US Vice President Kamala Harris week-long trip to Africa; Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania spells good for African artists. The VP has a curated playlist of her favourite African music dubbed “My Travels: Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia”.
She is touring the three African countries in a bid to strengthen ties between the US, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana. Moreover, these bilateral relations will also promote growth and development in various sectors of these African countries.
Above this, what stands out is Harris’ intentional effort to promote African music and artists on a global scale.
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Which African Artists are in Kamala Harris’ Playlist in Her Trip to Africa?
To begin with, the US Vice President’s ‘My Travels: Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia” playlist has a motive. She tweeted that it seeks to popularize all African artists through the sounds from her playlist.
Below are 25 artists from Africa who made it to Kamala Harris’ playlist.
- Black Sherif – Kwaku the Traveller
- Moliy – Ghana Bop
- Amaarae – Reckless & Sweet
- Herman Suede – Kumbaya
- Alikiba – Mahaba
- All My Cousins – Act a Fool
- Harmonize – Single Again
- Ria Boss – Call Up
- Moses Sumney – Me in 20 Years
- Jux, Marioo, Papi Cooper & Tony Duardo – Nice (Kiss)
- T’neeya – Pretty Mind
- Zuchu – Utaniua
- Chile One Mr Zambia – I Love You
- Jay Melody – Sawa
- Yo Maps – Aweah
- Platform Tz & Marioo – Fall
- Mbosso feat. Costa Titch & Alfa Kat – Shetani
- Kuami Eugene & Rotimi – Cryptocurrency
- Chef 187 & Blake – Nobody
- Marioo & Abbah – Lonely
- Baaba J – Lumumba
- Sarkodie feat. Black Sherif – Country Side
- M3NSA – Fanti Love Song
- Coolguy Pro – Cherry
- Darassa feat. Bien – No Body
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Which Country Has Kamala Harris Visited So Far?
Kamala Harris first trip to Africa welcomed her to Ghana on March 26. Here, she got a dose of the thrilling West African culture. Sarkodie, Black Sherif, Amaarae and Efya Nokturnal performed for the US Vice President together with her entourage at the state banquet hosted by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo Addo at the Jubilee House.
She promised more aid to Ghana following its high inflation and infiltration by Russian mercenaries posing a security threat. Besides her thrilling African playlist, Harris promised that the US will strengthen its partnerships across Africa.
Harris announced $100 million in aid for Ghana. In addition, the administration is asking Congress for an additional $139 million to assist Ghana in reducing child labour, enhancing weather forecasts, encouraging local musicians, and fending off illness outbreaks.
Did Kamala Harris Visit Zambia and Tanzania?
The US VP visited Zambia on Wednesday and will head to Tanzania on Friday. Yo Maps, Chile One Mr Zambia, and Chef 187 are some of the Zambian artists who entertained her.
In Tanzania, celebrated songstress Zuchu, Swahili rapper Darassa, Jay Melody, Juma Jux, Marioo, Mbosso and Bien from Kenya’s acclaimed boy band, Sauti Sol will perform in Tanzania. Kamala Harris trip to Africa is part of a coordinated attempt to increase American outreach amid the growing influence of Russia and China in Africa.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having a negative knock-on effect on Ghana and some other African nations, resulting in higher food and gasoline prices.
The conflict has also caused divisions among African leaders in the UN, where some have criticised the invasion and others have not. The circumstance raises concerns about the likelihood of a new Cold War dynamic where global competitiveness traps Africa in the middle.
Harris was cautious to highlight that geopolitical rivalry has no bearing on the American approach.
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Where Did US First Lady Dr Jill Biden Visit in Africa in 2023?
US First Lady Dr Jill Biden visited Kenya and Namibia in February 2023. Dr Biden’s visit to Kenya marked her first trip to Africa as the First Lady and the sixth overall. Her visit was for official purposes where her scope of focus was women, youth, and other critical issues in the African continent.
She engaged women and the youth in an effort to build a strong democracy both in Namibia and Kenya.
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“My trip begins in Namibia, where a vibrant and engaged youth drive a young and strong democracy,” she tweeted. “I’ve always believed that supporting women and youth across the world is critical to our common future, with education, health, and empowerment at the heart of it all.
For her Kenyan visit, she tweeted: “Then in Kenya, I will hear from those affected by the ongoing historic drought and food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by the ripple effects of Russia’s assault on Ukraine.”
