Ah, the 1990s and early 2000s were indeed a vibrant period for music across Africa, with numerous artists shaping the soundscape and leaving lasting impressions. During this era, African music saw a significant transformation and increased global influence, with genres like Afrobeat, Afro-pop, and hip-hop gaining widespread popularity. Here are some iconic artists and songs from that era that got us leaping for joy:

P-Square: The twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, were among the most popular acts in Africa during the 2000s. Hits like “Do Me,” “No One Like You,” and “Bizzy Body” were party staples and are still fondly remembered.

2Face Idibia (now known as 2Baba): 2Face was a defining figure in the Afrobeat and R&B scene. His 2004 hit “African Queen” became an anthem not just in Nigeria but across the continent and even found its way into the soundtrack of the movie “Phat Girlz,” which introduced him to an international audience.

D’Banj: Known for his charismatic energy and catchy tunes, D’Banj’s “Oliver Twist” was a massive hit that topped African charts in the late 2000s and early 2010s, though his influence started in the mid-2000s with songs like “Tongolo” and “Why Me.”

Fela Kuti: Although Fela’s peak was earlier, his music continued to influence the 1990s and 2000s, as Afrobeat experienced a resurgence and adaptation into modern pop music by artists across Africa.

Awilo Longomba: The Congolese artist was famous for his soukous hits like “Coupe Bibamba” and “Gate le Coin,” which became dance favorites in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Brenda Fassie: Although a prominent figure in the 80s, South African singer Brenda Fassie continued to influence the music scene into the 90s with hits like “Vuli Ndlela.”

Tony Tetuila: Known for his catchy hooks and vibrant music videos, Tetuila made waves with songs like “My Car” and “Omode Meta.”

VIP: The Ghanaian group VIP had a string of hits in the early 2000s, including “Ahomka Womu,” which was a massive hit across Africa.

These artists and their hits entertained and played a significant role in shaping the musical tastes of a generation, blending traditional African sounds with global music trends to create something uniquely impactful.