Women’s Day playlist: Amplifying voices and inspiring change

To mark the annual celebration of International Women’s Day, which is running under the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, we present this year's curated list honouring art composed in the heart of the African woman, alive with tireless activism and promoting cultural preservation.

Fatoumata Diawara

An accomplished Malian songbird, Diawara’s work is often characterised by songs speaking out against harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, while promoting education and healthcare for girls and women in Mali, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. ‘Nterini’, for instance, reflects the pain and struggle of African women, while also celebrating their strength and resilience. 

Manal

The Moroccan rapper is not just a talented musician, but also a fierce activist whose unique brand of hip hop tackles social issues such as gender-based violence and discrimination, shining a light on the struggles faced by women in Moroccan society. ‘Taj’, which finds its author addressing the issue of domestic violence, urging her listeners to take a stand against the vice, is ready reference.  

Amira Kheir

A true champion, the Sudanese-Italian singer, whose music is a blend of traditional Sudanese melodies and jazz, celebrates the strength and resilience of Sudanese women. 

Thandiswa Mazwai 

Often described as a “voice for the voiceless”, the South African singer and songwriter is also hugely popular as an advocate for social justice, her music probing everything from poverty, police brutality and xenophobia.

Muthoni Drummer Queen

The Kenyan rapper's activism often borders on gender-based violence, the pay gap, women's representation in leadership positions and inspiring women to take control of their lives and demand equality. 

Tshala Muana

The Congolese singer-songwriter, is, without question, a role model for women across the continent, habitually behind beautiful tributes to the strength and resilience of women and highlighting the importance of standing up for their rights. 

Charlotte Dipanda

The talented Dipanda’s rich marriage of traditional Cameroonian melodies and contemporary African styles has earned her a devoted following, her sound serving as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people. 

Wiyaala

The Ghanaian music star, promotes women’s rights and gender equality through her unique blend of traditional African music with contemporary sounds while using her music to speak out against harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. Notable among them is ‘Rock My Body’, which inspires women to embrace their bodies and identities, encouraging self-love and acceptance.

Angélique Kidjo

A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the Beninese singer-songwriter and activist is a tireless advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in Africa and beyond, using her distinct music style to champion women's issues such as education and reproductive health in her hit song ‘Agolo’, which reflects the strength and resilience of African women and celebrates their power and spirit. 

Nneka

A powerful voice for social justice and women’s rights, the Nigerian-German artist addresses issues such as corruption, inequality, and violence against women, promoting education and empowerment and inspiring women to take charge of their lives and their future. Her song ‘Shining’ is a stirring anthem of hope and empowerment, reminding us that we are all capable of greatness. 

Dobet Gnahoré

The visionary Ivorian singer-songwriter fuses traditional African music with contemporary styles. Her unique sound has earned her international recognition, inspiring listeners to explore the rich diversity of African music and culture. Her joyful song ‘Palea’, celebrates love and life, encouraging listeners to embrace their passions and follow their hearts. 

Noura Mint Seymali

Mauritanian musician Noura Mint Seymali incorporates social justice and gender equality themes into her music, promoting women’s rights and access to education for girls in her homeland. 

Maryam Saleh

The path-finding Egyptian act and tireless advocate is all about positive change. Her music often finds her advocating for women’s rights and increased access to education for girls, and an innovative approach to songwriting and performance sees her incorporating elements of Egyptian folk and rock music and at the receiving end of widespread acclaim.