Fela Kuti featured on first Rolling Stone Africa cover

This marks a new journey to celebrate African culture following the announcement on 16 July that the publication was launching Rolling Stone Africa in partnership with MWANKOM Group to champion quality Afro content. This collaboration represents a significant milestone as Rolling Stone expands its presence in Africa, aiming to capture its vibrant cultures and diverse voices.

“Since 1967, Rolling Stone has been an amplifier of groundbreaking artists, embracing cultural trailblazers across the US, Europe, and now Africa,” the company noted.

Rolling Stone Africa co-founder and CEO DR Bellegarde-Smeralda stated that the choice of Fela Kuti as the inaugural African cover aligns with a vision to “begin this new chapter… with a cultural icon of the past, present, and future.”

He added: “Fela’s legacy as a pioneer of Afrobeat and a champion of African culture, talent, and heritage is undeniable. His music, perspective, and love for Africa continue to inspire all, not just in music, which is why we chose to launch with him as our first icon.”

The magazine’s chief technology officer, Samuel Panda, also commented: “Africans are everywhere, and there is no doubt that love for Africa extends beyond the continent and our neighbourhoods. Our goal is to be the beacon that connects and celebrates the global African community. Our subscriptions will be affordable, our content relatable, and we will shine a light on artists, big and small, communities, voices, and game-changers who represent the African spirit.”

Rolling Stone’s entry into the continent predates this development. In 2011, the magazine launched Rolling Stone South Africa, under the leadership of veteran music journalist Myles Keylock. In recent years, coinciding with the global explosion of Afrobeats, African pop stars – past and present – have also received increased coverage in the magazine. For example, in January of last year, it named Fela Kuti, Senegalese tenor Youssou N'Dour, South African vocal powerhouse Miriam Makeba, and Afro-fusion star Burna Boy in its list of the 200 Best Singers of All Time. In December 2022, Nigeria’s Burna Boy, Rema, and Wizkid, as well as Ghana’s Black Sherif and South Africa's Kabza De Small and Uncle Waffles, made Rolling Stone’s inaugural list of top Afropop songs.

Meanwhile, Rolling Stone Africa will shift its focus to digital engagement, with plans for a mobile app from new licence holder MWANKOM Group to provide readers with expanded content.