Apple Music’s list of the 100 best albums predominantly features American and British artists, with very few albums by African artists making the cut. The 61st spot is held by Sade’s “Love Deluxe,” the only African album in the lineup.
The absence of African albums in such rankings is not uncommon when considering previous best-ever album lists. These lists often reflect an ultra-western perspective that may not adequately represent the diversity of global music.
Attempting to rank the best albums ever made is a subjective endeavor, often favoring already established and popular works. Lists like these tend to uphold familiar favorites while potentially overlooking lesser-known gems.
Last year, “Rolling Stone” updated its list with a mix of classics and contemporary albums, showcasing a similar lack of African representation. Notable African artists like Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, and King Sunny Ade have landed spots, but the overall list still leans heavily towards a western viewpoint.
The methodology behind these lists involves gathering inputs from experts and industry professionals to determine the top albums. Apple Music and “Rolling Stone” seek albums that have cultural significance and widespread impact, further shaping the final rankings.
The recent discussions around Apple Music’s top albums list on social media highlight the lack of African and Black diaspora music in these rankings. This oversight raises questions about biases and limited perspectives within the music industry.
Challenging the notion that African music is inferior, there are numerous albums by African artists that could easily compete with the best-ever albums. The global appeal of Afrobeats and African music genres underscores the need for more inclusive and diverse representations in mainstream rankings.
While external validation plays a role in artists’ recognition and success, there is a growing sentiment among African artists to prioritize cultural authenticity over western acclaim. The conversation around the best albums ever should evolve to reflect the rich contributions of African artists to popular music history.
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