The Rise of Afrobeats

The rise of Afrobeats can only be attributed to one thing; Dynamism! Of its sound and craft. Today you hear a song that sounds like dancehall, next you hear a song that sounds like pop. Another time you hear a song with a bit of jazz, but having African rhythm and vibe. Afrobeats! That’s what it’s called.

Afrobeats is a term for contemporary music made predominantly in West Africa and its surroundings. It is less of a style and more of a descriptor for the fusion of sounds and rhythm. Afrobeats is an offshoot of Afrobeat, a genre of music created and popularized by Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, Fela’s musical director and drummer.

Tony Allen

Afrobeat is a music genre which involves the combination of elements from West African music styles, such as Fuji music and Highlife mixed with American funk and Jazz influences, with a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythm, and percussion.  The name was partially borne out of an attempt to distinguish Fela Kuti's music from soul music .

The Afrobeat genre, gathered lots of attention in the ‘70s & ‘80s as a result of Fela’s harsh but constructive criticism of the government of the day, who where embezzling public fund at the detriment of the common man. These criticisms led to the invasion of Fela’s residence by the military.

Fela's Residence "Kalakuta Republic" invaded by the Military

There were allegations by the Kuti’s, that Felas mother was thrown out of the window by the military which the military denied. She died as a result of the injuries she sustained. Not relenting, Fela and his band-Egypt '80 continued releasing hit songs about governments across Africa and their conscious attempt in impoverishing their people just for self enrichment.

Fela rehearsing with his band

These massive hit songs increased Fela’s fan base across the world and certified him a legend.

 Afrobeat vs Afrobeats: the difference

 

There are differences especially in production, lyrics and rhythm. One thing they sure have in common is the ability to get you moving due to its vibe. Afrobeats is also sometimes referred to as Afro-pop and Afro-fusion.

 Afrobeat retains it raw form, while Afrobeats has gone on to mean different fusion of genres mashed up together, creating a distinct and contemporary sound.

Lastly you might have guessed right, one is spelt with an ‘s’ at the end. The one with an ‘s’ is the contemporary one which we here today. While the one without an ‘s’ is the one performed by Fela in the ’ 70s & ‘80s

The Stars

Most artistes across Africa now identify themselves as Afrobeats acts due to the similarities in sound and vibe, and most importantly the attention the genre is now receiving across the globe, in international media and at prestigious award shows such as The Grammys, BET Awards, Soul train, MOBO Awards and the likes.

Tiwa Savege wins Best African act at MTV EMA 2018

Afrobeats stars have gone on to be international stars, touring the world and performing at major international gigs.

Mr Eazi performing at BBC 1Xtra Live, at the 20 Arena in london

These artistes have amassed for themselves fame and lots of fortune. And I mean lots!!

Yemi Alade bagging a Naira Box Endorsement 

Bagging endorsement deals, sinning to major international record labels and feature on the same songs with international stars.

Drake meets Tekno

 These artistes have also gone on to sell out major Arena’s and event centers, with the likes of starbor Wizkid and Davido selling out the prestigious 02 Arena  in London. And the African giant Burna Boy selling out the sse Arena.

International acts such as Drake, Future, Beyonce, Chris Brown and many more have gone on to collaborate with with Afrobeats stars, creating massive top charting hits.

In 2014, Drake featured on “Ojuelegba (Remix)” by Nigeria’s Wizkid, alongside British born Nigerian MC Skepta. In 2016 Drake went on to feature Wizkid alongside British singer Kyla in his smash hit “One Dance”, which became Spotify's most streamed song, with over a billion streams, and charted in over 16 countries. “One dance” topped Billboard Hot 100 for 10 non-consecutive weeks and became the joint-second number one in the UK singles chart with 15 consecutive weeks at the top. Wizkid became the first Afrobeats star to appear in Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance”.

Wizkid

He also featured on Beyonce’s “Brown skin girl”, Wale’s “My Love” and many more smash hit.

 In 2016, Wizkid signed to Sony records and is distributed in the US by RCA Records, which became the biggest deal ever, an African musician has ever received.

Wizkid and his Team with RCA executives

In july 2016, Nigeria’s  Davido signed a record deal with Sony’s Columbia. In 2019, Davido featured Chris Brown on his hit single “Blow My Mind”. The song has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa. The video has gathered over 47 million views on Youtube.  He has continued to tour the world selling out shows.

Chris Brown and Davido

 In 2017, Nigeria’s Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the US and Warner Music Group internationally. In 2019, Burna Boy, won Best International Act at the BET Awards and bagged a Grammy nomination for his album “African Giant”, in the Best World Music Album category. He featured on the “Lion king” album soundtrack by Beyonce, and on British MC Stormzy’s ”Own It” alongside Ed Sheeran and several other international collaborations. He has gone on to tour several countries selling out venues and appearing on popular international media.

Burna Boy

More Afrobeats stars such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, Tekno and many more, have also gone on to achieve huge success in their respective career, having bagged endorsements deals, signed international record deals, and featured on international collaborations and sold out shows across the globe.

There is a new generation of Afrobeats stars propping up, with the likes of Rema,  Joeyboy, Fireboy DML, just to mention a few, dishing out massive hit songs.

At the rate at which these new generation of Afrobeats stars are moving, I can only say that the best for Afrobeats is yet to manifest and that the future of Afrobeats is glorious, as the world continues to embrace the sound, and vibe to its rhythm.

Afrobeats to me, is the beat of Africa.