January 2016 theme: Reggae in Africa

With its distinctive rhythms and conscious, positive lyrics that typically aim to empower and uplift the downtrodden and fight repression, reggae provides a common link and source of identity between all Africans and members of the diaspora throughout the world. Vibrant reggae scenes in West, East and Southern Africa make the continent a popular destination for many of the world’s leading reggae and dancehall artists. Ghanaian artist Rocky Dawuni’s recent nomination for Best Reggae at the 2016 Grammys has placed African reggae further in the spotlight.

For these reasons, we have chosen reggae as our theme for the month of January 2016. We have already published numerous insightful overview texts on the rise of reggae in countries such as Uganda, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Senegal and Zimbabwe, with many more still to come as we expand our coverage of the continent. These overviews are complemented by various features, news articles and album reviews – all essential reading for anyone interested in African reggae.

• Reggae in Uganda – http://musicinafrica.net/reggae-uganda
• Reggae in South Africa – http://musicinafrica.net/reggae-south-africa
• The rise of Zim-Dancehall – http://musicinafrica.net/rise-zim-dancehall
• Reggae in Ivory Coast – http://musicinafrica.net/reggae-ivory-coast
• Carlos Djedje: pioneer of African reggae – http://musicinafrica.net/carlos-djedje-pioneer-african-reggae
• ReggaeKunda Festival returns to Gambia – http://musicinafrica.net/reggae-kunda-festival-returns-gambia
• Majek Fashek thrills Afropolitan Vibes – http://musicinafrica.net/majek-fashek-thrills-afropolitan-vibes?section-context=features
• Conscious Vibes concert brings reggae back to Lagos – http://musicinafrica.net/conscious-vibes-concert-brings-reggae-back-lagos
• Rub-a-Dub brings reggae vibes to Kenyan coastal town of Kilifi – http://musicinafrica.net/rub-dub-brings-reggae-vibes-kenyan-coastal-town-kilifi
• One People Band – The Spirit Of Reggae – http://musicinafrica.net/one-people-band-spirit-reggae
• Saggy Saggila – Endless Love Racing – http://musicinafrica.net/saggy-saggila-endless-love-racing
• Legends Of SA Music: Lucky Dube – http://musicinafrica.net/legends-sa-music-lucky-dube
• New book tells of Lucky Dube’s spiritual message – http://musicinafrica.net/new-book-tells-lucky-dubes-spiritual-message
• Zambia’s Larry Maluma releases ‘lost’ debut album from 1984 – http://musicinafrica.net/zambia%E2%80%99s-larry-maluma-releases-%E2%80%98lost%E2%80%99-debut-album-1984
• Ali Magobeni: Kenya’s ‘wandering pigeon’ returns home – http://musicinafrica.net/ali-magobeni-kenyas-wandering-pigeon-returns-home?section-context=features