In August 1970, Franco’s younger brother, Bavon Marie-Marie, passed away under tragic circumstances. As an epitaph, the Grand Master paid tribute with one of his most beautiful songs, “Kinsiona” (Sorrow).

We land in Zaire’s Cité de la Voix, where the state-owned radio and television stations are located. Franco is filmed here at the Maman Angebi studio, named after an important female figure in Zairean television. […]

The giant of Congolese music passed away on October 12, 1989 in Brussels. It was thirty years ago. His music and his heritage have remained alive, more than ever. “De mi amor”. Among the many […]

In Ivory Coast, plastic sandals known as “lêkê” have become emblems of popular culture worn by everyone from DJ Arafat to Eritrean freedom fighters.

Dive into the rich yet little-known history of music in the Central African Republic. From the Congolese inspired independence music of the 1960s, the Bokassa era sounds of Formidable Muziki.

PAM spoke with Yamê about the rapper-singer-melodist’s meteoric rise and his knack for lofty melodies and heartfelt punchlines.

Nyokabi Kariũki’s explorations span genres, from classical contemporary to experimental electronic music, sound art, pop, film, and African musical traditions.

Listen in on 2023 with our pan-African selection from Durban to Tunis, Nairobi to Niamey, featuring the likes of Amaarae, MC Yallah, Omagoqa, and Baaba Maal.