African Music to Travel To: 5 Artists to Add to Your Playlist

The right music can transform the way we experience a journey. Whether you’re driving through the open plains, watching a golden sunset over the bushveld, or sipping coffee on a misty morning veranda, the perfect soundtrack adds emotional depth to every moment. Africa’s music is as diverse and layered as its landscapes, making it an ideal companion for wanderers and romantics alike.

Here are ten African artists and bands whose sounds capture the spirit of the continent. Add them to your travel playlist for your next road trip, safari, or flight across the ocean.

1. Sona Jobarteh (Gambia/UK)

A master of the kora and a pioneer as the first female griot from a renowned Gambian family, Sona Jobarteh’s music blends tradition and soul. Her album Fasiya is filled with rich melodies that reflect both West African heritage and universal emotion.

Suggested track on Spotify: Jarabi

Photo Credit: Sona Jobarteh

2. Fatoumata Diawara (Mali)

Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata blends Wassoulou traditions with blues, funk, and rock. Her voice is powerful and unmistakably African, yet she crosses borders with ease.

Suggested track on Spotify: Nterini

Photo Credit: Fatoumata Diawara

3. Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa)

Often described as the “afro-folk prince,” Bongeziwe’s music is soft, emotive, and lyrically beautiful. He sings in isiXhosa and creates music that’s deeply introspective and perfect for quiet travel moments.

Suggested track on Spotify: Zange

Photo Credit: Music in Africa

4. Mdou Moctar (Niger)

A modern Tuareg guitar legend, Mdou Moctar fuses Saharan blues with psychedelic rock. His energy and raw desert sound are ideal for long drives through wide-open landscapes.

Suggested track on Spotify: Chismiten

Photo Credit: The Washington Post

5. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Rising fast in the global Afrobeat scene, Ayra Starr represents the new generation of Nigerian pop. Her tracks are confident, upbeat, and ideal for travel days when you want to feel empowered.

Suggested track on Spotify: Bloody Samaritan

Photo Credit: Glamour UK

Final Thoughts: Let the Music Move You

Music is a passport. It can take you to new places or bring you back to the heart of somewhere you love. These ten artists represent just a small sampling of the sounds coming from Africa today, but each one brings something unforgettable to the journey. Whether you’re watching elephants from a game vehicle or staring out the window of a long-haul flight, let these voices guide your thoughts and deepen your experience of travel.

So turn the volume up, press play, and let Africa accompany you, one note at a time.