AFROBEATS: CULTURAL EXPORT AND GLOBAL INFLUENCE

In the last decade, Afrobeats has transcended borders, transformed global music charts, and redefined the sound of modern pop. What began as a regional genre in West Africa has grown into a cultural export, influencing artists, dancers, fashionistas, and fans around the world. Afrobeats isn't just music anymore, it's a global movement.

Origins and Evolution:

Afrobeats (not to be confused with Afrobeat pioneered by Fela Kuti) is a fusion of sounds rooted in West African music, particularly from Nigeria and Ghana. It blends highlife, juju, fuji, and traditional African rhythms with global genres like hip hop, dancehall, R&B, and electronic music. Its bouncy beats, rich percussion, and catchy melodies make it instantly recognizable—and incredibly infectious.

Early torchbearers like D’banj, P-Square, and 2Baba laid the foundation in the 2000s. Then came the global breakout artists: Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Mr. Eazi who refined the sound and pushed it to international airwaves.

Breaking into the Global Scene:

One of the genre’s most pivotal moments was in 2016 when Drake collaborated with Wizkid on the hit song "One Dance", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced millions of new listeners to the Afrobeats rhythm. Suddenly, Afrobeats became a reference point in studios from Lagos to Los Angeles.

By 2019, Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated album "African Giant” solidified the genre’s global credibility. His follow-up, "Twice as Tall", won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, a landmark moment that placed Afrobeats firmly on the world stage.

Afrobeats and Cultural Identity:

Afrobeats is more than music; it's a bold expression of African identity, pride, and creativity. From its lyrics, often delivered in a mix of English, Pidgin, and local dialects, to its energetic dance styles, fashion aesthetics, and visual storytelling, Afrobeats showcases the richness of African culture unapologetically.

As African youths embrace their heritage through Afrobeats, the genre also challenges outdated stereotypes about Africa, offering a new narrative full of innovation, vibrancy, and global relevance.

Influence on Global Artists and Genres:

Today, Afrobeats has left a noticeable imprint on international music. Major artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber have collaborated with Afrobeats stars. Beyoncé’s "The Lion King: The Gift" album featured a heavy lineup of African artists, blending Afrobeats with mainstream pop.

Producers around the world now incorporate Afrobeats drums and rhythms into their work. Dance challenges based on Afrobeats songs dominate platforms like TikTok and Instagram, amplifying its reach with each viral moment.

Fashion, Film, and Beyond:

Afrobeats' cultural influence extends far beyond sound. Its vibrant aesthetic, bold prints, street wear, and traditional accessories have inspired global fashion houses and designers. Afrobeats artists often double as style icons, setting trends on red carpets and music videos alike.

In film and television, soundtracks now feature Afrobeats to infuse authenticity and appeal to global African audiences. Netflix’s growing African content catalogue is also helping to reinforce this cultural synergy.

The Future of Afrobeats:

With Afrobeats festivals springing up in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and streaming platforms dedicating playlists to the genre, the future is bright. Emerging stars like Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Omah Lay are pushing the sound into exciting new territories, blending alternative styles, introspective lyrics, and experimental production.

Afrobeats is no longer seeking global validation, it’s shaping global taste. What was once considered a niche is now mainstream. And as the world dances to the beat of Africa, Afrobeats reminds us that rhythm, culture, and connection truly know no borders.

Have thoughts on the rise of Afrobeats? Drop your favorite track in the comments and share this article with a fellow music lover!
#Afrobeats #GlobalSound #AfricanMusic #Wizkid #BurnaBoy #Tems #MusicCulture #NaijaToTheWorld

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AFROBEAT REVIVAL AND EVOLUTION INTO AFROBEATS

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional Afrobeat to what is now commonly referred to as "Afrobeats" (with an 's'), a loosely defined umbrella term that covers a fusion of Afrobeat with hip hop, dancehall, R&B, and pop. 

Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Tems have led this modern wave, blending global musical trends with African rhythms and storytelling. While it is less overtly political than Fela's original Afrobeat, modern Afrobeats continues to express cultural identity, social themes, and pride in Nigerian heritage.

Burna Boy is currently the most popular Afrobeats Star

Burna Boy, often regarded as a contemporary heir to Fela’s legacy, has explicitly drawn inspiration from Afrobeat’s political and cultural themes. His Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall and tracks like “Monsters You Made” and “Dangote” reflect a renewed engagement with social commentary, illustrating how elements of traditional Afrobeat still inform the current soundscape.

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AFROBEAT: THE NIGERIAN MUSICAL IDENTITY

Afrobeat, a dynamic and politically charged genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the late 1960s, has transcended its revolutionary roots to become a defining element of Nigeria’s contemporary musical identity. As a genre that blends traditional Yoruba music, jazz, highlife, funk, and chanted vocals, Afrobeat was pioneered by the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Today, it has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, shaping not only Nigeria’s musical landscape but also influencing international music and affirming Nigeria’s place as a musical powerhouse.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti

Afrobeat emerged during a turbulent period in Nigeria’s history, marked by civil unrest, military coups, and post-independence disillusionment. Fela Kuti, along with drummer Tony Allen, developed the genre as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes and social injustice. With complex rhythms, extended instrumental sections, and provocative lyrics, Afrobeat became a voice for the oppressed and a tool for political activism. Songs like “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” encapsulated the struggles of ordinary Nigerians and openly criticized corruption and military rule.

This political legacy of Afrobeat is essential to understanding its role in shaping Nigerian identity. It offered a platform for cultural pride and resilience, helping Nigerians reclaim their voice through indigenous sounds and messages of empowerment.

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TEMS AND HER 2ND GRAMMY WIN

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, got her 2^nd Grammy at the 67th Grammy Awards. She won the Best African Music Performance category with her song “Love Me JeJe”, beating “Tomorrow” by Yemi Alade, “MMS” by Asake featuring Wizkid, “Sensational” by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and “Higher” by Burna Boy.

Tems has been very consistence in her performance on the Afrobeats music scene. She has now become the first Nigerian to have two Grammys to her name having won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future‘s “Wait For You” featuring Drake at the 65th Grammy Awards.  

In the Grammy Award winning song “Love Me Jeje” Tems actually sampled a line from Seyi Sodimu's 1997 Nigerian classic of the same name. Tems’ song was a great hit that has racked up 125 million listens on Spotify and 21 million views on YouTube.

Back home in Nigeria Tems has received numerous accolades from Nigerians including the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has commended the singer for bringing pride to the country on the global stage for the second time.

Congratulations to Tems for breaking this record!

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Quincy Jones: Life and Times of a Musical Legend

Quincy Jones was a composer, arranger, producer, cultural icon and a musical genius whose contributions have shaped the global music industry for over seven decades.  He has worked with some of the greatest artists of all time, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. His influence spans jazz, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and film scoring, making him one of the most versatile and accomplished figures in music history.

Quincy Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. His early years were shaped by hardship, including the Great Depression and family struggles. His love for music emerged during his teenage years in Seattle, Washington, where he played the trumpet and developed skills in composition and arranging.

Quincy attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston but left early to tour with jazz great Lionel Hampton. He became a sought-after jazz arranger and worked with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
However, in the late 1950s, he moved to Paris to study composition under Nadia Boulanger, a mentor to many great composers. He later became the first African American vice president of a major record label, Mercury Records, in 1961.

Quincy was one of the first Black composers to score Hollywood films, including: In the Heat of the Night (1967); The Italian Job (1969); and Roots (TV miniseries, 1977). He pioneered the crossover between jazz and film scoring, influencing later composers in Hollywood.

Quincy collaborated with Michael Jackson in the 1970s – 1980s, an excellent working relationship that lead to the production of three of Michael Jackson’s most iconic albums: Off the Wall (1979), which revolutionized pop music with its blend of R&B, funk, and disco; Thriller (1982), which became the best-selling album of all time, featuring hits like Billie Jean and Beat It; and Bad (1987), which further cemented Michael Jackson’s global superstardom. In short, Quincy’s work with Jackson changed the music industry forever, setting new standards in production, marketing, and music videos.

Not done yet, Quincy Jones delved into humanitarian and cultural mainstream international activities creating enduring impact with the production of “We Are the World” (1985), which became a global anthem for famine relief in Africa. He also founded the Quincy Jones Foundation to support education, global health, and youth empowerment. He went further to advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry and mentored many young musicians.

Quincy Jones passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, November 3, 2024 leaving an indelible mark on the world's music and entertainment industry. He has won 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, making him one of the most awarded artists in history. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The story of Quincy Jones is one of resilience, creativity, and excellence, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists for years to come.

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ONYEKA ONWENU, MFR (1952 – 2024): LIFE AND TIMES OF NIGERIAN SONGSTRESS AND ELEGANT STALLION

Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North LGA, Imo State She was born on January 31, 1952 and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She has an impressive career that spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics. She was one of the early highly educated musicians Nigeria has produced. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication. She obtained a Masters Degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. She worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria.

Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s blending genres like highlife, pop, and gospel. She was known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which earned her the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press. Her music resonates across generations, with iconic songs like “Ekwe”, “You and I”, and “One Love”   Onwenu’s legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist continues to inspire and influence Nigerian culture and beyond.

Onyeka Onwenu’s recording career began in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album For the Love of You, a pop album which featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash's "Hold Me Tight", produced by Berkley Jones. Her second album was Endless Life, produced by Sonny Okosun, and included another cover – the Everley Brothers' "Walk Right Back". Both records were released under the EMI label. Her first album with Polygram Records, “In The Morning Light”, was released in 1984. Recorded in London, it featured the track "Masterplan" written by her close friend Tyna Onwudiwe.

Onyeka Onwenu had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria. “Wait for Me” was more than just a song; it was part of a public health campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and safe sex.

Onyeka Onwenu made an impact as a newsreader and reporter while she was an employee of NTA. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches” which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria, as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil rich region of Nigeria

Onyeka Onwenu also excelled as an actress, leaving an indelible mark on Nollywood with roles in films like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Lion Heart.” Her passion for social change led her into politics and activism, where she championed women’s rights and advocated for marginalized groups.

Onyeka Onwenu was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, and in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She notably kept her personal life private and often refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she bore two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

Onyeka Onwenu died on Tuesday July 30 2024 at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Mrs. Stella Okoli.

Rest on Elegant Stallion!

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Rema Flies Higher: Becomes First African to Win Chinese Music Award

Nigerian music lovers heaved a sigh of relief after the disappointing performance of Nigerian artists nominated for 2024 Grammy Awards.
Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artist to win a Chinese Music Award.
The singer achieved this feat with his song ‘Calm Down’ which he had remixed with the American superstar Selena Gomez to win the Best Collaboration of the Year at the 2024 Hito Music Award in the Republic of China.

The award which was presented by Hit FM, Taiwan was hosted by DJ Andy. Rema has therefore joined the American and British artists on the list of the few international musicians to have won the Taiwanese award.

I bet you Afrobeats is truly ruling the world! No force can ever stop an idea whose time has come. 

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