African politicians have long used music as a powerful campaign tool. Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Nigeria’s Osun State, for instance, is widely recognized for his love of music and dance. His campaigns have incorporated lively performances and catchy songs, energizing his supporters and building a personal connection with the electorate.
In a similar vein, Julius Malema, parliamentarian and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in South Africa, turned to revolutionary songs to galvanize his base and amplify his political messages.
Whether through personal performances or using music to rally crowds, these politicians recognize the emotional and cultural power of music in shaping public sentiment during elections.
The All-African Election Playlist I have curated here reflects the continent’s shifting political landscape from independence to the ongoing fight for democracy, equality, and justice. Music in Africa has always been more than just entertainment. It is a potent form of political expression, used to inspire, criticize, and unite.
Music that embraces both old and new
Over the years, election-related songs in Africa have evolved from traditional folk songs to modern genres like Afrobeat, hip hop, and dancehall dominating the electoral scene. Young, politically conscious artists are using their platforms to speak out against corruption, demand transparency, and highlight issues such as unemployment and youth disenfranchisement.
To be sure, not all of the songs in the playlist below are about elections or campaigns. And some – like “One Love” by Bob Marley – aren’t even sung by African artists. I’ve included these songs in the playlist because I have found in my own field research studying African election campaigns that these songs are regular features at campaign rallies. Incumbent and opposition and parties alike frequently use these songs as anthems, rallying supporters and energizing the crowd.
All-African election playlist
1. “Zombie” – Fela (Nigeria): An iconic satirical anthem often played at rallies to criticize military rule and political control, reminding voters of the need to stand up against oppressive regimes.
2. “Jerusalema“ – Master KG (South Africa): Played at rallies to symbolize hope, unity, and collective strength, encouraging citizens to come together for peaceful and democratic elections.
3. “Sudden” – Tekno (Nigeria): A contemporary Afrobeats song that highlights election unpredictability, often played at campaign rallies to energize the crowd.
4. “Chantons Pour La Paix!/Let’s Pray for Peace in Burundi!” – The Salvation Army and Community Albums (Burundi): Often played at rallies calling for peace, this song encourages voters to seek stability and harmony during politically tense election periods.
5. “Dictateur” – Xuman (Senegal): A song political parties play at campaign rallies to speak out against authoritarian rule and corruption, urging citizens to choose leaders who represent freedom and democracy.
6. “Tujiangalie” – Sauti Sol (Kenya): A song political parties play at campaign rallies to encourage voters to reflect on their country’s challenges and embrace change through the ballot box.
7. “The Black President” – Brenda Fassie (South Africa): A tribute to Nelson Mandela. It celebrates South Africa’s democratic progress and the legacy of Mandela’s activism and leadership..
8. “Get Up Stand Up” – Bob Marley (Jamaica, popular in Africa): A classic call to action against oppression. It is played at rallies across Africa to motivate citizens to take charge of their political destiny.
9. “Freedom” – Bobi Wine (Uganda): A song advocating for political freedom, focusing on fighting for political rights and calling for an end to the “bleeding” in Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa.”
10. “Tanzania Ya Sasa” – Zuchu (Tanzania) : A song highlighting the achievements of President John Magufuli, and encouraging voters to support ongoing progress.
11. “Mr President” – African China (Nigeria): A timeless commentary that highlights issues of governance and accountability – it’s often played at campaign rallies to call out political leaders on issues like corruption and financial mismanagement.
12. “One Love” – Bob Marley (popular across the continent): This song of unity by a famed Jamaican reggae singer, is often played at rallies to inspire togetherness and encourage voters to unite for change during elections.
13. “Nyonyobane” – EFF (South Africa): A song about taking back Africa from oppressors, often played during elections as a call for political change.
14. “Françafrique” – Tiken Jah Fakoly (Côte D’Ivoire): A song that criticizes political corruption, dictatorship, and neo-colonialism in African countries like Rwanda, Congo, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, urging citizens to “wake up“ and demand change.
15. “Run go” – Stonebwoy (Ghana): Played at rallies to express voter dissatisfaction with political leaders and push for leadership change, calling out the failure of those in power.
16. “Vote Yanga” – Piksy (Malawi): A song that emphasizes the importance of democratic leadership and encourages active voter participation.
17. “Buga” – Kizz Daniel, Tekno (Nigeria): Popularized by Nigerian politicians during the 2023 general elections, this song became a rallying cry to engage voters, and a catchy beat to energize crowds at campaign events.
18. “Ole” – Tiwa Savage, Naira Marley (Nigeria): The song is played at rallies to express the frustrations of citizens who feel betrayed by their leaders, which can lead to apathy – or a desire for political change.
19. “E be like say” – 2Face (Nigeria): The song expresses disappointment in unfulfilled promises.
20. “Green Land” – Ty Bello (Nigeria): Symbolizing hope and renewal, the song inspires optimism for a better future.
21. “Jailer” – Asa (Nigeria): The song critiques oppression and societal injustices, highlighting the feeling of being trapped by corrupt systems and authority figures.
Further reading:
- Eka Ikpe, “Nigeria elections: The surprising influence of Afrobeats music on politics,” King’s College London, Feb. 24, 2023.
- Chloe Veltman, “Hip-hop artists and the 2024 Senegal election,” NPR, Dec. 21, 2024.
- Aaron Rakhetsi, “How African musicians are using music to fight inequality and injustice,” Global Citizen, Feb. 5, 2021.
- Jason Burke and Samuel Okiror, “‘Ghetto presidents’: Musicians risk all to take on authoritarian rule in Africa,” The Guardian, Aug. 4, 2020.
- Karsten Noko, “The revolution is a song,” The Republic, Oct. 13, 2021.
- Soji Alabi, “Use of song as a communication tool for political elections and party campaigns in Nigeria (1960-2023),” Global Media Journal, 21(1), June 26, 2023.
- Mwamoyo Hamza, “Reggae, bongo flava songs energize Tanzanian campaign rallies,” VOA News, March 12, 2021.
Kelechi Amakoh is a 2025-2026 Good Authority fellow.
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