When I close my eyes, I'm taken back to my childhood in Senegal. The sweet scent of the sea, the prayers coming from the nearby mosque, and the beautiful people of Dakar That was my first home, and I still call it home. It's where I first encountered Africa and its people. My father had several friends and acquaintances from Ghana, Nigeria, and Mali, and I grew up with a distinct West African accent.

As I sit here, thinking about Africa, my heart fills with warmth and excitement. I have always been enamoured by the sounds of my continent, and I am proud to be able to share that with the world. Through my eyes, there is an Africa that you hear about, but there is also an Africa that you can feel and experience through its music.

I want to share with the world an untold story of this continent known as the motherland. Through my eyes, Africa is more than just poverty, war, and famine. It is a continent filled with culture, tradition, and music.

From the beats of Afrobeats in Nigeria to the rhythms of Sabar in Senegal, the music of Africa is a reflection of our tradition, history, and modern culture. It is a fusion of different sounds that celebrates our diversity. In Benin and Togo, we have the sounds of Zouk and Soukous, while in Ivory Coast, we have the rhythms of Coupe decale. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is famous for Rhumba and Soukous, while Tanzania and Kenya have Bongo and Benga. African music encompasses a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that reflect the continent's traditions, history, and modern culture. It is a reflection of our resilience, our faiths, our stories, and our hope for a bright future.

Take, for instance, the sounds of Afro House, Kwaito, and Amapiano from South Africa; Afrobeats from Nigeria; Highlife from Ghana; Soukous from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Bongo Flavour from Tanzania. All of these sounds are influencing the globe, with Afrobeats from West Africa being nominated for the Grammys. The music from Africa paints a beautiful picture of the culture, and it's this music that debunks the negative perceptions of the continent as a poor, corrupt, war-torn, and backward place.

The influence of African music on the global stage cannot be overstated. Afrobeat, pioneered by the legendary Fela Kuti, has become a powerful medium of expression, blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife influences. Its infectious energy and socially conscious lyrics have captivated audiences around the world, inspiring artists and sparking important conversations about social justice and political activism.

But Africa's musical influence goes beyond just afrobeat. Amapiano, a genre originating from South Africa, has recently taken the global music scene by storm. Its fusion of deep house, jazz, and kwaito elements has created an intoxicating sound that resonates with people from all walks of life. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation that can be found within Africa's borders.

Contrary to the negative stereotypes often associated with Africa, its music debunks these misconceptions. It serves as a powerful counter-narrative, showcasing the vibrancy, diversity, and talent that emanate from every corner of the continent. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once said, "The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story." African music tells the tale of a continent that refuses to be defined solely by its challenges but instead embraces its rich cultural heritage and uses it as a catalyst for positive change.

Scholars and authors have recognised the transformative power of African music as well. In his book "AfroPop! An Illustrated Guide to Contemporary African Music," author Chris Nickson emphasises the importance of African music not only as a cultural artefact but also as a tool for social commentary and expression. He writes, "African music has always been about more than just entertainment; it's about the expression of emotions, the preservation of history, and the celebration of community."

So, even though I may travel or live overseas, Africa will always be a part of me. I will carry it with me through the infectious rhythms and captivating melodies that continue to resonate in my soul. There's an Africa that I want the world to see, feel, and hear—the Africa that I hear through its sounds. It is a continent defined by its diversity, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a brighter future. Through its music, Africa tells its own story—one that deserves to be heard by all.