Despite this, African artists released some incredible music during the course of the year. This was a time to hunker down, get creative and learn more about the digital tools at their disposal. Difficult times have always shown that humans can rise above the challenges and come out stronger ­­– and the COVID-19 pandemic is showing just how resilient creatives can be.  

As always, Music In Africa has curated a two-part playlist divided into Africa’s five geographic regions with the help of our regional editors. The selected songs represent some of the best and most successful music releases that the continent saw in 2020. This quintessential playlist, perfect for your New Year’s Eve celebrations, is in no particular order and features some of Africa’s biggest rising stars. Enjoy!

West Africa

Wonderful by Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Enjoyment by KiDi (Ghana)

Jolie Nana by Aya Nakamura (Mali)

1er Coeur by Kaaris and Gims (Ivory Coast/DRC)

Nobody by DJ Neptune ft. Mr Eazi and JoeBoy (Nigeria)

Téré Doundou by Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Duduke by Simi (Nigeria)

Bai remix by Soraia Ramos ft. Lisandro (Cape Verde)

Blow by StarBoy ft. Blaq Jerzee and Wizkid (Nigeria) 

Open Gate by Kuami Eugene (Ghana)

No Dulling by Keche ft. Kuami Eugene (Ghana)

Inna Song by Darkovibes (Ghana)

Goulag by Kaaris (Ivory Coast)

Activate by Stonebwoy and Davido (Ghana/Nigeria) 

Ataa Adwoa by Bosom P-Yung (Ghana)

No Stress by Wizkid (Nigeria)

Koroba by Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Dieu sur terre by DJ Kerozen (Ivory Coast)

Fem by Davido (Nigeria)

Sekougn Bayante by Jahman X-press

Tayc – Pour nous by Vegedream (Ivory Coast)

Paradis by Mula (Ivory Coast)

Zombie Dance by Trille ft. Deng (Liberia) 

Cheri Coco by Amira Abed (Senegal)

Mercon by Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)

Southern Africa

Jerusalema by Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa)

You’re the One by Elaine (South Africa)

Emcimbini by Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, Aymos, Mas Musiq ands Myzt (South Africa)

Fadza Mutengi by Poptain (Zimbabwe) 

Kuteera by Tamy Moyo ft. Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) 

Hazvigone by Killer T (Zimbabwe)

John Vuli Gate by Mapara A Jazz (South Africa)

Xola Moya Wam’ by Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa)

Bookoo Bucks by Nasty C (South Africa)

Uwrongo by Prince Kaybee, Shimza, Black Motion and Ami Faku (South Africa)

Lalela by MFR Souls (South Africa)

Mukwasha by Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) 

Njabulo by Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa)

Fire by Anita Jaxson (Zimbabwe) 

Risky by Elaine (South Africa)

Duffle Bag by Poptain, Anita Jaxson, MC Kampton, Prosper Fi Real, Kanter the Janter (Zimbabwe)

Titungamire by Gemma Griffiths (Zimbabwe) 

Urikutsvireiko by Enzo Ishall (Zimbabwe)

See part 2 of our Top African Songs of 2020 playlist here.