“When the world is falling apart, sound can connect us,” Nina Kraus writes in an essay in “Music and Mind” by Renée Fleming. “Sound holds one key to fostering the community we are looking for.” Music has forever served as an instrument for articulating our strong emotions and deepening our interconnectedness.
To celebrate valentine’s day, Rolling Stone Africa has curated the ultimate playlist filled with African love songs. Whether you’re longing for the affections of a new crush, nursing a broken heart, or navigating the rocky waters of a situationship, there is something for everyone.
In no particular order…
On the 2024 acoustic ballad, “Tears”, South Africa’s pop and amapiano princess, Tyla, dives into the depths of her feelings and offers a shoulder to lean on for everyone navigating hurtful moments.
Key Lyric: “I’m a river you can’t float in/ I would never let you drown/ When your eyes turn into oceans/ I’ll be there before the first drop hits the ground.”
Off her 2021 debut album, 19 & Dangerous, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayra Starr, joined by CKay, tells an all-too-familiar, poignant tale of unrequited love. Each artist takes a turn offering an honest exchange between lovers in the thick of an emotionally charged conversation about the relationship.Key Lyric: “Say I led you on, you sef you follow me/ We were having fun, then suddenly the love came in.”
Kenya’s R&B star, Xenia Manasseh, gained widespread attention with her debut album, LOVE/HATE PT. 1, back in 2023. “Lowkey” remains a stellar standout single from the album, which sees the singer detailing the mixed emotions and confusion that come with the limbo of a situationship.Key Lyric: “We can keep it low-key/ Promise not to tell nobody/ You’ll be the only.”
Shekinah’s 2018 hit, “Please Mr” is equal parts a warning and a plea for consideration in a relationship.
Key Lyric: “Hurt me again and I’ll lose myself and forget your name yeah/ From my brain, boy you know I’m insane yeah”
On “Mistaken”, Cameroon’s Libianca taps Nigerian singer, Oxlade, and American R&B star, Chloe Bailey, for a soundtrack for self-actualisation and moving on from a less than ideal romantic situation.
Key Lyric: “You’re not who I thought you were/ Who I thought you were/ But I won’t waste my energy/ Won’t let you get to me.”
2018’s “On The Low” sees Nigeria’s Burna Boy in rare form as a hopeless romantic charming his way into the heart of his love interest. The track’s interpolation of Magic System’s “1er Gaou” offers a nostalgic, yet timeless feel.
Key Lyric: “I’m tryna put the ring on your finger too/ And be a better guy”
On this sultry guitar-led single, Tayc teams up with the Congolese “Prince of Rumba” for a sweet rendition of passion-filled longing.
“T’as fait de moi un homme/ Tes douleurs sont les miennes/ Réclame-moi et je donne, bébé/ J’ai ton amour dans les veines, les veines.”
Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Gyakie captures the realities of longing for the warmth and familiarity of a past relationship on her 2023 track, “Rent Free”.
Key Lyrics: “Who found who? No one cares, we’re a match/ You should trust me.”
Tanzanian stars Rayvanny and Zuchu team up to deliver an anthem for the broken-hearted reminiscing on the good ol’ days of past relationships.
Key Lyrics: “Ndo kauli inayoniuma kila nikikumbuka/ Tusitafutane sikujua/ Narusha jiwe ndege ukapeperuka.”
Over an infectious bounce (by seasoned Nigerian producer, Sarz) “Not An Angel” sees Tems reiterating her worth and the power of moving on. In her usual fashion, she delivers a fusion of neo-soul, alternative r&b, and lush afrobeats.
Key Lyric: “You know your love don’t do nothin’ for mе/ Right now we’re not goin’ nowherе/ Other than a graveyard, baby”
Over an infectious bounce (by seasoned Nigerian producer, Sarz) “Not An Angel” sees Tems reiterating her worth and the power of moving on. In her usual fashion, she delivers a fusion of neo-soul, alternative r&b, and lush afrobeats.
Key Lyric: “You know your love don’t do nothin’ for mе/ Right now we’re not goin’ nowherе/ Other than a graveyard, baby”
The breezy guitar-tinged “Here With Me” comes off Karun’s 2021 EP Catch A Vibe. Alongside Nigerian producer, Higo, she shares heartfelt and colourful number dedicated to healing and finding love again in the wake of past hurt.
Key Lyric: “Wanted nothing more but to disappear, no love anymore/ But somehow I found you, learned to love again”
A classic number in the African music stratosphere, 2Baba’s 2004 hit, “African Queen” is a love song for the ages.
Key Lyric: “Just like the sun lights up the earth, you light up my life”
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