10 Creative African Artistes’ Videos to Check Out

Music from the African continent has long been a wealth of diversity and so it comes as no surprise that contemporary African (African here meaning artistes of African heritage) artistes are pushing boundaries when it comes to their art. Here are some videos from a couple of African musicians pushing creative boundaries that I absolutely love. I’ve tried to keep the video choices as recent as possible.

1.Inna Modja – Toumboctou (Mali/France)

Inna Modja is a Malian-French musician. I’ve been a huge fan since I came across her first album ‘Everyday is a New World’. I love her style and especially love this single. The song is a call to action against the destruction of Mali and especially the city of Timbuktu. Dissidence at its best.

Directed by Inna Modja and Marco Conti Sikic

2.Just A Band – Winning in Life (Kenya)

Just A Band are one of the most experimental groups on the continent no doubt. All their videos are creative interpretations of their music. Their latest offering is ‘Winning in Life’. They definitely feature on my things that make me proud to be Kenyan list.

Directed by Mbithi Masya

3.Baloji – Captive (DRC/Belgium)

Baloji is probably one of my favourite African artistes. His music and the video interpretations blow my mind. The video below is for the track ‘Captive’ featuring Petite Noir and Muanza. Le Black Excellence.

Directed by Baloji

4.Miles from Kinshasa – Ivry

I hadn’t heard of this artiste till about 2 weeks ago and I am digging this track and the video as well. It’s pretty creepy (just warning you) but I dig it. Apparently he directed it himself.

Directed by Miles from Kinshasa

5.Ibeyi – River (French-Cuban-Nigeria {Yoruba})

Ibeyi have been making waves for a while. I came across this sister duo 2 years ago and have been a huge fan since. There is some debate on whether they are ‘African’ as they are French-Cuban however, they do sing in Yoruba in remembrance of their ancestors and even the name ‘Ibeyi’ is Yoruba for twins. They have quite a number of great songs but my favourite is still ‘River’.

Directed by Ed Morris

6.Okzharp ft Manthe- Dear Ribane (South Africa)

Okzhar is the production unit of South African artiste. He collaborated with the amazing artiste Manthe Ribane. Check out her awesome dance moves in the video below.

Directed by Chris Saunders

7.Sons of Kemet – In the Castle of My Skin (South Africa)

What do you get when jazz meets some fancy foot work? An amazing video that’s what! This video is tonnes of fun to watch.

Directed by Lebogang Rasethaba for Arcade Content

8.Miss Tati – Don’t Let it Go (Angola/Norway)

I watched this video yesterday! I have been a huge fan of Miss Tati for a while; she’s definitely talented. The song is lovely (she has smooth vocals) and the video is an ode to pop art.

Video by Fill In Productions (Sigurd Fosse and William Glandberger)

9. Baloji – Unite and Litre feat Mipipo (DRC/Belgium)

Baloji had to feature more than once on this list! This jam is the truth! Everything about it works. The hip hop and elements of what we commonly refer to as lingala music sound pretty good. The video is a piece of art. The dancing is amazing. Before I write an essay, check it out for yourself below.

Directed by Baloji

10. Mayonde – Isikuti Love (Kenya)

I already shared this video on another list ‘11 Underrated Kenyan Female Musicians‘ but she deserves to be on this list for this video. It’s a really fun video to watch.

Video by Jim Chuchu/Mbithi Masya

Bonus

11.Yemi Alade – Sugar

Yemi Alade is probably one of the biggest female musicians on the African continent right now and it’s not difficult to see why. Her music is catchy and resonates with lots of people across the continent. The video for her latest offering ‘Sugar’ is a fun pop art video that’s sure to put you in a good mood.

Directed by Paul Gambit

Feel free to let me know about any other videos from African artistes that you think are awesome in the comments below. You can watch all the videos on this playlist.