The Glo-sponsored African Voices on CNN International will this weekend highlight the activities of three top African artists aiming for high goals.
The 30-minute programme will feature the trio of Nigerian highlife singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold, singing sensation, Baaba Maal from Senegal and Thee Legacy from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Popularly known and addressed as Adekunle Gold by his fans, Adekunle Kosoko was born in 1987. He came to the lime light in 2015 through his single “Sade” which was widely accepted across the continent and through which he became prominent. He later joined a new record company, YBNL Nation in 2015 and released Orente and Pick Up, and just like “Sade” the two singles became instant hit. This was followed by Gold, which stood at number 7 on theBillboard World Albums Chart.
An acoustic guitarist and singer who play percussion to boot, Maal was born 65years ago in Podor, near the Senegal River. Through his music genre, simply known as worldbeat, Maal has become an international star. His sound contributions to the box office hit, Black Panther movie has also increased its acceptability and appreciation across the world. Maal promotes cultures, traditions and belief system of his people through his songs which he renders in his native Pulaar dialect and his effort was recognised in 2003 when he became Youth Emissary of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He has featured prominently in Senegalese movies including Guelwaar in 1992 and Best of the Jammys in 2007.
Lastly is Thee Legacy popularly known as Isichathamiya acapella group. It is one of the biggest, nationally known group in South Africa. Thee Legacy started in Kwa-Zulu Natal province and specialises in blending Afro-traditional with modern, urban rhythms and unique dance choreography. The Group came to lime light in 2015 when it won the inaugural Sing- Off South Africa music competition. It is made up of five talented singers including Jabulani Mthembu, Khanyisani Mazibuko, Philani Duma, Emille Ngcobo and Simphiwe Sikhakhane.
The group’s self-titled debut album was released in October 2016 and the same year they were the only musical group to garner more than one nomination at the 16th South African Metro FM Music Awards.