The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2018 in African music.
Events January 10 – The Premium Times lists Squeeze Tarela and Bella Alubo among its "Nigerian artistes to look out for in 2018". January 13 – Youssou N'Dour, on tour in the Gambia, praises the Gambian people and expresses optimism for the country's future. January 28 – At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, Ladysmith Black Mambazo win the award for Best World Music Album with Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration and are nominated for the Best Children's Album award for Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World. March 30 – Announcement of the winner of the AfriMusic Song Contest 2018, the first pan-African song contest. Eswatini win the contest, represented by the song "Sengikhona", performed by Symphony (Zanele Cele). June 2 – Rita Ray presents a major new series on BBC television: Africa: A Journey Into Music. August 10 – The Minnesota Orchestra becomes the first American orchestra ever to perform in South Africa when it gives the first concert of its South African tour, at City Hall, Cape Town.
Albums released in 2018
Release date Artist Album Genre Label Ref January26Burna BoyOutsideAfrobeats, hip-hop, dancehallAtlantic RecordsProfessorComposed by Jesus ChristKwaito, danceKalawa Jazmee Records January31Zaki IbrahimThe Secret Life of PlanetsR&B, soulIndieFebruary9M.I AbagaRendezvous: The PlaylistHip-hopChocolate City February23Femi KutiOne People One WorldAfrobeatKnitting Factory Records February23Hailu MergiaLala BeluJazzAwesome Tapes from Africa March?Pape DioufEnjoy!Mbalax, World March2Seun KutiBlack TimesAfrobeat, WorldStrut Records March27BrymoOṣóAlternative folk, Yoruba musicIndie May21Allah Thérèse & N'Goran LaloiBé gnanssou moayé May 14Ike MorizMillennium Hits 2002 - 2018Pop, Rock, JazzMosquito Records London May25DJ NeptuneGreatnessAfrobeats, hip-hopNeptune Records Adekunle GoldAbout 30World, highlifeAfro Urban Records, Empire June15ZonkeL.O.V.EAfro-soulSony August24M.I AbagaA Study On Self Worth: Yxng DxnzlHip-hopChocolate City September11Steve KekanaUbuntu Sold Out Music October19RaziaThe Road Razia Said Music November9Mr EaziLife Is Eazi, Vol. 2 - Lagos to LondonAfrobeatsBanku Music November16MayorkunThe Mayor of LagosAfropopDavido Music Worldwide
Classical Michael Blake – Lovedale Harmony (in memory of Siya Betana) (2017) for saxophone quartet
Deaths January 3 – Lara Kruger, 30, South African DJ (Motsweding FM) and transgender rights activist January 4 – Joseph Gunduza Magigwani, 37, Zimbabwean actor and gospel singer (traffic collision)Former Wenera actor dies in car crash January 23 – Hugh Masekela, 78, South African jazz instrumentalist, composer and singer February 1 – Mowzey Radio, 33, Ugandan musician (head injuries from a fight) February 8 - Ebony Reigns, 20, Ghanaian singer (traffic collision)Ebony Reigns Dies In A Gory Motor Crash March 19 – Shavey, Kenyan dancehall singer (traffic collision)Dancehall star Shavey of the famed ‘Gyal’ hit song dies after being run over by matatu April 2 – Ahmed Janka Nabay, Sierra Leonean musician, 54“Bubu Music” Pioneer Janka Nabay Has Died May 20 – N'Goran La Loi, Ivorian accordionist, husband and partner of Allah Thérèse, 87 June 10 – Ras Kimono, Nigerian reggae musician, 60Nigerian reggae artist, Ras Kimono dies after brief illness September 12 – Rachid Taha, Algerian singer (Carte de Séjour), 59 (heart attack)France-based Algerian singer Rachid Taha dies at 59 October 3 – Joseph Kamaru, Kenyan benga musician and political activist, 79 (complications from Parkinson's disease)Musician Joseph Kamaru, 79, dies at MP Shah Hospital October 24 – Hip Hop Pantsula, South African rapper, 38 November 13 – Brian Rusike, Zimbabwean songwriter and keyboardist, 62Zim’s original Pied Pipers member dies
See also 2018 in music
References