Mama Africa

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Peter Tosh

About Mama Africa

"Mama Africa" is the fourth single from Akon's second studio album, Konvicted. This song was originally on reggae singer Peter Tosh's 1983 album "Mama Africa." Later the song was remade by Hakim Abdulsamad, frontman of R&B 1980s band The Boys. The single was released to radio stations on May 15, 2007, before being officially released in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2007. The official remix of the track features 50 Cent. The lyrics are written as a homage to Akon's ancestral homeland, Africa. The song peaked at #47 on the UK Singles Chart, his second to do so, the first being "Pot of Gold". The track was B-listed upon its first airplay on BBC Radio 1. The single's artwork was designed by Chris Jarvis. A video for the song was filmed in October 2006, however, due to licensing issues, was not released. The video was later leaked to the internet in February 2009. 


Year:
2002
9:19
106 
#1

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh (born Winston Hubert McIntosh, 19 October 1944 – 11 September 1987), was a Jamaican reggae musician who was a core member of the band The Wailers (1963–1974), and who afterwards had a successful solo career as well as being a promoter of Rastafari. more »

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10 facts about this song

Artist Identity
"Mama Africa" is a collaborative song featuring artists 50 Cent, Akon, and Peter Tosh.
Historical Background
Despite being related by the title, the versions by the artists individually are different as they are not a collaboration. "Mama Africa" by Peter Tosh is from his album “No Nuclear War,” released in 1987. Meanwhile, Akon's version appeared on his second studio album "Konvicted" in 2006. Lastly, 50 Cent's version is part of his fourth studio album "Curtis," released in 2007.
Song Theme
All versions of "Mama Africa" share similarities in theme, featuring lyrics that pay tribute to Africa's rich heritage and culture.
Unique Fact - Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh’s version of the song, “Mama Africa,” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Performance in 1987.
Unique Fact - Akon
Akon's version of "Mama Africa" has a significant influence from his African heritage, especially since Akon spent much of his childhood in Senegal.
Unique Fact - 50 Cent
50 Cent's "Mama Africa" stands as one of the rare songs where the rapper experimented with African beats and themes in his music.
Song Charting
Akon’s version of the song "Mama Africa" charted at number 47 on the UK Singles Chart. However, neither 50 Cent nor Peter Tosh’s versions made significant impact on the charts.
Remix Version
A remix of 50 Cent's "Mama Africa" featuring Akon was leaked online. This version samples the 1982 song "Africa" by Toto.
Amplified in Movies
Akon's version of "Mama Africa" was used as the soundtrack in the sports comedy film, "The Longest Yard (2005)."
Legacy
Despite the different approaches to the song by each artist, "Mama Africa" remains an iconic tribute to African heritage, influencing a range of artists across genres.

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