Jamaican Music History
Afrobeats: A Nigerian Musical Explosion
Afrobeat, a genre born in Nigeria in the late 1960s and popularized by the iconic Fela Kuti, is a musical form that incorporates traditional African rhythms, highlife, jazz, and funk. The term “afrobeat” not only denotes a distinctive musical style but also encapsulates a political and cultural movement. Fela Kuti, often referred to as the pioneer of afrobeat, used the genre as a medium for social commentary and activism, addressing issues such as corruption, oppression, and inequality.
Afrobeats, with an “s”, is an amalgamation of Afrobeat, hip hop and dancehall. The influence of afrobeats is particularly evident in the works of artists who draw inspiration from both Jamaican and Nigerian musical traditions. An example of early afrobeats is “Personally” by the Nigerian group PSquare
Top exponents of afrobeats include Burna Boy’s “Last Last”, Rema’s “Calm Down”, Davido’s “Fall” and Wiz Kid’s “Joro”.
The meteoric rise in popularity of Afrobeats around the world has significantly changed the global mosaic industry and placed music and artists from the African continent at the forefront of the international music industry.