Did you know that jazz and blues, which African Americans started recording in the early 1920s, were the roots of many musical genres? The three most well-known creators of jazz music are Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. More than 100 years after the founders, jazz music has continued to have a tremendous influence on all music. Here are five current black musicians who are carrying the torch!
Rihanna
At 17, Rihanna released her debut song, “Pon De Replay,” in May 2005. “Music of the Sun,” her debut album, has sold more than 623,000 copies and is platinum-certified. She was only getting started when she made her long-awaited comeback to music in 2022 with the single “Lift Me Up” for Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” With her sure-to-be iconic upcoming performance at this year’s Super Bowl, Rihanna has undoubtedly cemented a legendary status for herself in the music business.
Janet Jackson
There is a reason Janet Jackson is named the “Queen of Pop.” Born into the famous Jackson Five family, Janet was no stranger to musical talent. She began acting in multiple television shows such as “Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes”, and “Fame”.
Jackson signed her first record contract with A&M Records in 1982 at 17 years old. Over the years, she gained global fame with her second and third studio albums, “Control” (1986) and “Rhythm Nation” (1989). Janet is still one of the most beloved musical artists that helped shape African American music.
TEMS
From quitting her job in 2018 to pursuing a music career, Nigerian singer TEMS broke the music industry in 2020 when she was featured on Drake and Future’s hit song, “Wait For U.”
Tems became the first African female artist to top the chart and to debut at the top of the chart. TEMS further stretched her breakthrough when she sampled Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” In July 2022 for the upcoming Marvel movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack. Later being featured on Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album, it is no doubt that TEMS is already solidifying her role in the music industry.
Nicki Minaj
“The Queen of Hip-Hop,” Nicki Minaj, has managed to revive female rap and still holds the crown today! She caught the attention of hip-hop mogul Lil Wayne after releasing three mixtapes from 2007 to 2009.
She gained worldwide fame when she released her debut album, “Pink Friday”. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and is certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. “Super Bass,” the fifth single, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest-charting solo song by a female rapper since 2002.
It was also the first diamond-certified female rap solo song by a Black woman. Ten years later, Minaj is still topping the charts and is the most-awarded female rapper.
Whether you like to stick to one genre of music or to explore, there are hundreds of black musicians to choose from, and it’s time to celebrate Black History Month and enjoy the rhythm of jazz-inspired music from Black icons!
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