First, let me start by saying that African people, whether we’re directly from the continent, from the Caribbean Diaspora, born somewhere in Europe, where ever, are one! In that sense, I don’t distinguish between our culture. Diverse as it is, it’s all African culture to me.

With that said however, when it comes to music, there are certain styles that originated in a specific place and we automatically associate with that specific place. For example Reggae is considered Jamaican, and Azonto is from Ghana. Lately I’ve noticed this trend that I absolute love! I’ve seen more and more songs being made out of some sort of fusion or partnership between the continent and the Diaspora. South American or Caribbean artist singing in a style that originated in the Motherland, or the other way around; an artist directly from the continent singing a song in a style originated by the Diaspora.

Here are my top ten “African Fusion” songs so far.

10. Alicios & Juliana – Mpita Njia
Now there have been African Zouk songs in the past, but mainly from West African (Ivorian) artists. This is my first time hearing Zouk sung by an East African (Ugandan) artist

9. Machel Montano & Kerwin Dubois – Possessed
A mix between Soca that originated in Trinidad and South African Isicathamiya. Right now Machel Montano is the best Soca artist.

8. N’Toman – Africando
Senegalese and Malian Salsa. I absolutely love this song. There hasn’t been a week that has gone by without me listening to this song at least once….For the last 4 years.

7. Kolektif An Wout – Loco
Azonto/ Afrobeats from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe (I believe they’re from there, they could also be from Martinique, I’m not too sure).

6. Area 51 – Oh Maria
Azonto/ Afrobeats from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao.

5. H_art the Band – Uliza Kiatu
Now there have been numerous African reggae artists. In fact, one of my favorite reggae songs of all times is by the South African Lucky Dube, may he RIP. I recently stumbled upon this Kenyan band, and it was love at first sound. They have other beautiful songs, but this one is definitely my favorite.

4.Flexclusive & Kayente – Odo Ye De (remix)
When Azonto from Ghana and Kawina from Suriname meet. A true fusion because they’ve combined both styles.
Love!

3. Patoranking – Daniella whine
I absolutely love this Dancehall song by this Nigerian artist. It reminds me of the old school Dancehall songs I grew up with. The only minus is his “fake” Jamaican accent. I’m not a Jamaican, and even I spotted the pretending. Next time, just sing in your Naija accent Patoranking…lol. It’s all love though.

2. Olatunji – Ola Ola
A fusion between Soca from the Trinidadian Olatunji (Yes, a Yoruba name, but he was born and raise in Trinidad by Trini parents) and Afrobeats.

1. Flavour Ft. Tiwa Savage – Oyi Remix
Now, I have been saying for the longest time that every song sounds better remixed into Konpas/Zouk. This song proves that theory yet again. The original Naija Afrobeats version did nothing for me. But this remix? Whenever I hear it, I “dey catch a cold“!

Do I have good taste or do I have good taste? Any favorites?