Music

Namibia: Fading Notes, Lasting Legacy

[Namibian] Marais Nakale, better known as Nakale yaNakale or Sisande, died on 24 September 2023 aged 60. The Okongo-born musician, famous for his "blue music" style and hits such as 'Mokombada', left behind a legacy built on humility, resilience and a commitment to keeping traditional music alive.

Cote d’Ivoire: Tyrane Mondeny – New Powerhouse Voice of Cote d’Ivoire

[Afropop] At the 2025 Nuits D'Afrique Festival in Montreal, we met old friends and saw well-established stars like Femi Kuti and Meiway. But one of the best things about this festival is the new discoveries we make. A case in point this year was Tyrane Mondeny of Ivory Coast. Her set was simply electrifying. With a powerhouse, blues belter voice a tight, muscular backing band and an athletic stage presence, she had the audience in the palm of her hand from the first note. The day after the set, Afropop's Banning