10 African songs for Valentine’s Day

Centred on various dimensions , love-themed songs have not only supported Africa’s reputation for hospitality but also heightened its global allure. Ancestral rhythms ignite with the melodies of love, and contemporary pop continues in this rich tradition. This musical heritage, circulating for centuries, has ensured emotional composure and inoculated its people against tough times.

Today, on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, our in-house team of editors presents a bouquet of carefully curated tunes in honour of love brewed in Africa.

Jarabi by Sona Jobarteh

The work of Sona Jobarteh, hailing from a legendary line of griot kora players in Gambia, is all grace: the stuff that makes you simply shut your eyes and lose yourself. Her sweet interpretation of the popular 1960’s folk anthem ‘Jarabi’ (Beloved), a tribute to the power of love, makes you float. The song’s poignant lines include: “Forgive me, mothers, but money cannot buy love / It’s true, forgive me, fathers, no riches can buy love.”

Afraid to Lose You by Kwabena Kwabena

Often, the starting point of a great love song lies in honesty: the realisation that a heart now belongs to another and that the mere contemplation of life outside of this newfound connection can be crippling. On the charming 2022 ballad ‘Afraid to Lose You’, highlife veteran Kwabena Kwabena, a trusted voice on matters of the heart in Ghana, delves straight into the core of this emotional reality.

I Wish by Waje

The lyrics of Nigerian songstress Waje’s reggae-leaning ‘I Wish’, which debuted a decade ago, express the lamentation of vulnerability experienced by the heart in the depths of love. On the record, the singer bemoans her misfortune in romantic relationships, suggesting that if given the chance, she would willingly exchange her organ for a piece of rock to avoid the pain and suffering associated with love.

‘Butta My Bread’ by JZyNo ft. Lasmid

On ‘Butta My Bread’, his 2023 breakout single, Liberian pop singer JZyNo enlists Ghana’s Lasmid for this passionate yet familiar manifesto, offering a catchy melody, captivating hook and the customary promises of idealistic dreams.

Unajua by Gilad ft. Wendy Kimani

This Kenyan classic by Gilad and Wendy Kimani continues to be the love standard nearly 10 years after its release. It’s an irresistible love anthem not only for the incurable romantics but even those who eschew such feelings.

Dah by Nandy ft. Alikiba

Probably one of the biggest bongo flava collabs so far in 2024, Nandy and Alikiba combine their talents to serenade their romantic interests in the best way they know. The lyricism, oozing with charm, will sweep many listeners off their feet.

Omukwano (Love) by Joshua Baraka ft. Winnie Nwagi

On this high-octane Ugandan offering, Joshua Baraka and Winnie Nwagi show that love songs can also fall into the club category: you can dance to them all night long!

‘Ndihamba Nawe’ by Mafikizolo

‘Ndihamba Nawe’ is a popular love song by South African pop duo Mafikizolo. Taken from the group’s 2007 debut album Sibongile, the track is a standard to for a Valentine’s Day or wedding playlist. An anthem of love, ‘Ndihamba Nawe’ celebrates finding the person that one wants to spend their life with.

‘MuGarden’ by Winky D ft. Gemma

‘MuGarden’ is a popular love song by Zimdancehall singer Winky D featuring Gemma Griffiths. The track tells the story of the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden. Throughout the story, Winky D (Adam) asks Griffiths (Eve) not to live a jealous or lust-filled life. In his plea, he urges her not to betray him as Eve did when she persuaded Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. Undoubtedly, the couple wants to avoid Adam and Eve’s fate.

‘Nobody But Me’ by Vanessa Mdee ft. K.O

‘Nobody But Me’ is an uplifting collaborative love song by Tanzania’s Vanessa Mdee featuring South African rapper K.O. It is an emotional display of excitement over the prospect of a new relationship. Although the song was released in 2015, it continues to be popular as a plea for attention from a lover.