DISCOVERING THE SOUND OF TODAY: AFROBEATS AND ITS MODERN PROPONENTS

Afrobeats is a genre of music that has its roots in West Africa and has recently gained popularity on a global scale. The genre is a fusion of traditional West African rhythms with contemporary pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The music is characterized by its heavy use of drums and percussion, and the incorporation of traditional instruments such as the xylophone, kora, and balafon. The origins of Afrobeats can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, with artists such as Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade in Nigeria, and Osibisa in Ghana blending traditional African rhythms with funk, jazz, and highlife music. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the genre began to gain popularity and become known as Afrobeats.

One of the earliest and most influential artists in the development of Afrobeats is Nigerian musician, songwriter, and producer Fela Kuti. He blended traditional West African rhythms and instruments with jazz, funk, and highlife music. He was known for his politically charged lyrics and live performances, and his music had a significant impact on the development of the genre. Fela Kuti’s music and performances were not only a reflection of his political views but also a representation of the cultural identity of Nigeria and Africa.

In recent years, the popularity of Afrobeats has grown rapidly, with many modern proponents of the genre emerging. Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy have gained international recognition and have brought Afrobeats to a global audience. Other prominent Afrobeats artists include Ghana’s Sarkodie, South Africa’s AKA, and UK-based artists such as Fuse ODG and Maleek Berry.

Artists like Wizkid and Davido, who have been in the industry for a while, have been credited for popularizing the genre internationally, bringing it to the mainstream, and making it appealing to a wider audience. They have been collaborating with international artist and have been featured in different songs, bringing afrobeats sound to the ears of different cultures and people.

Burna Boy, who is another popular artist, has also been credited for popularizing the genre in the international scene, he has won multiple awards, including a Grammy, has been featured in different international events and collaborate with different artists from different genres.

Other artists like Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Rema, Diamond Platnumz and others have been also making waves in the industry and are considered as some of the best modern proponents of Afrobeats.

Overall, Afrobeats continues to evolve and expand as a genre, with new artists emerging and bringing fresh sounds and perspectives to the scene. The genre continues to gain popularity both in Africa and around the world, making it one of the most popular and influential music styles in the world today.