Jabulani Radio - RSS Artists - Musical Artists & Orchestras

Alemayehu Eshete

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Alemayehu Eshete (1941–2021) was an influential Ethiopian singer and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the stars of Ethiopian music's "Golden Age" in the 1960s and early 70s. Known as the "Abyssinian Elvis" for his energetic performances and blend of Ethiopian styles with Western R&B, funk, and soul, he gained initial fame with the Addis Ababa Police Orchestra. He was a pioneering artist who dared to record for an independent label against official monopoly, and his work was later introduced to a global audience through the influential Éthiopiques CD series. Throughout his decades-long career, he created hit songs like "Temar Lije" and "Addis Ababa Bete," leaving a lasting legacy in world music.

Adam Ndaro Solomon

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Adam "The Professor" Solomon, born Adam Ndaro Solomon on January 1, 1963, in Mombasa, Kenya, is a Juno Award-winning composer, guitarist, and singer. His musical journey began early, playing traditional instruments like the kivoti (flute) and the kayamba (shaker) at village celebrations of the Mijikenda people of coastal Kenya. He established his career as a lead guitarist and singer, collaborating on recordings and videos with many of Kenya's most popular musicians and bands, including Joseph Kamaru, Super Mazembe, Les Wanyika, and the Mombasa Roots Band. His international touring credits include workshops and performances with African superstars such as Papa Wemba and Ismael Lo.

Solomon eventually moved to Canada and co-founded the great pan-African band, The Afronubians, in 1993, with whom he toured Western Canada and released two CDs. In 1995, he formed his own Toronto-based band, Tikisa. His solo work and collaborations have earned him significant recognition, including a double win at the Toronto African Music Awards (TAMA) in 1997 for Best Release and Best New Performers for his album Safari. Most notably, he was a key collaborator on the African Guitar Summit CD, which won the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2005. Solomon, who sings in six languages including Swahili, English, and Arabic, has continued to perform and release albums like Rocket Express II: African Renaissance Blues and Mti wa Maisha (Tree of Life), cementing his reputation as a master of African rhythms, from traditional chela to soukous, reggae, and African blues.

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Abeti Masikini

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:30:00 +0000

Elisabeth Finant, celebrated professionally as Abeti Masikini, was a trailblazing Congolese singer, composer, and bandleader often hailed as the "Queen of Soukous." Born on November 9, 1954, in Kisangani, she emerged from an upper-middle-class family, with her mother being a church choir leader whose musical influence nurtured Abeti's early singing passion. Despite initially working as a secretary after completing her secondary studies, her dedication to music led her to a talent contest in 1971 where she was discovered by Togolese producer Gérard Akueson. Abeti Masikini was a significant figure in 20th-century African music, noted for modernizing Congolese rhythms by fusing them with elements of folk, blues, and pop. A powerful advocate for gender equality, she was the first Congolese woman to front her own band, Les Redoutables, which served as an important launchpad for numerous female artists. Her international fame was confirmed by a groundbreaking career that included being the first Central African female artist to perform at prestigious venues like the Olympia Hall in Paris, New York's Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Apollo Theater. Over her nearly three-decade career, she recorded over twenty studio albums. Tragically, she passed away from uterine cancer in Villejuif, Paris, on September 28, 1994, at the age of 39, leaving behind a profound legacy of musical innovation and female empowerment.

Afrigo Band

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:39:00 +0000

Afrigo Band is a legendary and enduring musical group from Uganda, widely recognized as the longest-lasting band in the country's history. The band was officially formed in Kampala on November 1, 1975, following a split from the popular Cranes Band. The initial lineup consisted of eight musicians, with Moses Matovu, a vocalist and alto saxophonist, as a key founding member and later the band's long-time leader. The name "Afrigo" is a contraction of the motivational slogan "Africa-Go" (musically), reflecting their desire to champion African music. Their distinct sound is a vibrant fusion of traditional Ugandan rhythms, Congolese soukous, jazz, and African Rumba.

The band quickly rose to prominence, even becoming the resident band at Cape Town Villas, a venue frequented by then-President Idi Amin, which temporarily granted them a unique status. Throughout Uganda's turbulent history, Afrigo Band has persevered, rebuilding after their instruments were looted during the 1979 liberation war. Moses Matovu, the only surviving original member, has provided continuous leadership. Over the decades, the band has produced over 20 albums and launched the careers of iconic Ugandan vocalists like Joanita Kawalya and Rachael Magoola.

Afrigo Band's extensive discography includes numerous classic songs like "Jim," "Oswadde Nyo," "Obangaina," "Maria," and "Teri Mubi," which address various themes from relationships to social and political issues. The band celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015 and remains active, performing regularly in Uganda and touring internationally to play for the Ugandan diaspora. They continue to be a pillar of East African music, maintaining their cultural significance while mentoring younger musicians to ensure the legacy of the "Afrigo" sound continues.

Amadou Balaké

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:41:00 +0000

Amadou Balaké, born Amadou Traoré on March 8, 1944, in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta), was one of his country's most popular singers and a legend of African music. His career spanned over fifty years, taking him across West Africa, as well as to New York and Paris. After moving to Ouagadougou as a child, he became interested in music and began his professional life in 1962, performing in orchestras across West Africa. He earned the name "Balaké" (meaning "porcupine" in Mandinka) after a hit song while he was with the Ouagadougou-based band Harmonie Voltaïque. He later became a vocalist for the Super Volta orchestra before forming Amadou Balaké and the 5 Consuls.

A versatile and dynamic musician, Balaké’s style was delightfully varied, fusing Mande and Mossi traditions from his home country with popular genres like Afro-Cuban music, salsa, funk, highlife, and Afrobeat. He was based in Abidjan and Paris for periods, but also traveled to New York in 1979 where he recorded two albums, including the classic Afro-Charanga featuring pianist Alfredo Rodríguez. His hit single "Taximan n'est pas gentil" earned him a golden record in Ivory Coast in 1982. In the year 2000, his international profile grew significantly when he was invited to join the Senegalese salsa supergroup Africando as a guest, later becoming an official member, recording four albums and touring widely with them. Balaké passed away on August 27, 2014, in Ouagadougou at the age of 70, with his final recordings released posthumously in 2015.

Agbemadon Paul (Gabo Brown)

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Gabo Brown, born Agbemadon Paul, was a defining figure of the 1970s Beninese music scene, celebrated for his soulful contributions to Afro funk and Highlife. Based in Cotonou, he became a standout artist of the era, most notably for his iconic track "It’s a Vanity," which blended deep philosophical reflections on the fleeting nature of life with infectious, horn driven rhythms. His work exemplifies the creative peak of West African groove, and thanks to modern reissues and sampling, his legacy continues to influence global funk and soul enthusiasts today.

Abdul Rahim Kamara

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Abdul Rahim Kamara, better known to fans simply as "Arahim," is a talented Sierra Leonean vocalist and percussionist who helped bring West African roots music to the global stage as a core member of Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars.
Discover more on the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars Band

Ackim Simukonda

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Ackim Simukonda (1954–1999) was a legendary Zambian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who became one of the most prominent voices in Zambian music during the 1980s and 90s. Often celebrated for his smooth vocals and storytelling, he was a versatile artist who navigated genres ranging from the gritty "Zamrock" scene of his youth to the culturally rich "Kalindula" and rumba-influenced sounds of his later career

Alex Konadu

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Alex Konadu, affectionately dubbed "One Man Thousand," was a towering figure in Ghanaian Highlife music, celebrated for his blistering guitar work and powerful songwriting in the Asante Twi language. After honing his craft in ensembles like the Kantamanto Bosco Group and the Happy Brothers Band, his raw talent caught the attention of producer A.K. Brobbey. Signed on the spot, Konadu spearheaded a backing band dedicated to a driving, uptempo guitar sound. His magnetic stage presence sparked a legendary rumor that he had performed in every single town and village in Ghana, consistently drawing massive audiences wherever he traveled.

While famous for his high-energy live shows, Konadu’s recordings carried profound emotional depth. His landmark 1976 track "Asaase Asa," which narrates a devastating family tragedy, became an essential anthem at Ghanaian funerals, while classic hits like "Abokyi," "Awoo Ne Awo," "Nkrabea," and "Owuo See Ade" masterfully paired danceable rhythms with thoughtful commentary on mortality. Following his death in 2011, Konadu's music has continued to serve as a vital pillar of West African heritage, cementing his legacy as one of the region's most cherished musical storytellers.

André Sebanani a.k.a Pépé La Rose

Fri, 08 May 2026 01:24:00 +0000

André Sebanani, affectionately known as Pépé La Rose, was a towering figure in the East African music scene and a founding member of Rwanda's legendary Orchestre Impala. Established in 1974, the group revolutionized the region's sound by blending traditional Rwandan melodies with Congolese Rumba and Soukous, creating a rich, organic style that defined the "Golden Era" of African music. A versatile artist, Sebanani was also a prominent journalist and a lead actor in the Indamutsa radio drama troupe, making his voice a staple of daily life through music and storytelling. Though his life was tragically cut short during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, his legacy lives on through his timeless recordings and his role in pioneering the Igisope genre, which remains a cornerstone of Rwandan cultural heritage.

Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:20:00 +0000

Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong was a legendary Ghanaian musician who revolutionized 1970s highlife by blending it with Afrobeat, funk, and jazz. Backed by the powerhouse band Vis-A-Vis, he created timeless hits like "Kyenkyen Bi Adi M'awu" that paired irresistible dance grooves with deep social commentary. His soulful vocals and innovative arrangements remain globally influential today through celebrated modern reissues.

A. B. Crentsil

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:04:00 +0000

A. B. Crentsil was a legendary Ghanaian highlife vocalist and a foundational pillar of the genre's modern era. He shot to fame in the 1970s as the frontman for the seminal Sweet Talks band before finding continued success with his own Ahenfo Band. Renowned for his husky voice and witty, often provocative, proverb-rich storytelling, he gifted the West African music scene with enduring classics like "Moses" and "Juliana."

Ahmed Adaweyah

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:48:00 +0000

Ahmed Adaweyah revolutionized Egyptian music in the 1970s by launching Sha'abi, the raw pop sound of Cairo's working-class streets. He bypassed formal classical traditions to sing about everyday struggles, traffic jams, and neighborhood life using genuine street slang and sharp humor. Backed by fast accordion beats and the darbuka drum, his tracks were banned by state radio for being too lowbrow, but he became a massive star anyway.

He sold millions of cassette tapes that blared from taxis and weddings nationwide, proving that music belongs to the streets and opening the door for all modern Egyptian pop.

Adu Kwasi

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Adu Kwasi is a legendary Ghanaian highlife musician. He is also known as Noble Adu Kwasi or the leader of the Adu Kwasi Band. His classic music catalog spans several decades. Music enthusiasts often love timeless tracks like Akwankwa Hiani, Ofie Nipa, and his popular medleys.

Abana Ba Nasery

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:43:00 +0000

Abana Ba Nasery (meaning "Nursery Boys") was a famous Kenyan acoustic band formed in the late 1960s. The group was led by singer and guitarist Shem Tube, together with rhythm guitarist Justo Osala and percussionist Enos Okola. Instead of standard drums, Okola famously created their main beat by scraping a metal rod against a glass Fanta bottle. They mixed traditional local rhythms with fast, two-guitar fingerpicking to create a catchy, upbeat sound that helped shape early Kenyan popular music. After making hit records across East Africa in the 1970s and 1980s, the group toured Europe in the 1990s and brought their traditional acoustic style to a global audience.