Crossing Continents: How Afrobeats Is Taking Over the World

As a young student, I vividly remember the daily ritual of walking to my middle school. It was the perfect opportunity to plug in my headphones, let the music take over, and shut out the rest of the world. In those brief but precious moments, I would immerse myself in a playlist that never failed to set the tone for my day ahead. Its title said it all: “Afrobeats in the Morning.”

During my formative years, Afrobeats became an integral part of my musical journey. As a first-generation refugee from the African continent, this genre of music held a profound significance for me, serving as a powerful thread that kept me connected to my cultural roots and the small but mighty African community in my hometown. 

As I grew older, I witnessed with awe and excitement the rise of Afrobeats in the global music scene. Over the last couple of years, this genre has transcended boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide with its infectious beats and captivating grooves. Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with, dominating not only the airwaves but also the stages of music festivals around the world. It has been nothing short of inspiring to see how the genre has taken the world by storm, leaving its indelible mark on popular culture and the music industry. The surge of Afrobeats has been more than just a musical revolution; it has been a celebration of African culture, resilience, and creativity. 

Afrobeats is a vibrant genre of popular music that has its roots in West Africa and has gained widespread popularity in the diaspora. This musical style originated primarily in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK during the 2000s and 2010s, and is often interchangeably referred to as Afro-pop or Afro-fusion. Afrobeats songs are typically sung in a variety of languages, including English, Yoruba, Twi, Pidgin English, and other local African languages, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of the region.

Afrobeats pushes the boundaries of traditional African rhythms by infusing them with contemporary influences like hip-hop, R&B, and pop. This unique blend of musical elements has created a genre that resonates with audiences all over the world. 

Afrobeats has a rich and long history that can be traced back to the 1960s when Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, drummer Tony Allen, and their band Africa 70 (later known as Egypt 80) pioneered the sound. Fela Kuti, often referred to as the “father of Afrobeats,” was known for his innovative approach to music, fusing traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, and highlife. His music was not only musically groundbreaking, but also socially and politically charged, addressing issues of corruption, oppression, and inequality.

The early 2000s saw the emergence of other Nigerian musicians like 2face Idibia and D’banj. These artists spearheaded the popularity of the genre but the global popularity of Afrobeat music did not take off until the middle of the 2010s. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Mr. Eazi are just a few of the musicians who have launched the genre into mainstream international success. Afrobeats artists have now amassed millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music and some have become household names. 

These artists and others have perfected the art of blending genres such as Hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and more, in their Afrobeat music. For instance, in hit songs “On The Low” Burna Boy and “Show You The Money” by WizKid skillfully combines Yoruba rhythms with captivating afro-fusion elements. Similarly, Davido’s chart-topping track “Fall” exemplifies the convergence of Western and Eastern influences. These are just a few of the countless songs that have left an indelible mark on my childhood. They are the timeless tunes that are played at weddings, blaring in the car with friends, and forming the soundtrack to my solo dance parties. They are more than just songs; they are cherished memories and a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of Afrobeat music in my life and beyond.

Along with these cherished memories associated with Afrobeats, this genre of music also serves as a powerful expression of African and Afro-diaspora pride within myself and those around me. Through its lyrics that often celebrate African identity and culture, Afrobeats music becomes a vital component of African cultural expression. Many African listeners are deeply drawn to Afrobeats songs as they view them as a means to proudly showcase their rich heritage, traditions, and identity to the world. Afrobeats also critique systems of power and inequality on the continent and in the diaspora. Afrobeats music often addresses social, political, and economic issues faced by Africans both within Africa and in diaspora communities around the world. Afrobeats artists often use their music as a platform to raise awareness and critique the existing power dynamics and inequalities that impact African societies. 

Afrobeats serve as a unifying force that instills a sense of pride, belonging, and cultural representation, resonating with the hearts and souls of African communities worldwide. It’s more than just music; it’s a celebration of African culture and an affirmation of African pride.

The growth of Afrobeats abroad can be attributed to many things, globalization being one of them. Afrobeats artists have recently partnered with Western artists to create chart-toppers. Rapper Drake has been featured on many Afrobeats songs including 2017 “One Dance” featuring WizKid and “Fountains” featuring Tems. Drake is no stranger to Afrobeats and for many, “One Dance” was their first interaction with the genre. Pop singer Ed Sheeran has also been featured in numerous Afrobeat tracks, including Fireboy DML‘s “Peru” and Burna Boy’s “For My Hand.” Additionally, actress and singer Selena Gomez was featured in the hit song “Calm Down” by Rema. 

These cross-genre collaborations have been instrumental in introducing Afrobeats to a wider audience and expanding its reach. By collaborating with Western artists, Afrobeats musicians have been able to fuse their unique African rhythms, melodies, and cultural elements with other popular music genres, creating a fresh and dynamic sound that appeals to diverse audiences around the world

The popularity of Afrobeat music has also grown significantly as a result of social media. Without the aid of conventional record labels, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have allowed musicians to interact directly with fans, create dance challenges, and be featured in Afrobeats compilation videos. This has made it possible for emerging musicians to develop popularity without having a large label agreement. 

As the genre continues to gain momentum and captivate foreign audiences, Afrobeats artists are setting new standards of success, challenging the status quo, and redefining the global music landscape. With their undeniable talent, infectious beats, and rich cultural heritage, Afrobeats artists are taking the world by storm and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring and captivating audiences far and wide. The Afrobeats revolution is here to stay, and the world eagerly awaits what the genre’s future holds.

It has been a source of pride for me as I witness the motherland being embraced and celebrated on a global scale. Afrobeats has not only brought joy to my ears but has also ignited a sense of pride and belonging in my heart, reminding me of the power of music to transcend borders, bridge cultures, and create a sense of unity among diverse communities.

Written by Saida Dahir

Illustration By Sean Mccabe