100 Of The Most Romantic African Love Songs Of All Time

It is the season of love and many have been looking forward to it since the Happy New Year pleasantries were up. Valentine’s Day is the period when lovers take the time out to celebrate each other. While some prefer loud celebrations others want a quiet and intimate time with their partner. A collection of love songs is always handy to heighten the experience. That is why we together a hundred of the most romantic African love songs of all time.

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What makes African Love Songs Unque?

African love songs are particularly unique because they show us how love is expressed in Africa. There are many famous love songs from all over the continent. On Valentine’s Day, give your partner Goosebumps by compiling some of these songs into a playlist.

#1: African Queen – 2Baba

African Queen was the lead track from the 2004 album by 2Baba Idibia. The album with the title “Face 2 Face,” was a worldwide hit. African Queen is one of Africa’s most famous love songs. Even in 2022, it still speaks to the souls of lovers.

#2: Love You Tonight – MFR Souls

MFR Souls released this Amapiano song in 2019. Interestingly, MFR Souls is a South African music duo. Their 2019 song talks about the writer(s) being completely in love, flaws and all, and wanting only attention in return.

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#3: Pana –  Tekno

Tekno released the song in 2016. It was about doing anything to get the love of Folake (a fictional character, presumably) and spoiling Folake with love. However, you may have to sieve the lyrics and stick to those you can do to avoid getting into trouble.

#4: Unconditionally Bae – Sauti Sol featuring Ali Kiba

Unconditionally Bae was released in 2016 by Sauti Sol. They featured Ali Kiba in the song. The song talks about everybody needing love, even those who think they don’t.

#5: Aye – Davido

The 2014 hit single by Davido was about wanting nothing but love. The singer, in return, was ready to show her love in a way no other person would. So, in this season of love, Aye is a prime song to play for your partner if you want to reiterate the love you have for them.

#6: Woza My Love – Blaq Diamond

Woza My Love is a song that is about genuine feelings of love. The award-winning duo talks about how being in love is a daily joy. The song was released at the end of January 2020.

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#7: Give You Love – Juls

Give you Love was released in 2017. The song talks about the promise of love and the willingness to do anything for your lover. It features LAX and will make a great addition to your Valentine’s Day playlist.

#8: Beautiful Onyinye – P-Square

The hit single by P-Square was released in 2012. The song can be used to propose to your lover. So, if you are thinking of using this season of love to propose to your partner, bend a knee to Beautiful Onyinye.

#9: Un Coup – Fally Ipupa

Un Coup is a song about fully satisfying your significant other. The song was released in 2020 and featured Dadju.

#10: Fallen in Love – Chidinma

Fallen in Love is a song that talks about re-commitment to your crush. The song was released in 2016. The video is dramatic and brings the lyrics to life. Obviously, you sure don’t want to miss having this on your playlist.

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#11: Marry You – Diamond Platnumz

Marry You was released in 2017. It was Diamond’s first project after he signed with Universal Music Group. Interestingly, he featured Ne-Yo in the song.

#12: Skhanda Love – K.O

Skhanda Love was released in 2015 by K.O, aka Mr. Cashtime. Surprisingly, the song featured Nandi Mngoma. The song is all about unconquerable love.

#13: Eminado – Tiwa Savage featuring Don Jazzy

Eminado was released in 2013 as part of Tiwa’s debut album. The song featuring Don Jazzy was all about the show of love and being together forever. If your dinner will involve lots of dancing, make sure you have this on your playlist.

#14: Fever – Wizkid

Fever was Wizkid’s first official album in 2018. This African love song is all about wanting your partner in a sensual way. However, the video received a lot of backlash for Tiwa’s video vixen role.

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#15: Feel My Love – Sauti Sol

Feel My Love was the fourth track on Sauti Sol’s Midnight Train album. The album was released in 2020. Well, this is a soothing vibe that should make your partner’s knees buckle.

#16: Khethile Khethile – Kwesta

Kwesta made a comeback in 2019 with the song Khethile Khethile after being off the radar since 2018. Consequently, the single came as a surprise to all. The song features Makwa, Tshego AMG, and Thee Legacy.

#17: Te Amo – Rayvanny

Rayvanny dropped Te Amo in 2020 featuring Messias Maricoa. The song is all about appreciating your lover and reaffirming your love for them. In this season of love, Te Amo is a song that can be used to show appreciation for your lover.

#18: Mi Amor – Marioo

Mi Amor is a song that shows the helpless state of being in love. It is an excellent song to show you are in love during this Valentine’s period. The song was released in 2021 and featured Jovial.

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#19: Fais moi Confiance – Sidiki Diabate

Fais Moi Confiance was released in 2016 by Sidiki Diabate. The song talks about the level of trust required in a relationship. How much do you trust your partner? Can you trust that your partner can stay in a room with the opposite sex and nothing will happen? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

#20: Jowo – Davido

Jowo was released in 2020 as part of Davido’s album, ‘A Better Time’. However, Jowo is a song of commitment in the face of many temptations.

20 South African Love Songs

South African love songs largely help to ensure the mood is right. Also, they can be direct and straight to the point, unlike other parts of Africa that tend to sugarcoat their wants and needs. Some South African love songs that should be on your Valentine’s Day playlist are listed below.

#1: Love Potion – Mafikizolo

Mafikizolo needs no introduction when it comes to South African music. Love Potion was released in 2017 by the South African musical duo, Mafikizolo. Also, the song talks about a love that is so strong and intoxicating.

#2: We Thembisisle – Unathi Nkayi

We Thembisisle was released in 2008 and is one of many popular South African love songs. The song was part of the album “In Honor.”

#3: Learn To Love – Zonke

The love song was released in 2007 by Zonke as part of the album Life, Love ‘n Music. Learn to Love talks about opening your heart and finding your place in someone’s life. It dwells on trying out love again, no matter how hurtful it might get. If you are trying to find love in this season of love, this song might just be for you.

#4: Awuphenduli Ngani – Steve Kekana

Awuphenduli Ngani was released in 2009 as part of the album ‘Isithombe Sami’. Steve Kekana is the brain behind the song. 

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#5: Wrap Me In Your Arms – Blondie and Pappa

Wrap me in your arms was a 2009 hit song. The authors are Blondie and Pappa. The song is soul music that speaks to the need for love.

#6: Sweet Love – Lebo Mathosa

Lebo Mathosa dropped Sweet Love as part of her Lioness album. However, this is the type of song that helps set the mood for an eventful Valentine’s dinner. 

#7: Mina Ngithanda – Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie dropped this classic in 1996. The song was dropped alongside the album, ‘Now is the Time’. The pop genre song quickly caught the attention of many because of its relatable lyrics. Additionally, this song talks about what it feels like to be in love.

#8: Dali Wami – Thembisile

Dali Wami is a 2009 pop song that talks about being in love all of the time, regardless of the circumstances. Additionally, the song is a track from the artist’s self-titled album.

#9: I’m In Love With A DJ – Yvonne Chaka Chaka

The soul music, “I’m in Love with a DJ,” was released in 2002, and it talks about falling in love with a voice over the radio. The song is perfect for a secret admirer trying to express their love during this Valentine’s season.

#10: Love Is Blind – Lady Zamar

Love Is Blind was released in 2017 by Lady Zamar. Lady Zamar talks about being hopelessly in love in this song.

#11 Thandolwethu – Mafikizolo

Thandolwethu dropped in 2020 by Mafikizolo. The duo sings about a love so powerful, it stands the test of time. It is a song that affirms re-commitment to each other.

#12: Open Your Heart – Letta Mbulu

Letta Mbulu released the classic “Open Your Heart” in 1978. This soul music is all about opening your heart to love. There is no better time to show your partner how open you are than on Valentine’s Day.

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#13: Ten Times Love – Jabu Khanyile

In 2006, Jabu Khanyile featured Don Gumbo in the classic ‘Ten Times Love’. The song talks about being blessed with love ten times over after finding it difficult to find love. It is a song that shows that finding true love is worth the stress.

#14: Tonight, Tonight, Tonight – Hugh Masekela, Khanyo

The song “Tonight, tonight, tonight” was a lead track in Masekela’s 2016 album, No Borders. Also, the song featured Khanyo and talks about making love to your partner.

#15: Lobolo – Robbie Malinga, Fiso

Robbie Malinga featured Fiso in the song Lobolo. It was one of the hottest tracks in the 2016 album, “The Duets”. Even if you don’t know the lyrics, the beat and rhythm will still make you fall in love.

#16: Khakhati – Karabo

Khakhati is a song that describes how it feels to be unable to hide the fact that you’re in love. The song was released by Karabo in 2016 as part of the songs in the album Matters of the Heart.

#17: Ungu Bae – Semito

Ungu Bae was released in 2020 by Semito as one of the lead tracks in the album Ndizozisola. The groovy melody will extend the peak of a romantic date.

#18: Mthande – Musa

Musa dropped Mthande in 2016. This hit single talks about professing your love to your partner. You can steal some lines and use them on your partner too. Just make sure they don’t know about this song.

#19: Nhliziyo Yam’ – Kelly Khumalo

Nhiliziyo Yam’ was released in 2018. The song talks about giving the totality of your love. This track will set the mood for a romantic date.

#20: Yim’ Okthandayo – LINDA

LINDA dropped this song in 2019 on his album ‘Inhilziyo’. He featured Zanda Zakuza in the song that talked about being your partner’s favorite. So, are you your partner’s favorite? Why not throw this question to your partner rather than live on assumption.

20 West African Love Songs

West African love songs are songs that usually tend to ask what the partner wants so they can be fully satisfied. Songs from the western part of Africa are also used to reaffirm love for each other. Here are some of our favorite West African love songs. 

#1: Pain Killer – Sarkodie feat. Runtown

The 2017 hit single featuring Runtown and record producer Tspize didn’t take long to become an anthem. Also, the song talks about worshiping and admiring the body of your significant other.

#2: Never Far Away – Lagbaja

Lagbaja has released many songs over the years, but, Never Far Away in 2008 was a classical hit. He featured Ego in the song that was all about how lovers quarrel and makeup after they realize their love for each other.

#3: Roju – Chike

When Chike released his album, ‘Boo of the Booless’ in 2020, Roju was one of the songs that caught the admiration of lovers. Interestingly, it was a pandemic release. However, Roju was enough to lighten the spirit of many.

#4: Love Nwantiti – CKay

Love Nwantiti hit the airwaves in 2019 as part of CKay’s debut album. The song garnered worldwide recognition as it has been used in many TikTok videos and Instagram reels.

#5: Ololufe – Wande Coal

In Ololufe, Wande Coal asked his lover not to leave him because she was exactly what he wanted. The song is a song of re-commitment. Nigerian artists seem to be the leaders in love songs. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

#6: Amirika – Kojo Antwi & NanaYaa

The Ghanian Kojo Antwi dropped the single Amirika in 2002. Interestingly, the song featured Nana Yaa and is one of the best African love songs of all time.

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#7: Gentleman – Ric Hassani

In his single, “Gentleman,” Ric Hassani talks about what a lady deserves. He released this beautiful African love song in 2017. Ric is definitely a strong voice and reliable partner when it comes to romance.

#8: Romeo and Juliet – Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille released “Romeo And Juliet” in 2017. He is a singer and songwriter presently signed to Mavins Records. He is one of the young artists that has stayed true to the romance genre.

#9: Mon Choco – Timag feat. Blaise B

Mon Choco is a song about wanting to be together in any weather. Consequently, the song will make a good addition to your Valentine’s Day playlist. It was released by Timag and featured Blaise B.

#10: Mr Romantic – Blaise B

Mr. Romantic was a 2019 single by Blaise B. In the song, Blaise B talks about admiring a lady and wanting her for himself. The song is perfect for asking your crush out.

#11: Olo Mi – Tosin Martins

Tosin Martins dropped the hit single “Olo Mi” in 2006. Interestingly, its acceptance quickly grew beyond the singer’s expectations. Many years have passed and it has not lost its romantic steam.

#12: Feel Your Love – Jerry Cleo

Feel Your Love is the second song in a three-song series by Jerry Cleo. Love at First Sight and Eternite are his other two songs.

#13: Yes/No – Banky W

Banky W, in his hit single Yes/No, is asking a lady to be his lover. He wrote that he was tired of the chase and wanted to love somebody. The 2013 hit track is the perfect song for asking your partner your position in their life. Perhaps, it is time to define your relationship.

#14: Habibi – Mouss Maher

Habibi was released alongside DJ Youcef’s ‘Morocco with Love’ in 2011. The track stood out in the compilation because of its distinct melody.

#15: Love Don’t Care – Simi

Simi dropped the single “Love Don’t Care” in 2017. Here, Simi talks about the stereotype of dating or getting married to someone of a different tribe in Nigeria. The song then explains that no matter where you are from or who you are, love does not care.

#16: Love Me Jeje – Seyi Sodimu

Love me jeje is a 2016 release by Seye Sodimu featuring K. Michelle. The song talks extensively about how you constantly think about those you are in love with.

#17: One Love – Onyeka Onwenu

One Love was released in 1991. However, this classic African love song by Onyeka Onwenu continues to enjoy massive airplay from the old and new generations. It talks about loving your neighbor as yourself.

#18: Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems

Essence is a song that talks about needing your lover at the moment. The song is perfect for setting your Valentine’s Day mod

#19: Damn – Omah Lay

Damn is a song that talks about loving your partner through everything, particularly in their trying times. It was part of the E.P ‘Get Layd’ in 2020.

#20: Naija Love – Sunny Neji

In the song titled “Naija Love”, Sunny Neji talks about Nigerian love. The song asks listeners not to worry about the song and instead to be happy.

20 East African Love Songs

East African love songs are actually diverse and interesting to listen to. Many of them are sensual and erotic. East African Love songs are hopelessly overt in their expression of love. See some of our personal favorites that should make your Valentine’s Day palylist.

#1: Bed Room – Harmonize

Harmonize dropped the track “Bed Room” in 2022. The track featured artists like Billnas, Rosa Ree, Darassa. It is a song that will easily get you hooked on replay.

#2: Jipe – Nadia Mukami

Nadia Mukami went hard on this one by featuring Marioo. After its release in 2020, its massive acceptance quickly shot it into becoming one of the most popular East African love songs.

#3: Only One – Navy Kenzo

The Afro-pop and dance duo Navy Kenzo dropped Only One in 2020. The song featured King Promise and will surely make a good addition to your Valentine’s Day playlist.

#4: Love Panic – Vinka

Love Panic is a 2020 hit single in East Africa. The song is exotic and is mainly for lovers and those who want to lose control when they’re around their lovers.

#5: Hodari – Mbosso

Mbosso has become every man’s dream because of her beauty and incredible talent. Hodari was a song that was released with the album ‘Definition of Love’ in 2021.

#6: Love Doctor – Vinka

Vinka dropped the masterpiece Love Doctor in 2018. The song is one of the famous East African love songs and talks about being a love doctor. If your relationship is going through turbulence, this song is a smart way of telling it to your partner.

#7: Ninogeshe – Nandy

Nandy dropped Ninogeshe in 2008. The song talks about being together forever with your significant other. Her attire will also make a great gift for your partner.

#8: Wonka – Victoria Kimani

Wonka hit the airwaves in 2018 as part of Victoria Kimani’s album, ‘Afropolitan’. It was a popular song in the whole of Africa at the time of release.

#9: Subalkheri Mpenzi – Aslay

Aslay released Subalkeri Mpenzi in 2018. The track featured Nandy and is one of the best African love songs to help put you in the mood this valentine season.

#10: KK 509 St. – Andy Bumuntu

Andy Bumunti dropped the song KK 509 St in 2020. Interestingly, the song talks about falling in love, particularly at first sight. 

#11: Katerina – Bruce Melodie

Bruce Melodie dropped Katerina as part of the songs on the album Ikinya in 2021. Also, The song talks about taking things slowly and not rushing. If you ever feel like your relationship is out of your control, use this song to communicate to your partner on Valentine’s Day.

#12: Habibi – The Ben

Habibi was released by The Ben in 2016. The track talks about always being ready to give a lady what she needs. Most times, that is all it takes to keep a lady.

#13: Byakubaho – Amalon

Amalon dropped the song Byakubaho as part of the 2019 album, ‘Yambi’. Also, Byakubaho is one of the best African love songs that will surely get you in the mood this valentine’s period.

#14: Oya – Yvan Buravan

Oya was released in 2018 as part of the album the ‘Love Lab’. Additionally, The song is all about staying with your significant other. If you are one of those looking for the secret to long-lasting relationships, your answer is here.

#15: Ntawamusimbura – Meddy

Meddy released the song Ntawamusimbura in 2016. The song talks about how an individual is irreplaceable. The song also advises listeners not to play with the hearts of those that love you.

#16: Ko nashize – Butera Knowless

Butera released “Ko Nashize” in 2016. Additionally, this song talks about asking your crush out so as not to leave any regrets. Sometimes we leave so much unsaid and regret when we lose the chance to say them forever.

#17: Saa Moya – Bruce Melodie

Saa Moya was one of the early 2020 romantic releases. Element Eleeeh was featured on the track.

#18: Wana – Zuchu

Wana dropped by Zuchu as part of the 2021 album ‘I Am Zuchu’. Also, this song talks about finding comfort in the arms of your partner.

#19: The One – Diamond Platnumz

Diamond Platnumz released the track “The One” in 2018. The song was part of the album ‘A Boy from Tandale’. Furthermore, this is a song of re-commitment and knowing the true one for you. If you are thinking of the perfect romantic date setting, watch this video for inspiration.

#20: Slowly – Meddy

Slowly was released in 2020 as part of the album ‘My Vow’. The song is about the overwhelming nature of love. To overcome this feeling, the best thing to do is usually to go slowly.

20 African American Love Songs

African American love songs are a different breed to African love songs. Features common to most African American love songs include call and response. vocality (or special vocal effects), guttural effects, interpolated vocality, falsetto, Afro-melismas, lyric improvisation, vocal rhythmization, and blue notes. Here are a few examples.

#1: Hello – Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie released the song “Hello” in 1983. The song has gotten several nominations and is always relevant in seasons of love. The lyrics are simply mindblowing.

#2: I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

The song “I Will Always Love You” was a cover of the original song by Dolly Parton. Regardless, it was still a classic hit and garnered worldwide recognition. The song even topped the U.S. music charts for a while.

#3: Beyond – Leon Bridges

Beyond is a song that explains the feelings of discovering you are in love and wanting to rush into things. Beyond dropped in 2018 and the artist is Leon Bridges.

#4: L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” was his final album before his death. The song “L.O.V.E” was in the album and talked about going back to Paris for his lover.

#5: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

This Will Be was released in 1975 by Natalie Cole. The song talks about a long-lasting love, a love that stands the test of time and survives. Can you boast of that kind of love?

#6: You Send Me – Sam Cooke

When Sam Cooke released the song “You Send Me,” a lot of people quickly put on their dancing shows to vibe to it. In the song, he talked about infatuation turning into love. That is mostly the case with young lovers today.

#7: We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

We Found Love was released in 2011. The song featured Calvin Harris was such a big hit that it won numerous awards.

#8: Thinking About You – Frank Ocean

The pop single, “Thinking About You,” was released in 2012. The song is about unappreciated love. This Valentine’s Day, take some time to reflect on the many ways you have not reciprocated your partner’s love and sacrifices and do the needful.

#9: Hold On, We’re Going Home – Drake ft. Majid Jordan

Hold On, We’re Going Home was released in 2013 and featured Majid Jordan. The song is all about realizing that the babe is the one. How long did it take you to realize that your partner is what you have been looking for all your life.

#10: Stand by Me – Ben E. King

Stand by Me was written and performed by Ben E. King in 1961. The song was a hit in its time, although it did not win any awards. However, the lyrics still hold great lessons for anyone that cares to pay attention.

#11: Bound 2 – Kanye West

Bound 2 was on the album Yeezus released in 2013. The song was about being fated to fall in love. It was even rumored that Kanye wrote the song for his now ex, Kim. The song was a hit and has had a lot of nominations and awards.

#12: Make Me Feel – Janelle Monae

Make Me Feel was released in 2018. The song was the lead single for her third studio album, Dirty Computer. It was a hard comeback after going on a three-year break.

#13: Crazy In Love – Beyonce

Crazy in Love was the lead single from Beyonce’s debut album, ‘Dangerously in Love’. The song featured Jay-Z and the lyrics talk about a romantic obsession that leads to acting out of character. It is always good to make sure you don’t degenerate to that, no matter how much you love the person.

#14: Favorite Place – John Legend

“Favorite Place” was released in 2012 by John Legend. The soul music talks about the lips of the protagonist’s lover being his favorite place.

#15: Rest of My Life – Bruno Mars

“Rest of My Life” was released in May 2016 during the second season finale of the CW television series, Jane the Virgin. The song was about finally finding the one and, whilst in disbelief, the protagonist knows he’ll love the one for the rest of his life.

#16: Earned It – The Weekend

Earned It was released as the lead single from the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey in 2015. The song was also included in the Weekend’s second album, ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’.

#17: All of Me – John Legend

All of Me was released as part of his fourth album, Love in the Future, in 2013. The song was dedicated to his wife, and it talked about being entwined with his lover.

#18: Marry You – Bruno Mars

Marry You was part of Bruno Mars’ debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, in 2010. The song talks about getting married out of the blue, based on a hunch. Since its release, it has been widely used as a proposal song. Perhaps, you will find it handy too.

#19: Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye

Sexual Healing was released in 1982 as part of Marvin Gaye’s album, ‘Midnight Love’. The song won several musical awards in its time and is currently ranked 198 in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list by the Rolling Stones.

#20: I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder’s best-selling song to date is “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” It was released in 1984 and was a worldwide hit. By the way, do you know that Stevie wonder wants to move to Ghana? Find all the details here.

Conclusion

Going through this extensive list of African love songs, you can agree with us that humans cannot be separated from love. The songs serve various purposes and you might want to sieve through them to get exactly what you want. Put together a good playlist and send your partner to the blues.