Top African reggae songs of 2020

Both genres have coexisted, with some artists embracing both. Today, African dancehall music is spreading like wildfire, with many artists from the continent embraced by audiences in the Caribbean. The same cannot be said about reggae musicians.

“African reggae artists are finding it harder to catch up with other genres, as the sales and streaming numbers pale in comparison to other genres,” Ghanaian reggae and dancehall DJ and vlogger Arnold Wailer says. “As much as there is obvious stigmatisation on the genre, these artists also need to put more effort and work on their branding and marketing skills to attract label support and corporate partnerships. Only then will the media and promoters get a reason to engage them.”

Despite this, reggae still enjoys a faithful audience and airplay at nightclubs and festivals. Ivorians, for example, believe Abidjan to be one of the reggae capitals of the world, which boasts reggae bars like the famous Parkers Place. The country also hosts a number of reggae festivals like Reggae Rock Festival and 24h Reggae Festival Abidjan. 

On the other side of the continent – in Nairobi, Kenya – the genre can be heard in side streets, alleys and minibus taxis (matatus), with the most popular reggae venue being the K1 Klub House. Diehard Kenyan reggae fans even speak in Jamaican English.

We invite you to discover some of the top reggae songs that were released in 2020 from countries like Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania, the Gambia, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mauritius. Some of the featured artists included here do not necessarily identify as reggae musicians but occasionally release reggae songs. The playlist showcases African reggae’s diversity and also spotlights the emerging artist to watch.

We Love Africa by Tiken Jah Fakoly (Ivory Coast)

Champion Arise by Rocky Dawuni (Ghana)

Smile by WizKid (Nigeria)

Solda Kenz by Promi Zire ft. Orizinal Blakkayo (Mauritius)

Les Migrants Hommage by Martial Pa'nucci, Patrick Kabré, Didier Awadi, Selam Ty, Dicko Fils, Malika la Slameuse, Mylmo, Awa Boussim, Smockey, Maatikara and Maréchal Zongo (pan-African)

Laglas Kase by Jakim (Seychelles)

Élections présidentielles by Alpha Blondy (Ivory Coast)

Buru by Timaya (Nigeria)

Inchallah Tè Djamana Djo by Bafing Kul (Mali)

Swahili Reggae by Zikki (Kenya)

Zou by Agana (Ivory Coast)

One Love by Smarty, Floby, Nourat, Sissao, Alif Naaba, Sydyr and Mariah Bissongo (Burkina Faso)

On m'a dit by Natty Jean (Senegal)

Sleepless Night by Shatta Wale (Ghana)

Dn't Wanna Be by WeN_Music and Josh Genius (Kenya)

Netsanet by Static Levi (Ethiopia)

Zizman by Jason Heerah and Otentik Groove (Mauritius)

Jangbari-Zo by Blakk Rasta (Ghana)

African People by Vaga Vybz ft. Blessed San (Uganda)

The Prophecy by Natty Gong ft. Emifa (Mauritius)

Strength and Hope by Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Rasta by Alonzo Abasi (Sierra Leone/Liberia)

Tsinat by Zion Rebels (Ethiopia)

Cry Revolution by Lioness Afreeka (Kenya)