'juju music,' a popular genre of Nigerian music in the 1980s. He toured throughout Africa and gained success in the United States and Europe with his band 'King Sunny Ade and His African Beats.' He was the first to bring a pedal steel guitar to Nigerian pop music.

Brenda Fassie?!?!?!? before the likes of:

- Manu Dibango
- Angelique Kidjo
- PaPa Wemba
- Apha Blondie
- Salif Keita
- Lucky Dube
- Koffi Olomide
- Cheb Khaled