Incorporating myriad cultures and languages, an unending number of sonic influences, styles, and fusions and 54 unique countries, Africa is anything but monolith. In 2025, to coincide with Africa Month—celebrated annually in May to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity—we’re inviting you to take a tour through the African continent’s most vibrant sonic capitals.
The Sounds of Africa is our spotlight on the numerous textures and facets that capture not only the sounds of the continent’s most prolific music hubs, but also their spirit. We asked a group of artists, industry executives, tastemakers and influencers to curate playlists that showcase what makes each city unique, covering the rich soundscapes of Lagos, Accra, Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi and Johannesburg. Here, you’ll also find essential albums from all-time African legends, key releases from artists and producers shaping contemporary music, exclusive DJ mixes that offer insight into what’s next, and more.

Lagos: Nigeria’s Afro-Beating Heart “Lagos is not just a city; it’s an energy, a movement, and a spirit,” entrepreneur and music industry veteran Oluwaseun ‘Banko’ Lloyd tells Apple Music. “It’s the place where dreams are born, rhythms collide, and cultures blend. The music of Lagos reflects its vibrancy, ambition, and tenacity, and it echoes the heartbeat of its people—dynamic, resilient, and always evolving.” Discover more from Lagos’s lush soundscape here.

Johannesburg: City of Gold "Johannesburg isn’t just a city—it’s a beast. It’s loud, fast, and constantly moving,” South African radio broadcaster Nick Hamman tells Apple Music. It’s the sound of taxis hooting, street vendors hustling, people chasing dreams. Always changing, always moving. The music here isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you feel.” Dive into the sounds that make Joburg great.

Accra: Fusing Past and Present "Accra’s sound is a living, breathing fusion of past and present—where highlife grooves, hiplife flows, Azonto rhythms and Afrobeats energy all collide,” Ground Up Chale label founder Glen Sho tells Apple Music. It’s the heartbeat of the city, shaped by storytellers who turn everyday life into anthems. This music lives in the streets, in the clubs, in our daily grind and on the global stage.” Explore more of Accra’s sonic textures here.

Nairobi: Cultural Fusion “Music is the heartbeat of Nairobi—it’s what brings us together, no matter our background,” DJ and cofounder of Afro-house label Gondwana KE, Eugene “Euggy” Onyango, tells Apple Music. “It’s all about mixing cultures, energy and passion into something real. The city’s sound is always changing, and I’m here to celebrate every beat and every moment we share.” Discover the sounds that shape Nairobi here.

Dar Es Salaam: Globally Relevant, Locally Beloved “Music embodies the spirit of Dar es Salaam,” singer-songwriter Marioo tells Apple Music, “from its vibrant culture and romance to the grind and resilience of its people. Each track tells a story that listeners, both in Tanzania and beyond, can connect with when they think of the city.” Get acquainted with more sounds from the East African hub.