A quick look at Afrobeats

The word Afro is not so hard to run into. It is generally used to identify and celebrate African culture and ideas. In this case, it names a musical culture unique to West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. 

Photo by wilfried Vowoto on Unsplash

Afrobeats style developed as a fusion of the musical genres of the early 70s like juju music, Highlife, Hip hop, Dancehall and Afrobeat. It emerged in the 2000s and again in the 2010s in Nigeria, Ghana and the UK. Of course, the pioneers of this sound in the Uk are of African origin. 

It is not to be confused with Afrobeat (without the s), a genre that came up in the 1960s and 70s pioneered by Fela Kuti and his drummer, Tony Allen. 

Afrobeats is also referred to as Afro-pop, and some artists have voiced their preference for the latter. The daughter of the legendary Fela Kuti, Yeni Kuti, prefers Nigerian pop. It affirms the origin of the style as purely Nigerian.

Since its emergence, Afrobeats has grown from a street experiment to being a global sound with ever-growing interest all over the world. And it has remained the chief genre of the Nigerian music industry. On the international scene, Afrobeats songs have continued to feature on top music charts around the world.

The rhythm of the Afrobeats follows the traditional African dance-centred beat with a fusion of light western influences. It is often followed by unique dance styles that are usually named after the songs. Some of the dances are Shoki name after the song Shoki by Lil Kesh. There is also Zanku, Shaku shaku, Shakiti Bobo, Sekem and list goes on.

The language features pidgin often mixed with local languages and with a heavy presence of slang. It is also not unusual for it to be entirely in a local language. Its language style has not limited its audience in any way as the beat does the heavy lifting.

Big names in the industry such as Wizkid, Burnaboy, Davido, and Flavour all belong to this genre. And they have gone on to receive international recognition for their music. The ladies are not left out. Tiwa Savage is a leading female Afrobeats artist. Her growth in the male-dominated industry and genre has helped pave the path for other female artists. 

International acts such as Kanye West, Akon, Drake, Chris Brown, and Beyonce have also shown interest in the genre. And they have had collaborations with top Afrobeats artists over the years. In 2014, Michelle Williams, an American artist released the song Say Yes. The song was based on the famous Nigerian chorus When Jesus says yes.

Artist Review: 7 Artists You Should Watch Out For This Year

The culture of the Nigerian music industry has always been welcoming. It maintains an atmosphere for anyone who has the right amount of talent and good management to thrive. 

Each year rolls in with a good number of new and young acts coming into the industry. And while we often never hear from most of them after one or two hit singles, some grow to attain legendary status in the industry. 

However, this is not so surprising. Just like every other industry, the music industry is competitive. Trends change very fast, and it takes more than talent to keep up. There is also the place of hard work, or as we have seen in some cases, Luck.

2020/2021 has had its fair share of New acts. And while we are starting to forget some already, some names are still ringing loud in our heads. And there is no denying most of the hits so far this year have been from these New acts. 

I am not trying to shade the oldies. We have had some pretty good tunes from them this year too. And the big acts have been making us proud with all the international awards and nominations pouring in.  

Now, here are 10 new acts I think you should watch out for. Their performance so far can be summed up in one word, Promising. They have not only been giving us hits, but they are showing us that they have the potential to become legendary. I bet you can guess some names already. Let’s go! 

Bella Shmurda 

His hit single Cash App remains one of the hottest songs in Nigeria right now, even after almost a year of its release. His lyrical style reflects the realities of the street, which is a top music trend right now. He features in Olamide’s Carpe Diem and Davido’s A Better Time. Now, that is more than a good start. Click here to listen - Cash App

Tems 

One thing that is particularly clear in Tems is that she is Talent, Brain, plus Hard work. Her songs have remained a favourite of many. And they have bagged her well-deserved accolades too. This year, she was nominated for the BET Awards Best New International Act. I can say on her behalf, the vision is clear! Listen here -Albums/for-broken-ears

Ayra Starr

This 19years old Mavin signee is living up to her name already. Her album that was released early this year had its hit track rise to no 1 on Apple music in 5 countries. We can expect big things from this one, as with all Mavin artists, their track record can testify to it. This Starr is not fading anytime soon.

Olakira 

When you hear ‘Hop in my Maserati’, you most likely will not be on your seat at the end of the song. This sensational single is not the first of its kind from the singer Olarkira who also has an album to his name. He has, however, shown to be more promising in recent times. Looks like the Maserati would take us on a long drive. Listen here - Maserati

Bad Boy Timz 

From viral freestyle on social media to a top voice in the industry, This Bad Boy has proved that he is worthy of the attention he is getting. His hit track MJ remains one of the biggest hits of 2020. And his feature song with Olamide, Loading, is still topping the charts months after its release. Turns out Bad Boy Timz won’t be leaving the building anytime soon.  Listen here - Artists/bad-boy-timz

Zinoleesky

The guy literally told us not to shout, else I would be screaming his name right now. His hit single ‘Ma Pariwo’ has continued to trend and top charts even this year. The Marlian Music signee came into the limelight with a couple of his freestyles that trended on social media in 2019. Listen here - Ma Pariwo

Mohbad

The year started with a hit track from this talented singer featuring the Marlian Music in house producer, Rexxie. The song KPK (Ko Por Ke) is based on a slang of the same expression that emerged in late 2020. An artist who can make the most of a trend like that deserves his accolades. Listen here - Artists/mohbad

Which of these artists is your favourite artist? Let me know in the comment section. Or do you think I missed anyone? Who is it?

Epoh Music's Top 25 for Your Throwback Playlist

The music industry is fast-paced. Every day, new songs are released, new artists debut and the music trend changes. No matter how nice a song is, something new will come out to replace it, and you will soon forget about that song. 

A song can only trend for so long till we move on to the next song. The good thing is that we don't stop loving these songs, and listening to them can come with memories we are grateful for.

Just imagine the DJ suddenly playing Do Me by Psquare at a Wedding. Everyone will be so excited, quick to sing and dance along to the familiar oldie. Or you are sitting at home listening to the radio, and a song by the legendary Fela is playing. You will definitely relax better and enjoy your day. 

The idea is, you probably will not listen to these songs every day, but it is nice to have them at hand for the right moment. And you can do something about that right now. You can create a Throwback Playlist on Epoh Music. 

Here is a list of songs you should consider putting in your throwback playlist.

• No one like you - P Square
• Gongo Aso - 9ice
• Ara - Brymo
• Kedike - Chidinma 
• Double Wahala - Oritse Femi
• Angel of my life - Paul Play
• Olufunmi - STYL-Plus
• Aye - Davido
• In the Music - Omawumi
• Godwin - Korede Bello
• Fall in Love - Dbanj 
• Mr President - African China
• Iyawo mi - Timi Dakolo
• Danfo Driver - Mountain Black & Mad Melon
• Kokoroko - Kefee
• Tatto Girls - Faze
• Tolotolo - Sunny Neji
• Mo Wa Dupe - Paul Play
• Girlie O - Patoranking
• Holla at your boy - Wizkid
• African Queen - Tuface
• Ololufe - Flavour ft Chidinma
• Perfect Gentleman - Sean Tizzle
• Yori Yori - Bracket
• Adupe - Tunde & Wunmi Obe

Which of the songs listed above is your favourite? I just can't seem to settle for one. And my playlist definitely has more than 10 songs. What is the first song that will be on your own playlist? Let me know in the comment section. I will be waiting. 

Don't have an Epoh account yet? It takes just about a minute, and you are ready to create your Throwback playlist. Click here to get started - Register