For decades, the global rock and metal spotlight has often overlooked Africa’s contribution to guitar-driven music. Yet, across the continent, a powerful new wave of female guitarists is breaking stereotypes, carving their own space in genres from metal and rock to folk, blues, Afro-fusion, and experimental sounds. From Ally Salem in Egypt’s underground rock/metal scene, to Fatou Seidi Ghali pioneering Tuareg guitar in Niger, to South Africa’s multi-award-winning icons like Msaki, Zahara, and Alice Phoebe Lou, these musicians are not only redefining African music but are also inspiring new generations of guitarists worldwide. Their stories reflect resilience, creativity, and a refusal to be boxed in by cultural or industry expectations. This article highlights the most influential female guitarists rockin’ Africa — voices and talents the world needs to hear. Let’s discover.
- Egypt
Ally Salem — Early-profiled Egyptian solo guitarist (featured in interviews and local festival coverage). Known as one of Egypt’s better-known female guitarists in the country’s underground scene. Also, she joined the stage wit many local bands such as Andromida, Invaders, and many others.
Cherine Amr — Singer-songwriter and guitarist who founded the alternative/metal project Massive Scar Era. One of the more visible Egyptian women in heavy/alternative scenes, blending Egyptian scales and metal/post-rock.
- South Africa
Alice Phoebe Lou — Indie/folk singer-songwriter who plays guitar as core to her songwriting and international career.
Msaki (Asanda Mvana) — Award-winning composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar; a key voice in contemporary South African songwriting and performance.
Zahara (Bulelwa Mkutukana) — Afro-soul star whose breakthrough album Loliwe was guitar-led; known for writing and performing with acoustic guitar.
- Tanzania
Grace Matata — Afro-soul singer-songwriter who performs and composes with guitar; active on the East African scene.
Carola Kinasha — Veteran Tanzanian musician, activist and guitarist — a pioneer in Afro-fusion and music education activism.
- Kenya/West Africa
Ivy Alexander — Prominent Nairobi-based guitarist, member of all-female ensembles and the Flower Project; active in guitar education and a visible presence on IG and regional features.
Suzanna Owiyo — Kenyan singer-songwriter who also plays guitar and draws on traditional influences — recognized in pan-African coverage for her guitar-centric songs.
- Ghana
Wiyaala (Noella Wiyaala) — Singer-songwriter who plays guitar and channels rock/reggae/afro-pop energy; noted for powerful stage presence and guitar-led performances.
Yaa Yaa (Bertha Kankam) — Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who frequently performs with guitar in neo-soul / highlife-influenced material.
- Nigeria
Serifatu Oladunni Oduguwa (Queen Oladunni Decency) — Historic figure: a pioneering female guitarist in Nigeria (Jùjú tradition) — often cited as one of the first prominent female guitarists in the country’s modern music history.
Asikey — Contemporary Nigerian singer-songwriter who plays guitar and blends alternative rock/soul; one of the notable modern Nigerian women who write and perform with guitar.
Helen Ibe — Emerging Nigerian guitarist profiled in player/interview videos; part of a new wave of Nigerian guitarists.
- Niger
Fatou Seidi Ghali (Les Filles de Illighadad) — Founder and lead guitarist of the Tuareg group Les Filles de Illighadad from Niger. Widely reported as the first professional female Tuareg guitarist; celebrated for bringing electric Tuareg guitar and female leadership from the Sahara to international stages.
- Mali
From Mali, Fatoumata Diawara — Singer-songwriter and guitarist who blends Wassoulou tradition with modern sounds; has been described as a pioneering female electric-guitar player from Mali and a major international ambassador for Malian music.
- Zimbabwe
Berita (Gugulethu Khumalo) — Zimbabwean-born, South Africa-based singer-songwriter and guitarist; multi-award winner and founder of Women of Music Business (WOMB).
