Playlist 6: Five new African music videos to check out

WEST AFRICA - French

Suadu Diaw - 'Tell Me' (Senegal)

Young singer Suadu Diaw became known to the public thanks to her hit 'Celebrate'. This time she returns with 'Tell Me', a song that takes a lot of guts - and she pulls it off, demonstrating her talent as an artist. Like her breakthrough hit, the song sends a very strong emotional message. Clearly, Suadu is gifted and has great potential. Her music is refreshing and her future looks bright, if she continues on her current path. She could become wildly successful through her label Prince Arts, which usually focusses on M'balakh that does not offer anything new to the Senegalese scene. With Suadu, Prince Arts have moved beyond this, which can only be a good thing because an audience does exist for this kind of music, one that thirsts for real compositions.

WEST AFRICA - English

Yemi Alade – 'Na Gode' ft. Selebobo (Nigeria)

Her new album The Diary of an African Woman explains the aim of Nigerian artist Yemi Alade: she wants to represent the African woman, in all of her complexity. Whether that is possible is not quite clear, but she will try. On ‘Na Gode’, Yemi thanks her maker for her success. She gives further thanks in a note accompanying the video, expressing gratitude to the people instrumental to the video’s success, including the staff of the National Commission of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). The video has already been viewed over 4 million times on YouTube, so perhaps another round of thanks is in order - or maybe viewers can thank Ms Alade instead: for portraying the African woman as a colourful, beautiful being. A new deluxe version of the album has just been released.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Dope G - 'My Hair' (Zambia)

Founder member of popular Zambian crew Zone Fam, rapper Dope G (real name Sam Sakala) dropped 'My Hair' a few months ago, produced by Shom-C from Zero dB. It's the first single from a yet-to-be-titled solo album due for release in mid-2016. 'My Hair' is for those who have been judged by their appearance - a reminder that nothing on the outside defines you you really are. "I really don't think that it's fair to judge a woman just by looking at her hairdo," sings Dope G, calling on all 'Rapunzels' to let down their hair and just be themselves. Since its release the song has been a big hit in Zambia, inspiring countless women to be more confident in their own skin.

EAST AFRICA

Yamoto Band ft. Zena - 'Mama' (Tanzania)

Yamoto Band’s new song ‘Mama’ does not cover a new theme; many artists have penned lyrics in praise of their mothers. But the video's visual presentation and the band's characteristically energetic performance offers a fresh perspective of songs that speak about mothers. The band sing in praise of the wonderful things that a mother does for her children, whether it’s protecting them from what neighbours think about them or ensuring that they are well fed. In resounding Swahili and adapting a taarab feel, singer Zena represents what most mothers do: she prays for her children. Released in February 2016, ‘Mama’ is a single that celebrates women who bring life into the world, the greatest gift of all.

CENTRAL AFRICA

Mathematik De Petit Pays – 'Maman' (Cameroon)

"Your mom in life is a precious diamond, with excruciating pain she gave you life. All day long she thinks only of your happiness. To say thank you, respect your mother." These wise words start the song 'Maman' (mother) of Mathematik De Petit Pays, off his latest album Tour du Monde (world tour). It's an invitation to reciprocate the unwavering love of a mother, a tribute to those who care for us and all mankind. Mathematik is in his element, getting his fans to dance even on a song with a thought-provoking message. Dance like you want, he is saying, but never forget to respect your mother: listen to what she has to say, or simply tell her 'thank you'.