Hello Afrika (song)

Last updated
"Hello Afrika"
Hello Africa.jpg
Single by Dr Alban featuring Leila K
from the album Hello Afrika
ReleasedSeptember 1990
Recorded1990
Genre
Length
  • 3:13(Single mix)
  • 5:44 (Album version)
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Denniz PoP
Dr Alban featuring Leila K singles chronology
"Hello Afrika"
(1990)		"No Coke"
(1990)
Music video
"Hello Afrika" on YouTube

"Hello Afrika" is a 1990 song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was released as the debut single from his first album with the same name (1990). It features Swedish Eurodance singer Leila K. The song is similar to Eddy Grant's "Hello Africa", but in the style of hip hop. It peaked at number one in Austria and achieved a great success in most of the other European countries, including Sweden, Germany and Switzerland.

Contents

Dr. Alban has stated that "Hello Afrika" took about two months to record. In the 2017 book Stars of 90's Dance Pop: 29 Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers by James Arena, he told about meeting Denniz PoP and of the making of the song, "We met through the DJ channels, as he was working as one at the same time I was. We just started working together on "Hello Afrika", and it all came together. We had a good chemistry, and we just thought, "Come on, let's go in the studio and see what we can do." It was hard to get the song initially released, but the thing is that other DJs (who we gave it to before we had a record deal) played the track and liked it. That built demand for it in the clubs, and then it started to hit radio. That later paved the way for our deal with [Logic and Ariola Records]." [1]

It has been covered by South African group Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels. [2] It was covered by Grup Raptiye as "Hello Malatya" at the 1991 album, Doping, and by Grup Vitamin as "Hamiyet" at "Bol Vitamin" one in 1990 and "Deli Dolu Best Of 1" in 1996.

Critical reception

In his review of the Hello Afrika album, Larry Flick from Billboard commented, "Equally strong are the title track, a prideful tribal ode that features a nifty guest appearance by Leila K." [3] A reviewer from Music & Media wrote, "Pounding, tribal drums dominate this poppy rap for African unity." [4] The magazine also called it "an great African house track, hailing from Sweden." They added, "This mixture of African tribal rhythms, Jamaican toasting and western house technology is already very big in Scandinavian and German clubs. The rest of Europe will doubtlessly follow." [5] British magazine Music Week described it as a "Prince Buster influenced tuggingly rolling ragga rap". [6]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Hello Afrika" was directed by Scottish director Paul Boyd. [7] It received heavy rotation on MTV Europe. [8] Boyd would also go on directing the video for Alban's next single, "No Coke".

Track listings

  1. "Hello Afrika" (Marc Spoon's radio edit) — 3:46
  2. "Hello Afrika" (single mix) — 3:13
  1. "Hello Afrika" (Marc Spoon's radio edit) — 3:46
  2. "Hello Afrika" (single mix) — 3:13
  1. "Hello Afrika" (fast blast club mix) — 5:40
  2. "Hello Afrika" (aaahfrika mix) — 6:25
  3. "Jungle Beats" (gurana mix) — 4:28
  4. "Hello Afrika" (single mix) — 3:13
  1. "Hello Afrika" (tech-makossa-mix) — 7:42
  2. "Hello Afrika" (freedom for bleeb & bass mix) — 6:30
  3. "No Coke" (hip hop reggae in a dance hall style) — 4:40

Charts and certifications

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr. Alban</span> Swedish musician (born 1957)

Alban Uzoma Nwapa, better known by his stage name Dr. Alban, is a Nigerian-born Swedish musician and producer with his own record label, Dr. Records. His music can best be described as Eurodance/hip-hop reggae in a dancehall style. He has sold an estimated 16 million records worldwide and is most famous for his worldwide 1992 hit "It's My Life", from the album One Love.

Laila El Khalifi better known by her stage name Leila K, is a Swedish Eurodance singer and rapper of Moroccan descent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)</span> 1990 single by C+C Music Factory

"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" is a song by American dance music group C+C Music Factory, released by Columbia Records on November 18, 1990 as the lead single from their debut album, Gonna Make You Sweat (1990). The song is sung by Martha Wash and rapped by Freedom Williams; it was written by Robert Clivillés, Williams, and David Cole, and produced by Clivillés and Cole. The song charted internationally and achieved great success in Austria, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the United States, where it reached number one on the dance charts. The accompanying music video was directed by Marcus Nispel, and features singer/dancer Zelma Davis lip-syncing to Wash's vocal parts. Billboard magazine ranked "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" No.‍402 among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time" in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Close to You (Maxi Priest song)</span> 1990 song by Maxi Priest

"Close to You" is a song by English reggae singer Maxi Priest. It was released in 1990 as the lead single from his fifth album Bonafide (1990). "Close to You" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.

<i>Hello Afrika</i> 1990 studio album by Dr. Alban

Hello Afrika (The Album) is the debut studio album from Swedish-based Nigerian artist Dr. Alban, released in 1990. The album was produced by Denniz Pop and released through the label SweMix Records. The album was also released as a second edition in 1991, with a different track listing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Culture</span> 2002 single by 1 Giant Leap

"My Culture" is a song by British trip hop duo 1 Giant Leap released as the first single from their debut album, 1 Giant Leap (2002), on 8 April 2002. The track features vocals from Maxi Jazz and Robbie Williams. The song peaked at No. 9 in the United Kingdom and charted within the top 40 in Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The first few lines of Williams' lyrics are the same as a part of the hidden track "Hello Sir" from his debut album, Life thru a Lens (1997).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got to Get</span> 1989 single by RobnRaz feat. Leila K

"Got to Get" is a song by Swedish electronic dance music duo Rob'n'Raz featuring singer-songwriter and rapper Leila K. Released in 1989 as her debut single, it was also the lead single from their only album together, Rob'n'Raz featuring Leila K (1990). It was very successful in Europe, reaching the top 10 in at least nine countries, like the UK, where it peaked at number eight in November same year. The song also charted in the US, Canada and Australia. Two different music videos were made to accompany it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rok the Nation</span> 1990 single by RobnRaz feat. Leila K

"Rok the Nation" is a song by Swedish electronic music duo Rob'n'Raz featuring rapper Leila K, released in March 1990 by BMG as the second single from their debut album, Rob'n'Raz feat. Leila K (1990). It peaked at number three in both Sweden and Finland. Additionally, the song was a top-20 hit in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and a top-30 hit in Ireland and West Germany. In the UK, "Rok the Nation" reached number 41 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brother Louie (Modern Talking song)</span> 1986 song by Modern Talking

"Brother Louie" is a song by German pop duo Modern Talking, released as the lead single from their third studio album, Ready for Romance (1986). It was their fourth consecutive single to top the German Singles Chart, after "You're My Heart, You're My Soul", "You Can Win If You Want" and "Cheri, Cheri Lady".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's My Life (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1992 single by Dr. Alban

"It's My Life" is a song by Nigerian-Swedish recording artist Dr. Alban. It was released by SweMix in February 1992 in Sweden as the first single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). Produced by Denniz PoP, who also co-wrote the song with Alban, it was a hit in most of the European countries where it was released, peaking at number one in Sweden, Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium and number two in the British countries. In France, the song was marketed twice: first in 1992, then in 1993 because the song was used in a TV advert for Tampax tampons, thus giving to the single a second career. The song had enough airplay on US college radio stations to chart on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks in 1992. "It's My Life" was re-released in 1994 in Australia, following the success of "Sing Hallelujah!".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sing Hallelujah! (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1993 single by Dr. Alban

"Sing Hallelujah!" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban, released in 1993 as the third single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). Been described as an "discothèques anthem with dance and disco sonorities", the song, written by Alban with its producer, Denniz Pop, became a hit in many European countries. It was a top-5 hit in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland and Switzerland. In the UK, it peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. Its accompanying music video received heavy rotation on MTV Europe. In 2005, "Sing Hallelujah!" charted again when it was re-recorded by the artist in new versions, peaking at number 12 in Finland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look Who's Talking (song)</span> 1994 single by Dr. Alban

"Look Who's Talking!" is a song by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban, featuring vocals from Swedish singer Nana Hedin. It was released in February 1994 as the first single from his third studio album, Look Who's Talking (1994). Co-written by Alban with Denniz PoP, the song was co-produced by Kristian Lundin and reached number-one in Denmark and Finland. It became a top-10 in almost all other European countries, except France and the UK. The song entered the Eurochart Hot 100 on 12 March 1994 at number 61 and went on to peak at the second position four weeks later. In the US, it peaked at number 11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart. Its music video was directed by Jonathan Bate. A CD maxi containing four remixes was also released, particularly devoted to the dance floors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Away from Home</span> 1994 single by Dr. Alban

"Away from Home" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban, released in May 1994 by Cheiron as the second single from Alban's third studio album, Look Who's Talking (1994). The song was written by Alban with Kristian Lundin and John Amatiello, and produced by Denniz PoP. In comparison with the previous Dr Alban's singles, the song met a smaller success. But it made it to number two in Finland, number five in Spain, number 12 in Austria, number 13 in Denmark and number 17 in Switzerland. In the UK, "Away from Home" peaked at number 42, while on the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 25 on 20 August 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Love (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1992 single by Dr. Alban

"One Love" is a song recorded by the Sweden based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was the second single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). Alban co-wrote it with Denniz PoP, who also produced it. Released in August 1992, the song was a hit in many European countries. It made it to the top-10 in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland and Norway; however, the song was not as successful as "It's My Life", the previous single. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "One Love" peaked at number 23. Outside Europe, it was successful in Israel, reaching number five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Coke</span> 1990 single by Dr Alban

"No Coke" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was originally released as the B-side of the 12" version of his debut single "Hello Afrika" and became the second single off his debut album, Hello Afrika (1990). Released in November 1990, the song was a hit in several European countries and reached number-one in Sweden. To date, it is one of Dr Alban's most successful songs, along with "It's My Life" and "Sing Hallelujah". It was produced by Denniz Pop, who recorded the song's signature bassline using a Roland Juno-106 synthesizer. The song is performed in English and the lyrics describe a tragic event outside Alban's nightclub Alphabet Street in Stockholm. In November 2017, it was the topic at SVT:s Hitlåtens historia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United (Prince Ital Joe and Marky Mark song)</span> 1994 single by Prince Ital Joe and Marky Mark

"United" is a song recorded by Dominican-American reggae/ragga recording artist Prince Ital Joe and American rapper Marky Mark. It was released in March 1994 as the third single from their debut album, Life in the Streets (1994). The song was co-written and produced by Alex Christensen and Frank Peterson. It reached number one in Germany and the top 10 in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Time I'm Free</span> 1995 single by Dr. Alban

"This Time I'm Free" is a song by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban, released in 1995 by BMG, Dr. Records and Tempo Records as the first single from his fourth studio album, Born in Africa (1996). It features vocals by singer Martina Edoff and was co-written by Alban with Ari Lehtonen and Jorge Vasconcelo. Douglas Carr and Peo Häggström produced the song. It charted in many European countries, peaking at number two in Finland, number three in Sweden, number ten in Denmark and number eleven in Norway. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 22 in September 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Born in Africa (song)</span> 1996 single by Dr. Alban

"Born in Africa" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban, released in 1996 by Dr. Records and Tempo Records as the second single from Alban's fourth studio album, Born in Africa (1996). The song was written by Alban with Ari Lehtonen and Jorge Vasconcelo. It peaked at number-one in Finland, number seven in Hungary and number eleven in Sweden, as well as topping the Swedish dance chart, with a total of 11 weeks inside that chart. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Born in Africa" reached number 91 in April 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U & Mi</span> 1991 single by Dr Alban

"U & Mi" is a 1991 song by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban, released as the third single from his debut album, Hello Afrika (1990). It is the follow-up to his very successful single, "No Coke" and was a notable hit in several countries. Produced by Denniz Pop, who also co-wrote it with Dr. Alban, it became a top 10 hit in Finland, Portugal and Switzerland, and a top 20 hit in Austria, Germany, Spain and Sweden. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(Sing Shi-Wo-Wo) Stop the Pollution</span> 1991 single by Dr Alban

"(Sing Shi-Wo-Wo) Stop the Pollution" is a 1991 song by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban, released as the fourth and last single from his debut album, Hello Afrika (1990). It was a moderate hit in Europe, peaking at number two in Greece and number three in Finland. Additionally, it was a top 20 hit in both Switzerland and Austria. Denniz Pop co-wrote and produced it. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

References

  1. ↑ Arena, James (2017). Stars of 90's Dance Pop: 29 Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc.
  2. ↑ "Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels: Greatest Hits". Archived from the original on 2014-01-07. Retrieved 2014-08-21. Retrieved 7 January 2014
  3. ↑ Flick, Larry (1991-05-18). "Dance Trax: Sweden's Hot Clubland Still Looking For U.S. label" (PDF). Billboard . p. 23. Retrieved 2020-10-11.
  4. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-01-19. p. 16. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  5. ↑ "Talent Tracks: Promising Acts Worth Watching" (PDF). Music & Media . 1990-12-15. p. 16. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
  6. ↑ "Dance" (PDF). Music Week . 1990-12-15. p. 13. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  7. ↑ "Hello Africa (1990) by Dr. Alban". IMVDb.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  8. ↑ "Station Reports > TV > MTV/London" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-02-16. p. 16. Retrieved 2022-12-11.
  9. ↑ "Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received July 12, 2016". Imgur.com. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Dr. Alban feat. Leila K. – Hello Afrika" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  11. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . March 9, 1991. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Dr. Alban feat. Leila K. – Hello Afrika" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  13. ↑ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . June 1, 1991. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved May 29, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Dr. Alban".
  15. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Dr. Alban feat. Leila K." (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  16. ↑ "Dr. Alban feat. Leila K. – Hello Afrika" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  17. ↑ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . June 1, 1991. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  18. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  19. ↑ "Dr. Alban feat. Leila K. – Hello Afrika". Singles Top 100.
  20. ↑ "Dr. Alban feat. Leila K. – Hello Afrika". Swiss Singles Chart.
  21. ↑ 1991 Austrian Singles Chart Austriancharts.at Archived 2008-06-10 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved August 7, 2008)
  22. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 1991" (PDF). Music & Media . 8 (51–52): 21. December 21, 1991. Retrieved January 17, 2020– via American Radio History.
  23. ↑ 1991 Swiss Singles Chart Hitparade.ch Archived 2013-12-24 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved August 7, 2008)
  24. ↑ Swedish certifications Ifpi.se Archived 2012-05-21 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved September 11, 2008)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.