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.

Ten years after her death, legendary Tanzanian Taarab figure Bi Kidude continues to inspire younger generations.

Barely escaping the Bolsonaro regime, Bixiga 70 is resurrected, with a new album. PAM spoke to the freedom fighters about their history of resistance.

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. 

From rooftops and studios to the streets of Kampala, PAM met with rising Ugandan pop star Joshua Baraka to learn about the artist behind the hits.

From South Africa’s Limpopo region, Shangaan electro, known locally as Tsonga electro, exploded on the scene in the late 00s for a worldwide takeover of breakneck beats, choppy melodies and chipmunk vocals, before fading back into relative obscurity.