In Senegal, Viviane Chidid wrote the song of fighters and resourceful people Zero to Hero
The queen of the Djolof Band, Viviane Chidid, has just unveiled her new track Zéro To Hero, which combines catchy mbalax rhythm and inspiring lyrics. Zero to Hero is particularly aimed at young people. Viviane Chidid launches a call for action in the face of difficulties and urges young Senegalese to mobilize and actively engage in building their future. She deplores the tendency towards passivity and encourages everyone not to be afraid of small beginnings or simply starting from scratch. Zéro To Hero is a message of hope: no matter where you come from, with determination and effort, it is possible to climb the ladder and achieve your dreams.
Singer Rimon celebrates her Eritrean origins in her song Make Money with Mereba
In 2018, Rimon seduced listeners with his first EP BBYGirl Ffather$. The singer mixed her neo-soul voice with modern r’n’b and Eritrean sounds. Born in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, Rimon migrated to Amsterdam with her family when she was just a little girl. His EP Digital Tears (2021) will allow him to be spotted by the German channel Colors which will offer him to produce a new title during a live session. The American singer Giveon will then ask him to be the official opening act for his European and North American tour. She will be selected in the 30 under 30 ranking of Forbes magazine, thus consolidating her status as an artist to follow. While the public impatiently awaits his first album, Rimon decides in 2024 to take a journey back to his origins. This trip is reported in the clip of Make Money in duet with Mereba (singer of Ethiopian origin). The video, directed by Robin Van Geemen, embodies the joy and generational wealth passed down as an inheritance. Make Money is the first single from Rimon’s first album which will be released before the end of 2024.
It’s the clash of the titans between Davido and YG Marley in their duet Never filmed in the streets of Lagos
Davido had a good year in 2024. Between his marriage last June and his various record successes, Davido is swimming in happiness. As curious as it may be, Never is Davido’s first single this year. However, he was not idle since he was credited with several successful collaborations, notably the title Joy with Angélique Kidjo. Awuke is therefore a reflection of his positive state of mind. This new song brings together Davido and American Jamaican reggae star, YG Marley. The Music video was filmed in Lagos and produced by DAPS. We see movements choreographed by dancers dressed in white and nighttime party scenes. As the end of year festivities approach, this new track is timely and reminds us that Davido is a hit machine.
In Rwanda, Ariel Wayz and Butera Knowles offer a peak collaboration in the song katira
Ariel Uwayezu alias Ariel Wayz has occupied the Rwandan urban scene since 2019, the year she launched a solo career after leaving her group Symphony launched in 2016. Her duo I miss you with Juno Kizigenza, published in 2021, left its mark. The same year, she released her first EP titled Love & Lust. Today, Ariel Wayz is one of the most influential artists in the East African music landscape. So two of Rwanda’s best female artists, Ariel Wayz and Butera Knowles, decided to team up for their first collaboration, Katira. A duo made possible by Clement Ishimwe’s Kina Music Records label. Katira has already met with public and critical approval in less than a week of release.
Head to Gambia where the young Awa Gambia sparks with her new single Jalal
Awa Jonga did not look far to choose his pseudonym Awa Gambia. The multi-talented young artist was born and raised in Gambia. In 2013, she participated in the television competition Sen Petit Galle Star which was all the rage in Senegal. She will finish among the first. Gifted for writing texts and also for dancing, Awa Gambia quickly made a name for herself thanks to her first compositions. His first EP Blessing is released in 2021 and Awa Gambia confirms her status as an artist who counts. In October 2022, Awa Gambia released her debut album Taking Over. Which earned him the attention of the public. In February 2024, she started the year with the single I’m Not Runningbefore continuing with Where Are You, Jambar and now Jalal. It is this last piece which concludes Awa Gambia’s recording year.
Shaoleen, the Ivorian artist, unveils the remix of her hit Farewell with the participation of Smarty
Amaman Acho Jean Bruce is better known as Shaoleen. Originally from Yakassé-Attobrou, Shaoleen is the son of a retired primary education inspector. It was from a very young age that he got into music as a disc jockey in a “maquis” (that’s what the bars in Abidjan are called). Shaoleen will shine for a few years in the group of the Konty DJ group, while obtaining a BTS diploma in Finance and accounting. It was in 2014 that we found the first traces of his unpublished solo compositions. Shaoleen invited Smarty for her second single of the year Farewellwhich succeeds It’s not forced. A connection between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso against a backdrop of forgiveness and mercy.
The Calema duo continues the exploitation of the album Voyage with the title Alice
Antonio and Fradique recently stated in an interview for L’avenir that “the white sand, the immense beaches, the warm and transparent water of Sao Tomé” They missed them greatly. Well, neither one nor two, the two brothers took the plane to go to their native island and put in images the video for their single Alice. This is the new extract from their album Voyage available in stores since October 11. As a reminder, Calema is on a world tour which will pass through the Accor Arena in Paris on January 10, 2025. “We could never have done it without each other”they said. A dream come true for Antonio and Fradique who have become the spokespersons for Sao Tome And Principe throughout the world.
A selection available exclusively in the Afro-Club playlist on Deezer, Spotify and on the RFI Musique YouTube channel.
