Introduction and Selection Criteria for Africa's Top Songs of 2017
After the belated publication of Africa's Top Songs for each of the years running from 2010 to 2013, the 2017 list now represents the eighth annual ranking in #TheYamboSelection series. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank the best pop songs out of those released or published during the year. The longest list of top songs had 25 titles in 2014, but this number has been set at 40 since 2015.
Before the entire Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE
HERE, THEN, THE LISTING AND RANKING OF TOP 40 HAPPIEST SONGS FEATURING AFRICAN QUEENS ~ #YaSE
[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]
Click on any Song's title below to watch the video:
[Follow Mauri Yambo]
40. Yegwe Munange by Serena Bata (2017):
Yegwe Munange (= It's you, Babe) is more than the usual music video offering. It has a distinctive visual-arts orientation, as if the product of a self-respecting School of READ MORE
39. Only You by Amber Lulu (2018):
A rousing tune invites all to this jam session filled with pleasant sounds and "brave" visuals. Amber Lulu is fully engaged in this beat filled act. It ends too soon, alas, at 2:44 minutes.
38. Ya Nini by Alicios and Khaligaph Jones (2017):
Ya Nini, sung in both Swahili and Lingala as well as some English, is a fusion of rap (infused with Sheng) and a rousing version of Lingala Pop. It is a sort of Eastlands READ MORE
37. Dede by Mimi Mars (2017):
A relaxed and confident Mimi sings an adorable song here, about all those hard-to-express love feelings that felt Love easily engenders. It has a lovely tone, too, which READ MORE
36. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):
Ray C's early works are well-remembered by those who heard them. In tone and mien, Unanimaliza (= you finish me), is back-to-the-future of sorts.The tune's good. Her eyes still finish men.
35. John Rambo by Sheebah (2017):
John Rambo is Sheebah's latest personification of her love-idea. He's a good excuse for fine and suggestive moves and postures, as well as lovey lyrics. And she's of course READ MORE
34. Shuga by Mimi Mars (2017):
Shuga is a high-spirited love song, packed with tender feelings. Mimi Mars, the songstress, plays here the role of a love-bird getting set to welcome her man (her Shuga) READ MORE
33. iNDE by HEAVY-K ft Bucie x Nokwazi (2017):iNDE is a journey of the mind, a long Love Journey, across expansive landscapes and all those years gone. It's about defiance built on relived betrayals. Yet Love needs Love still.
32. Weekend by Sheebah ft. Runtown (2017):
Weekend -- Wikendi, if you like -- as sung by Sheebah and Runtown, is a superb collaboration between two musical pillars in Uganda and Nigeria. The video invokes READ MORE
31. Suited by Shekhinah (2017):
Suited is a song of deepest commitment, earnestly sung by this iconic but still mysterious South African singer, Shekhinah. "Suited for each other", she declares to her READ MORE
30. Hata Sielewi by MwanaFA ft. Maua Sama (2017):
Hata Sielewi ( = I don't really understand what you're saying) portrays the difficulties experienced when attempting to express love sentiments across language barriers READ MORE
29. Attention by Vivian ft. Redsan (2017):
Attention is a cheerful song by two Kenyan artistes. It fuses two genres -- Genge (Vivian) and Reggae (Redsan). It is energetic and fun -- with cheerful voices and engaging dance-hall tunes.
28. Bebe by Nana Fofie (2017):
Bebe has an alluring beat, which brands the whole song. It grabs you (the whole of you) right away, with its moderate pace. It doesn't let go. We have high-def optics READ MORE
27. Give it to Me by Lulu Diva (2017):
Lulu Diva's puff-puffing, equatorial train-ride is as a fine an excuse as you can get for another kind of journey she's prepared just for you (guys): a seductive and READ MORE
26. Tukiggale by Eddy Yawe ft. Carol Nantongo (2017):
Tukiggale (= "Let's [get] close") is a song full of cheer, and such an enjoyable 'moment'. Every second of it is a thrill, and every thrill cascades. It shares out ample servings of READ MORE
25. Fire by Diamond Platnumz ft. Tiwa savage (2017):
Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage light a Fire that grabs our attention with its catchy tunes and upbeat delivery, and will not let go. All of that is raised notches higher by the READ MORE
24. Bajaj by Navy Kenzo ft. Patoranking (2017):
As we hear in the song's refrain, the essential message which singers Navy Kenzo (the Tanzanian duo) and Patoranking (the Nigerian) push in Bajaj is: Never treat a woman READ MORE
23. Usimwache by Lulu Diva (2017):
Usimwache ("Don't you leave him") is a friendly, feel-good song of advice. It sugarcoats improbable counsel to a friend contemplating parting ways with her beau. He, READ MORE
22. All Over by Tiwa Savage (2017):
All Over is anthem for a tropical/summertime interlude between summer this and summer next. Away from, well, everything. Tiwa and all dem gals be havin' a READ MORE
21. Do Me Good by ExQ ft. Lulu Diva (2017):
Do Me Good is a boisterous coming together of yin and yang. It's an imaginary, rough-edged expression of sub-Saharan attraction. The two singers, from READ MORE
20. Green Light by Cuppy x Tekno (2017):
Cuppy and Tekno, ppl of the same ilk! They have the Green Light to Pom! Pom! To have a gooood and unforgettable time. We got it too -- listening, watching with measure READ MORE
19. Say What you Want by Siza ft. Eugy (2017):
While Eugy stays happily in the background, Siza, with her regal mien and enchanting eyes, stands out in Say What You Want. She has a rich array of sovereign vocal READ MORE
18. Ezizweni by Mobi Dickson ft. Barita (2017):
Mobi Dickson is all cheer in Ezizweni. And so are we. It's in her beaming visage. In her period-piece vocals. And in her O so charming moves. She got rhythm, too. READ MORE
17. Air by Di'ja (2017):
Whistling Di'Ja is the reason for this journey, on which we find her. With a coterie of friends, she's soon singing about her onliest Air. Can't breathe without him. The tune's pretty good.
16. Forever by Eazzy ft. Mr. Eazi (2017):
Forever is an altogether sunny duet, with relationship-enhancing lyrics. Ms. Eazzy puts all her heart into this thing, with easy moves and cat-like shout-outs. Mr. Eazi is solid rock.
Click on any Song's title below to watch the video:
[Follow Mauri Yambo]
40. Yegwe Munange by Serena Bata (2017):
Yegwe Munange (= It's you, Babe) is more than the usual music video offering. It has a distinctive visual-arts orientation, as if the product of a self-respecting School of READ MORE
39. Only You by Amber Lulu (2018):
A rousing tune invites all to this jam session filled with pleasant sounds and "brave" visuals. Amber Lulu is fully engaged in this beat filled act. It ends too soon, alas, at 2:44 minutes.
38. Ya Nini by Alicios and Khaligaph Jones (2017):
Ya Nini, sung in both Swahili and Lingala as well as some English, is a fusion of rap (infused with Sheng) and a rousing version of Lingala Pop. It is a sort of Eastlands READ MORE
37. Dede by Mimi Mars (2017):
A relaxed and confident Mimi sings an adorable song here, about all those hard-to-express love feelings that felt Love easily engenders. It has a lovely tone, too, which READ MORE
36. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):
Ray C's early works are well-remembered by those who heard them. In tone and mien, Unanimaliza (= you finish me), is back-to-the-future of sorts.The tune's good. Her eyes still finish men.
35. John Rambo by Sheebah (2017):
John Rambo is Sheebah's latest personification of her love-idea. He's a good excuse for fine and suggestive moves and postures, as well as lovey lyrics. And she's of course READ MORE
34. Shuga by Mimi Mars (2017):
Shuga is a high-spirited love song, packed with tender feelings. Mimi Mars, the songstress, plays here the role of a love-bird getting set to welcome her man (her Shuga) READ MORE
33. iNDE by HEAVY-K ft Bucie x Nokwazi (2017):iNDE is a journey of the mind, a long Love Journey, across expansive landscapes and all those years gone. It's about defiance built on relived betrayals. Yet Love needs Love still.
32. Weekend by Sheebah ft. Runtown (2017):
Weekend -- Wikendi, if you like -- as sung by Sheebah and Runtown, is a superb collaboration between two musical pillars in Uganda and Nigeria. The video invokes READ MORE
31. Suited by Shekhinah (2017):
Suited is a song of deepest commitment, earnestly sung by this iconic but still mysterious South African singer, Shekhinah. "Suited for each other", she declares to her READ MORE
30. Hata Sielewi by MwanaFA ft. Maua Sama (2017):
Hata Sielewi ( = I don't really understand what you're saying) portrays the difficulties experienced when attempting to express love sentiments across language barriers READ MORE
29. Attention by Vivian ft. Redsan (2017):
Attention is a cheerful song by two Kenyan artistes. It fuses two genres -- Genge (Vivian) and Reggae (Redsan). It is energetic and fun -- with cheerful voices and engaging dance-hall tunes.
28. Bebe by Nana Fofie (2017):
Bebe has an alluring beat, which brands the whole song. It grabs you (the whole of you) right away, with its moderate pace. It doesn't let go. We have high-def optics READ MORE
27. Give it to Me by Lulu Diva (2017):
Lulu Diva's puff-puffing, equatorial train-ride is as a fine an excuse as you can get for another kind of journey she's prepared just for you (guys): a seductive and READ MORE
26. Tukiggale by Eddy Yawe ft. Carol Nantongo (2017):
Tukiggale (= "Let's [get] close") is a song full of cheer, and such an enjoyable 'moment'. Every second of it is a thrill, and every thrill cascades. It shares out ample servings of READ MORE
25. Fire by Diamond Platnumz ft. Tiwa savage (2017):
Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage light a Fire that grabs our attention with its catchy tunes and upbeat delivery, and will not let go. All of that is raised notches higher by the READ MORE
24. Bajaj by Navy Kenzo ft. Patoranking (2017):
As we hear in the song's refrain, the essential message which singers Navy Kenzo (the Tanzanian duo) and Patoranking (the Nigerian) push in Bajaj is: Never treat a woman READ MORE
23. Usimwache by Lulu Diva (2017):
Usimwache ("Don't you leave him") is a friendly, feel-good song of advice. It sugarcoats improbable counsel to a friend contemplating parting ways with her beau. He, READ MORE
22. All Over by Tiwa Savage (2017):
All Over is anthem for a tropical/summertime interlude between summer this and summer next. Away from, well, everything. Tiwa and all dem gals be havin' a READ MORE
21. Do Me Good by ExQ ft. Lulu Diva (2017):
Do Me Good is a boisterous coming together of yin and yang. It's an imaginary, rough-edged expression of sub-Saharan attraction. The two singers, from READ MORE
20. Green Light by Cuppy x Tekno (2017):
Cuppy and Tekno, ppl of the same ilk! They have the Green Light to Pom! Pom! To have a gooood and unforgettable time. We got it too -- listening, watching with measure READ MORE
19. Say What you Want by Siza ft. Eugy (2017):
While Eugy stays happily in the background, Siza, with her regal mien and enchanting eyes, stands out in Say What You Want. She has a rich array of sovereign vocal READ MORE
18. Ezizweni by Mobi Dickson ft. Barita (2017):
Mobi Dickson is all cheer in Ezizweni. And so are we. It's in her beaming visage. In her period-piece vocals. And in her O so charming moves. She got rhythm, too. READ MORE
17. Air by Di'ja (2017):
Whistling Di'Ja is the reason for this journey, on which we find her. With a coterie of friends, she's soon singing about her onliest Air. Can't breathe without him. The tune's pretty good.
16. Forever by Eazzy ft. Mr. Eazi (2017):
Forever is an altogether sunny duet, with relationship-enhancing lyrics. Ms. Eazzy puts all her heart into this thing, with easy moves and cat-like shout-outs. Mr. Eazi is solid rock.
15. Your Matter by Seyi Shay ft. Eugy x Efosa (2017):
In "The Ballad at (as) the Core...", I pointed out that the dominant genre of modern African music in 2013-14 was the ballad. That's what the evidence I had seen told READ MORE
14. Down by Quick Rocka ft. Mimi Mars (2017):
With Down, sung in both Swahili and English, Quick Rocka and Mimi Mars (both Tanzanian) deliver an engaging dance-floor hit. The tunes are superbly primed, with a READ MORE
13. Mfata by Charly na Nina (2017):
In Mfata, the Charly na (= and) Nina duo from Rwanda sings a very cheerful and quick-paced song in perfect harmony of voice, and dances in wonderful synchronicity READ MORE
12. To Dondwa by F'Victeam (2017):
Fally Ipupa is at it again with his friends in this 'journey' To Dondwa. Each has a turn in this up-beat song, rendered suavely in a sort of Lingala Pop. The dancing is READ MORE
11. Enjala by Sheebah ft. Cathy Patra x Rozmerie Atim x Vee Vicey (2017):
Enjala, one understands, means hunger; and it may mean nails or talons. As a song, Enjala will mean whatever suits Sheebah's fancy. How it's sung and accompanied and READ MORE
10. Ofana Nawe by Mafikizolo ft. Yemi Alade (2017):
The song Ofana Nawe (meaning "There's no one like you") is easily misunderstood in certain circles as gospel, as we try to explain below; but it is not. Still, it might as well READ MORE
9. Calée by Daphne (2017):
Multi-lingual Daphne, from Cameroon, sings Calée in a happy and obviously optimistic and romantic tone. The band delivers carefully composed sounds which go right along READ MORE
8. Babiee by Avril ft. A Pass
Babiee showcases the fine talents of two classy artistes from East Africa -- she from Kenya and he from Uganda. They deliver the lyrics... and the totality of this READ MORE
7. Pose by DJ Xclusive ft Tiwa Savage x Solidstar (2017):
Pose, rich in samba memes, is a fine piece by masters of delight. A song of pure melody, with seamless voice modulations and unexpected word-plays. The lyrics are free READ MORE
6. Tonight The Band Beca x Petra (2017):
In Tonight, which gives us nearly 5 minutes of silky funk, the youthful and self-assured Kenyans, Band Beca, sing like seasoned artistes, with seductive pauses and READ MORE
5. 911 by Krizbeatz ft. Yemi Alade x Harmonize (2017):
As the video shows, the whole crew caught up in this 911 situation has contributed massively to its obvious and growing success. Everybody in it goes with the tastefully READ MORE
4. Inspire by Nameless (2017):
Inspire has a truly inspiring tone and an amazingly sunny tune. Nameless, whom we will call Adam, has gone (to the Maasai Mara) and done it, all within sight of the great READ MORE
3. Bounce by Vanessa Mdee ft. Maua Sama x Tommy Flavour (2017):
Bounce features two Tanzanian Divas with smooth-as-silk voices, and a style and charm to match the whole do: Vanessa Mdee and Maua Sama. It might as well be READ MORE
2. Kelele za Chura by Chege ft. Nandy (2017):
Tons of verve here! So much oomph! Kelele za Chura (Swahili phrase for frogs' croaking cacophony) is about the rock of love that ignores all prying eyes and treats all rumor READ MORE
1. Africa Unite by Nsoki ft. DJ Maphorisa and DJ Paulo Alves(2017):
Seven years after Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), that iconic song sung and danced by Shakira and her South African companions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comes a worthy successor -- Africa Unite. READ MORE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
Seven years after Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), that iconic song sung and danced by Shakira and her South African companions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comes a worthy successor -- Africa Unite. READ MORE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
[Follow Mauri Yambo]
