Originally posted on February 18, 2022 @ 1:10 pm
Acording to Shockvibes, Afrobeat, a style of music that started in Nigeria in 1970s and popularized by Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It is a blend of African traditional rhythms and funk/rock/soul with strong bass lines and call and response vocals.
The impact of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, in general, is still being felt today. His music opened the door for many Nigerian musicians to play their own style of music and make money from it. In the early 1980s, Afrobeat was gaining a lot of popularity both at home and abroad. Fela’s songs were political and highly critical of the Nigerian government.
The impact of in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, Afrobeat music is still very popular. Many musicians in Nigeria use it in their songs especially in the highlife genre. Many of these musicians have a deep respect for Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his contributions to not only Afrobeat music, but Nigerian and African music.
The impact of on a worldwide level.
Afrobeat is still popular as well because of the popularity of other African musicians like the late great king of Bongo flava, Papa Wemba. He was very influential in his native Democratic Republic of Congo with his music style called Soukous which used Afrobeat as its roots. Today, Afrobeat and other African rhythms and traditional music is becoming very popular in the United States and all over the world because of artists like Femi Kuti.
Femi Kuti’s impact on the world stage has been tremendous. His album for 2000 release was titled Shoki Shoki which was basically his debut album in the US. It is considered one of the best selling albums by any Nigerian act outside Nigeria.
He has done very well with his music career and continues to tour all over Europe, America, Australia and other parts of the world. He has performed with many African musicians like Mory Kante, Papa Wemba, Salif Keita, and many others.
His music is also popular with the younger generation because of his unique sound which blend native Nigerian traditional rhythms like Gome into Afrobeat.
Top 10 Afrobeat Artists 2022.
The following are the top 10 afrobeat artists already making waves in Nigeria and beyond. These Afrobeat Artists include Burna boy, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Simi, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Davido, 2baba.
Burna Boy.
Burna boy is one of the top afrobeats artists in Nigeria. He has gained both regional and international recognition along with winning several awards. His songs are popular among fans of different genres including hip-hop, house, pop and R & B.
Wizkid.
Wizkid has gained recognition in Nigeria and throughout the world with his music. His ability to blend different genres such as R & B, dance hall and afrobeat together has gained him international attention along with winning several awards.
Adekunle Gold.
He is another popular artist from Nigeria who blends afrobeat and hip-hop with a bit of high life. Adekunle Gold is a talented artist who has received several awards as an upcoming artist including the Next Rated award at Channel O Music Video Awards, The Headies Award for Best New Act to Watch and Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Male Vocalist of the Year.
Simi.
Simi is another popular Nigerian Afrobeat artist with several awards including Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Female Vocalist of the Year and Headies Award for Song of the Year.
Yemi Alade.
Yemi Alade is another famous afro beat artist originally from Nigeria but has now gained international recognition. She is a talented singer who has also released songs in Yoruba and English. She also received several awards.
Mr Eazi.
Mr Eazi is a popular afrobeats artist who has gained recognition in his country Nigeria with songs that are mostly hip-hop with some reggae infused into the music. His ability to blend different genres together has earned him several awards.
Tiwa Savage.
Tiwa Savage is also one of the top afrobeats artists who has received several awards including Best Female Vocal Performance award at Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Artist of the Year at African Union-NAFTA and MOBO Award for Best African Act.
2Baba.
2Baba is also one of the most famous african artist who has gained international recognition with his songs throughout Africa. His ability to blend R & B, hip-hop with afrobeats has gained him several awards.
Davido.
Davido is another top afrobeat artist who has received international recognition along with winning several awards including the Best New Act at MTV Africa Music Awards, Next Rated Award at Channel O Music Video Awards and Artist of the Year at MTV Africa Music Awards.
I would love to hear what you think of Afrobeat and its influence on music today. Is it something you enjoy listening to? Leave your comments in the section below and let me know!
