Roskilde 2023: Here are the African acts to expect at northern Europe’s largest music festival

Ahead of the event, we bring you a list of African performers to expect this year.

Sisso and Maiko (Tanzania)

Sisso and Maiko, the true pioneers of singeli, Dar es Salaam’s upbeat electronic dance music, embody the essence of the genre. They epitomise its raw, political and punky origins, blending elements of happy hardcore, Chicago footwork, South African Afro-house and wild sample loops with Middle Eastern scales.

Singeli originated in the sprawling working-class neighbourhoods of Tandale and Manzese. However, this infectious electronic music has gained a solid following among dance enthusiasts worldwide, thanks in large part to the forward-thinking East African labels Nyege Nyege (Uganda) and Sisso Records (Tanzania).

Rehema and Asher Tajiri (Tanzania)

Accompanying Sisso and Maiko is Queen Asher and Rehema Tajiri, a unique mother-daughter duo who have embraced singeli music with remarkable success. Queen Asher holds the distinction of being the first female singeli DJ. When she teamed up with her mother, an experienced and respected vocalist, their collaboration sparked incredible energy, as witnessed in their electrifying performance at a Boiler Room Session. Their joint album is set to be released at the end of 2023.

Rema (Nigeria)

Despite his young age, Nigerian star Rema has already charmed the world with his Afro-rave style. At the age of 19, Rema was signed by Jonzing World, who were deeply impressed by his single ‘Dumebi’. But it was on the debut full-length album Rave & Roses (2022) that he truly unfolded his personal vision of Afro-rave, delivering a groovy mix of Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and inspirations from Arab and Indian music. It’s a truly globalised pop sound, but still with deep personal and spiritual roots.

Indeed, Rema has stated that music has always been a spiritual escape for him, but he is happy to share the power and soul he finds there with the rest of the world. This combination of soulful pop and youthful swagger has gained him fans among artists like FKA Twigs and Skepta, not to mention Selena Gomez, with whom he recorded a version of his hit ‘Calm Down’. 

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

With Afrobeats rhythms, edgy political lyrics and epic songs, Burna Boy has conquered dance floors all over the world.

The singer had his big international breakthrough with the political and personal album African Giant, released in 2019. The name of the record is an expression of his status as a cultural and political lighthouse for the African diaspora. Burna Boy uses his personal platform politically and has established himself as a strong anti-colonial voice.

Burna Boy is a new-age international star who is not afraid of talking about his own experiences and vulnerabilities. This is evident in his sixth studio album Love, Damini, a powerful personal tale of learning to love himself. Burna Boy brings with him an impressive catalogue to Roskilde Festival, including collaborations with artists like Stormzy, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Jorja Smith and fellow countryman Wizkid.

Lous and the Yakuza (Congo/Belgium)

In modern pop, English is not the only valuable currency. The French songs of the Marie-Pierra Kakoma-led Congolese-Belgian band, Lous and the Yakuzas, is a perfect example.

Marie-Pierra Kakoma, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, started composing songs as a child. Despite facing hardships and homelessness, she wrote numerous songs and performed in bars and nightclubs. Warner noticed her talent and offered her a contract. Her breakout hit, ‘Dilemme’, released in 2019, was produced by El Guincho, her regular Spanish collaborator. Her debut album, Gore, released in 2020, blends minimalistic R&B, electro-pop, and soulfulness. Kakoma’s expressive vocals, backed by a full band, will captivate the audience at the Roskilde Festival. A second album is also set to be released this year.

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley (Ghana)

In 1973, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley revolutionised Ghanaian music by creating the unique simigwa sound, fusing highlife, rap, jazz, soul, and funk. He has since embraced a pan-African vision, blending highlife, Afrobeat, and American soul, funk, and jazz. Ambolley has collaborated with Ghanaian music icons like Ebo Taylor, earned multiple awards, and established himself as an exceptional performer. At 76 years old, he remains active and will grace the Roskilde Festival with his new album, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Hi-Life Jazz. The album showcases Ambolley’s deep connection to jazz, featuring legendary compositions by John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis, alongside his own new creations.

Shaé Universe (Nigeria/UK)

A Nigerian artist based in London, Shaé Universe has made a name for herself with her unique blend of American soul and R&B. Influenced by artists like Brandy and Lauryn Hill, Shaé possesses a remarkable vocal range and isn’t afraid to experiment with her sound. She has even ventured into the English drill scene, merging it with her own musical roots. Shaé Universe sees herself as a soul singer with an open mind, and her EP Unorthodox reflects her unconventional approach. 

Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)

Adekunle Gold seamlessly combines West African highlife, Afrobeats and global R&B. He gained recognition with his debut release ‘Sade’, which led to a recording contract. Since then, Adekunle Gold has become a prominent force in African pop, collaborating with various artists and releasing his fourth album, Catch Me If You Can. Roskilde Festival attendees can look forward to his energetic performance, blending groovy rhythms, powerful vocals, and a fusion of African traditions with contemporary urban pop.

Rokia Koné (Mali)

Rokia Koné, a versatile and powerful Malian singer, skillfully merges traditional roots with modern sounds. Known as the Rose of Bamako, Koné gained international acclaim as part of the feminist supergroup Les Amazones d'Afrique. Her collaboration with Irish producer Jacknife Lee on the album BAMAMAN showcased her soulful voice against bouncy beats and synthesisers while incorporating her folk music traditions. Singing in Bambara, Koné bridges deep traditions with modern sounds, creating a captivating musical experience for Roskilde festival-goers.

Adédèjì (Nigeria)

Adédèjì, a Nigerian musician, brings the vibrant spirit of Lagos to his warm and groovy music. With influences from West African traditions, soul, jazz, and funk, he captures the essence of the city. His latest album, Yoruba Odyssey, reflects his love for Lagos, featuring beautiful anthems like ‘Lagos Blues’. Adédèjì’s odyssey is influenced by legendary artists like Fela Kuti, James Brown and Prince, creating an exuberant and soulful journey through Lagos and West African Yoruba culture.

Aunty Rayzor (Nigeria)

Aunty Rayzor, a rapper from the Nyege Nyege collective, has made a significant impact with her razor-sharp precision and raw beats. Her track ‘Kuku Corona’ became an anthem during the pandemic, and she has performed at major festivals and arenas in Nigeria. Aunty Rayzor’s strong flow, bad-ass charisma, and collaborations with producers like Debmaster and Rey Sapienz have propelled her to become one of Nigeria’s hottest rappers. Roskilde will witness her talent as she takes the stage and shares new tracks from her upcoming album.

Backxwash (Zambia/Canada)

Backxwash creates a unique blend of hip hop, post-rock, metal and horrorcore. Drawing from deep trauma and influenced by a strict Christian upbringing, Backxwash’s music serves as a channel for expressing anger and healing. Her album God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It, earned her critical acclaim and a Polaris Music Prize. 

Coco Em (Kenya)

Nairobi-based DJ Coco Em is known for her eclectic mixes that have captivated audiences worldwide. During the pandemic, she released the highly personal Kilumi EP, blending East African techno and trap with traditional Kenyan music. Coco Em’s music is both personal and political, showcasing the depth of electronic music. Catch her as a resident DJ on the Apollo stage at Roskilde.

Florence Adooni (Ghana)

Florence Adooni, the queen of Frafra Gospel, combines contagious dance music with Ghanaian highlife. Her powerful vocals gained international recognition through collaborations with artists like Jimi Tenor. Adooni’s music bridges tradition and innovation, infusing local Ghanaian traditions with pop, rock and jazz influences. 

ZULI (Egypt)

ZULI is known for his raw and cut-up sound universe that blends grime, jungle, techno, and hip-hop. He has made significant contributions to Cairo’s experimental electronic music scene and gained international recognition with his debut album Terminal. ZULI’s music is praised for its futuristic mix of genres, and his latest work showcases a dance-oriented direction.

Siti Muharam (Tanzania)

Siti Muharam carries the legacy of her great-grandmother, taarab music legend Binti Saad. Her album Siti of Unguja revives the rich cultural past of Zanzibar, blending traditional taarab with a touch of noir-jazz. Muharam’s enchanting voice and pride in her heritage make her a standout artist. 

Fulu Miziki (Congo)

Fulu Miziki, the Afro-futurist collective from Kinshasa, turns trash into musical gold. They create their own instruments and costumes from found objects, delivering vivid performances that blend music, art, and eco-activism. Fulu Miziki’s concerts are unpredictable and spectacular, featuring dance grooves and rough aesthetics.

Angélique Kidjo (Benin)

Grammy-winning Beninese legend Angélique Kidjo fuses West African sounds with funk, jazz, soul, and pop. Her pan-African pop music has influenced generations of African artists. Kidjo collaborates with diverse artists and continues to be a catalyst for contemporary African pop. With her latest album Mother Nature, she embraces modern African R&B and hip hop. Kidjo returns to Roskilde as a true icon.

Tinariwen (Mali)

Tinariwen, the Tuareg masters, embody the magic of Roskilde with their trance-inducing grooves and electrifying rock n’ roll. Their blend of blues, rock, and desert blues has made them legendary. Tinariwen’s international career was launched with The Radio Tisdas Sessions, and they continue to captivate audiences with their unique sound. 

TxC (South Africa)

TxC, the up-and-coming amapiano act from South Africa, brings the house-oriented dance music genre to Roskilde. Their bubbly amapiano style perfectly captures danceable energy and jazzy lounge vibes. TxC’s energetic performances inspire confidence and charm audiences with their sassy hits. Get ready for an amapiano party at the Apollo Stage.

Phelimuncasi (South Africa)

Phelimuncasi, a trio signed to Uganda’s Nyege Nyege label, brings a radical approach to their dance-infused music. With influences from the South African gqom genre and the toyi-toyi protest movement, their music demands attention and evokes a sense of possession. The intense use of chanting vocals, spoken word, and rap reflects their revolutionary spirit. Check out their album Ama Gogela for an extraordinary concert experience that combines dance ecstasy with a call for change.

Yukka (Egypt/Denmark)

Yukka, originally from Egypt and now based in Denmark, is a powerful female rapper who addresses societal issues and inequality through her music. In a male-dominated culture, her critical voice sparks controversy, making her an important figure in the rap scene. Blending Arabic and English lyrics, Yukka’s songs reflect her ambivalent identity and merge middle eastern sounds with alternative hip hop and R&B. With a debut EP in the works, Yukka’s charismatic presence shines on stage, and her upcoming performance at Roskilde Festival promises to be captivating.