It’s Labor Day, and whether you’re unwinding or heading to a BBQ, a good playlist is essential. No worries, we have fresh suggestions for you; we’re talking dope tracks by African artists who’ve put their unique spin on House, Jazz and R&B, genres created by Black Americans. So if you’re ready to chill or hit the dance floor, we’ve got you covered.
Suggested Reading
AFRO HOUSE: Charisse C
House music originated in Chicago, but it has traveled far beyond its hometown. So if you’re looking for something a little more upbeat for this Labor Day weekend, then tap into some Afro House. Charisse C is a Zimbabwean and South African artist who’s bringing the Afro House fusion to the world with her ethereal-sounding track “Morning Sun.”
NITEFREAK
Zimbabwean DJ Nitefreak is making waves in the Afro House scene. His versatility shines through, offering everything from energetic party anthems to mellow, soulful tracks perfect for unwinding.
CIZA
Gaining popularity this summer, Ciza’s “Isaka (6 AM),” from the South African Afro House scene, offers a mellow track perfect for a relaxed Labor Day Weekend, providing good rhythm without being overly demanding.
R&B: Arlo Parks
The UK’s R&B has been going strong. Arlo Parks’ soft voice carries you through her tunes and makes you feel like you’re floating while you listen to her silky voice. If you want to do nothing but lie back and relax this Labor Day, then Arlo Parks is the one to do it with.
R&B/SOUL: Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol’s R&B tracks beautifully blend reggae and Latin influences, reflecting her mixed Jamaican and Serbian-Spanish heritage. Her soulful songs often feature introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
Mahalia
Mahalia, known for her sultry voice, is making waves in the British R&B scene. Her new EP, “Luvergirl,” features several dance-worthy tracks, alongside the smooth and soulful “Sober.”
JAZZ: Ezra Collective
If you’re in a more jazzy mood, the British Jazz band Ezra Collective made an uplifting and funky tune with their track “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing.” With the angelic vocals of Yazmin Lacey, this song is one guaranteed to make you tap a toe at the very least.
Victor Dey Jr
Ghana also has a vibrant Jazz scene. The country was especially liked by Jazz’s biggest icon, Louis Armstrong, who first toured there in 1956, according to the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Victor Dey Jr is a renowned Ghanaian pianist, and his style is a fusion of Ghanaian and Jazz rhythms that will make you swing.
Ebo Taylor
Ghana was first introduced to Jazz in 1914 when music from early Jazz artists first became accessible in the country, according to the Ghana Jazz Foundation. Since then, Ghanaian artists have created a distinctive fusion sound, and Ebo Taylor is one of Ghana’s most iconic Jazz musicians for his shining talent.
K. Frimpong and His Cubano Fiestas
Highlife music is a fusion genre of African and Western influences, particularly Jazz, and K. Frimpong helped to give the genre a further reach in the 1970s, according to Soundway Records, an independent record label. His solid compositions will definitely have you groovin’ this Labor Day Weekend.
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