HN Reader

I imagine there are countless of individuals that are very famous within some region, but little known outside of it. It's not easy to have global recognition.

If you like it checkout this epic soukous song called Nairobi Nights by Loketo Soukous Starts that includes Sweet Mother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93pse3-23A

Because his hit was sold across Africa, not Europe or North America.

Non-paywalled copy: https://archive.ph/Rw054

>“His only weakness was temptation,” says Rogers. For alongside Esame, his wife, and Lucy, his first love, he had numerous other lovers.

Funny this is cancel-worthy sometimes, and in other times it's treated as a quaint personality trait.

Also, the Beatles aren't famous because I Want to Hold Your Hand sold 12 million copies. The Beatles have 50 multi-million selling singles.

If you're interested in unheard music from Africa, this is an incredible project: https://analogafrica.bandcamp.com

Linking to the Bandcamp but they are on Youtube as well. They have new vinyl releases of some fantastic funk and soul spanning the last 5-6 decades in Africa.

Prince Nico Mbarga “Sweet Mother”: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3mecNrIaWOA

Very different rent but this reminds me of the story of the US musician Sixto Rodríguez. Who became very popular in South African without him knowing. I recommend watching the documentary "Searching for Sugar Man" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searching_for_Sugar_Man

Saved you a click: Because he was popular in africa