Being on lockdown does not mean ‘no movement’, if anything, dancing is the perfect release from the never ending COVID19 news cycle. Whether it is updating your at home exercise routine or just getting your feel good endorphins pumping, there is nothing like some good African music to get a body moving. And we all know we need to get that body moving, what with all the mandazis* consumed during lockdown
Bavuse — Nyashinski x Mafikizolo x Scetchy Bongo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VcsTgk7P28
“Nakumbuka time sikukua na ndururu/saa hi niko TV na rap pia na kizulu”
Nyashinski, Scetchy Bongo and Mafikizolo are the dreams South African and Kenyan collabs are made of. Nyashinski has always had the skill to transform the fewest bars in a feature into rap gold. In Bavuse he surprises fans by switching from Swahili to Zulu and paired with the amazing vocals of Nhlanla and Theo, catchy beats by Scetchy and you have yourself a feel good, get ready to work out tune.
Kainama — Harmonize x Burna boy x Diamond Platinumz
Harmonize was clever enough to push Burna to start off the song, especially since he owned 2019 with his voice with worldwide performances including Coachella LA, Wembley Stadium UK and Afrochella in Accra. Must be why they call him ‘Buuuurna’. As always, Harmonize and Diamond Platinumz push Bongo flava to new heights creating something that will have you shaking your tush to the high heavens and calling them ‘hend-some’.
Boa me — FuseODG x Ed Sheeran x Mugeez
Fuse ODG is a bonafide hitmaker. This song and the video gives some amazing holiday vibes. Very nostalgic if you are missing going to the beach or hanging with friends on a sunny afternoon. If you also just want to hear Ed Sheeran singing in Twi, this is the song for you.
Particula — Major Lazer x Nasty C x Jidenna x Ice Prince
“Ain’t nothing cooler than the wrong moves
When you do ’em to the right song, the right song”
This is an oldie but goodie, lyrically and aesthetically it’s a winner, so I had to add it to the list. Major Lazer contrary to what some people think is not one person but a group of DJs from America (Diplo) Trinidad (Jillionaire) and Jamaica (Walshy Fire). The trio seem to just have that midas touch when it comes to creating magical collaborations that result in sweat inducing dance-floor acrobatics. They teamed up with Nasty C, youthful smooth as butter SA lyricist, Nigeria’s Ice Prince for a dope and catchy hook, style and swagger from Nigeria- American Jidenna and voila, you have a real feel good hit. The video is just as delectable with a not to classic style and fashion from 1970s Africa.
Ma Girl — Toofan x Patoranking
This song has aged extremely well, it was released in 2017 and still slaps like nobody’s business. And with the way 2020 is going, nobody will fault you for living in the past, The video itself is enough to inspire your workout and I loved the throwback Arrested Development nod, have a listen and see if you can catch it.
Lenu Remix — Buju x Burna Boy
Not Buju Banton but Buju (Daniel Benson) from Ogun State, Nigeria. The song is feel good hit with mid tempo beats that will keep you hitting the replay button inncessantly. Tell me what you cannot do!
What are some of your favourite African collaborations?
Mandazis* — East African donuts..but like triangular and without the holes
