We are looking for three roles to help build our next chapter
đ Global Events Manager
Curate and produce unforgettable experiences that travel across cities and connect communities.
đ„ Head of Content
Lead the storytelling behind the brand and turn stories into moments people remember.
đ€ Partnerships Manager
Develop thoughtful relationships with brands, sponsors, artists, and collaborators that align with our vision.
If youâre passionate about music and culture, we would love to hear from you.
Send your application to [email protected] with the position in the subject line.
Celebrating 40 years of Steve Moniteâs âOnly Youâ! Steve has had a unique music career. After being signed to EMI Records in the early 80s and not seeing any success, Steve had given up his passion for music.
Fast forward over 30 years later in 2016, thanks to a feature on a @soundwayrecords compilation, his âOnly Youâ album had a massive resurgence, being covered by Frank Ocean, Tame Impala and having placements in an Apple ad, FIFA and Bad Boys 3. Original copies of the album go for thousands of dollars! Now Steve plans to make a big return to music and go on a world tour!
Chicago-based DJ Mike Love (@mikemfnlove ) released âNigerian Gangsterâ over 15 years ago! đ
The phenomenal mixtape features the vocals from Jay Zâs âAmerican Gangsterâ album seamlessly backed by Fela Kuti samples. Itâs really like they were in the studio together! Jay Z was also involved in the FELA! Broadway musical back in 2009, along with Will Smith
We caught up with Mike Love and talked about how he chose each sample, @thefader and @questlove âs contributions towards its success, the death of the MySpace mixtape era and the cultural impact of the project among the Nigerian diaspora.
Listen to the full interview on our Soundcloud
What does folk music sound like in 2026?
While algorithms often overlook traditional genres, the Zawose Queens are proving that heritage is more relevant than ever.
Hailing from Tanzania đčđż, this duo carries the legendary legacy of Hukwe Zawose, reimagining Wagogo music for a modern era, while staying true to their heritage
Their sound is an intersection of ancestry and the present, utilising the thumb piano (ilimba) alongside soaring vocal harmonies.
It is a reminder that modern African musicâ doesnât have to choose between history and the future.
Who is your favorite African folk artist?
Whatâs your favourite Ethiopian Song of all time đȘđč?
From the soul-stirring and hypnotic melodies of Ethio-jazz to the vocals of traditional Tizita and the modern energy of contemporary pop,
Ethiopiaâs sound is a blend of ancient heritage and forward-thinking artistry.
Today, we honour Ethiopian Victory Day with 5 songs presented by @mezthehun
Happy Freedom Day to the Land of Origins! đȘđč
Click the link in our bio for the playlist!
What do you think about @only1sarz & @bnxn latest single?
It contains a beautiful interpolation of Amadou and Mariamâs 1990 track đČđ±
Is this the sample of 2026 so far?
Whatâs Michael Jacksonâs influence on African music?
His impact dates back to the 80s. From the hairstyles, dance moves and singing, African artists have been paying homage to the king of pop for 40 years!
You can trace early echoes in artists like Kris Okotie, Dizzy K Falola, and Chris Mba, who brought a new level of showmanship and pop sensibility to the Nigerian scene, drawing on the same global energy MJ represented.
You can also see it clearly in acts from the 2000s like P-Square, whose synchronised movement, stage design, and energy all come together in a way that mirrors Michael Jacksonâs performance language. MJâs Liberian girl was also sampled on the track âShakomoâ, in the late 90s, a song that would later go on to be described as one of the defining afrobeats songs. Burna Boy also sampled MJ on âPlenty Songâ
The Influence didnât stop there, it even crossed over into more indigenous genres like Fuji, with Obesere being the key player!
What are some of your favourite MJ inspired African moments?
Is this musicâs biggest unfinished story?
In the mid-â80s, Tenor Saw didnât just make music, he defined a moment. His voice cut through the early digital dancehall era with a sound that was raw, haunting, and impossible to ignore. Tracks like âRing the Alarmâ didnât just hit, they echoed.
Decades later, his influence still runs deep. You hear it in the cadence, the melodies, the attitude of dancehall today. The blueprint is still being followed.
But beyond the music lies a mystery.
At just 22, his life was cut short under circumstances that remain unclear, leaving behind questions that still linger in the culture.
What's your favourite Tenor Saw track?
Thousands of records were unearthed in 2005 from the 70âs Afrofunk era in Benin and Togo that would later be remembered as a revolution in West African music. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo were the rockstars that led the charge đ„đ§đŻ
With James Brownâs music being very popular among the universities, the influence was undeniable (hence the howling on the records).
The instrumentation and raw energy on these tracks is unmatched! âĄïž Their groovy breaks and hypnotic rhythms make it obvious why they were the kings of the Cotonou scene at the time!
Stumbled on this super fun video for their 1972 track, âMinsato Le, Mi Dayihomeâ in which theyâre depicted as puppets.
ZENA!
What do Ethio Jazz and Ethio pop sound like in 2026? đȘđč
We had a special interview with ZENA! A London-based duo at the forefront of preserving Ethiopian music through a modern lens!
In this conversation, they speak about their roots, Ethiopian music and lots more! It was fun, educational and intense!
Their debut project âTEMESGENâ is out now!
Have you listened yet?
From flipping samples to getting sampled. đ€Ż
Back in the day, Olamide & Wizkid were part of a generation shaping Afrobeats by getting inspiration, borrowing, and reimagining what came before.
Fast forward to today, and the script has flipped. The new generation is now sampling the OGs, with Monochromeâs âWe2Flyâ tapping into Olamide & Wizkidâs âKana.â
A real full-circle moment for the sound.
Which Afrobeats classic do you think deserves to be sampled next? đ
