The saxophone is a metal wind instrument invented by Adolphe Sax (Belgium) in the 19th century, becoming a central element of popular African music.
The Saxophone in Africa
- In Congolese soukous, brass sections featuring tenor and alto saxophones are emblematic of TPOK Jazz and African Fiesta orchestras.
- In afrobeat, Fela Kuti uses powerful brass sections with tenor saxophone.
- In Nigeria, juju music and Yoruba ensembles incorporate the saxophone.
- In the Congo, Tabu Ley Rochereau integrates saxophone sections into African Fiesta.
Notable Players
- Titi Kansela (Congo) — Congolese saxophonist and singer
- Nsimba Ndolo (Congo) — TPOK Jazz saxophonist
- Fela Kuti himself played tenor saxophone in his group Africa 70
- Orchestre Baobab (Senegal) — brass sections with saxophone
- Eugène Boudou (Congo) — arranger and saxophonist