Africa Day: Qwest TV showcases African musicians

Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is held in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It seeks to celebrate achievements on the African continent and in the African diaspora since the colonial era while raising awareness of the current challenges.

The content includes the It Began in Africa playlist, which features a selection of African music performances. It showcases an eclectic repertoire from North Africa, including a concert by Tuareg band Tinariwen and a documentary about gnawa music.

The playlist also highlights West African stars like Oumou Sangaré, Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, as well as Central, Southern and East African musicians like Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Reunionese singer Danyèl Waro.

Qwest TV says the playlist demonstrates the continued influence of African music on the world, highlighting its links with South American music in places like Colombia, Brazil and Peru, as well as the Caribbean and the US through jazz and hip hop.

“This playlist invites viewers to explore the shared roots of the music we love across continents and time periods, a central mission of Qwest TV,” a statement reads.

Qwest TV also partnered with musicians such as Senegalese legend Baaba Maal and Malian kora ambassador Diabaté to curate custom playlists.

Maal’s playlist has one foot in bebop, with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk alongside the kings and queens of funk and soul James Brown, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, as well as African music courtesy of the likes of Hugh Masekela and Bassekou Kouyaté. Diabaté is also expected to compile a playlist of Malian music, which will expose its links with American blues and flamenco.

Music In Africa has also curated an Africa Day playlist in celebration of African musicians including Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Salif Keïta and Miriam Makeba, among others. Listen to the playlist here.