This course explores popular music in Africa in various historical contexts from the early 20th century to the present, focusing on the region of West Africa. Case studies range from early Ghanaian palm wine music to contemporary Nigerian Afrobeats, and include musical products of post-independence cultural policies, the transnational marketing niche of “Afropop,” and the rise of local manifestations of hip hop. Students investigate the heterogeneity of African popular music in the context of major social, ideological, political, and economic forces that have shaped the African continent over the past 100 years, including colonialism, modern urbanization, independence movements, and globalization.