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Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats
In recent years, Afrobeats has emerged as a global musical phenomenon, delighting audiences far beyond its West African origins. Characterized by its catchy rhythms, infectious melodies, and a potpourri of various musical influences, Afrobeats has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, becoming a staple in the playlists of music lovers around the world. However, it is crucial to distinguish between Afrobeats and its predecessor, Afrobeat, and to understand the significant impact of the legendary Fela Kuti on this vibrant and dynamic genre. Afrobeat, a genre pioneered in the late 1960s and 1970s by Fela Kuti, is a fusion of traditional African music, jazz, funk, and highlife. It is characterized by complex rhythms, extended instrumental sections, and politically charged lyrics. Kuti's Afrobeat is not just a musical style; it is a revolutionary movement that addressed social issues in Nigeria and Africa at large. The genre is marked by its use of large ensembles, often featuring horns, guitars, keyboards, and intricate percussion, creating a rich, layered sound that invites both dancing and deep listening. In contrast, Afrobeats, often referred to in the plural form, emerged in the early 2000s as a more commercial and accessible evolution of Afrobeat. While it retains some of the rhythmic and melodic elements of its predecessor, Afrobeats tends to be more eclectic, incorporating elements from hip-hop, dancehall, and electronic music. It features shorter song structures, catchy hooks, and often focuses on themes of love, celebration, and nightlife, making it more palatable for mainstream audiences. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Victony and Tems exemplify this modern genre, showcasing a blend of traditional African sounds with contemporary pop sensibilities. Fela Kuti, often referred to as the 'father of Afrobeat,' was not only a musician but also a political activist. His work in the 1970s laid the foundation for what would become a global appreciation for African music. Kuti's unique style combined complex rhythms with provocative lyrics that addressed issues such as colonialism, corruption, and human rights abuses in Nigeria. His songs, imbued with social commentary, resonated with many who were disillusioned by the political climate in Nigeria and beyond. Kuti's influence can be seen in the structure and instrumentation of Afrobeats. While modern Afrobeats may lean towards more commercial sounds, the intricate rhythms and the use of live instruments can be traced back to Kuti's original Afrobeat. Additionally, Kuti's emphasis on performance and showmanship has left an indelible mark on contemporary Afrobeats artists, who often incorporate elaborate choreography and vibrant visuals into their performances. Moreover, Kuti's unapologetic stance on social issues has inspired a new generation of musicians to use their platforms for advocacy. Artists like Burna Boy have been vocal about social injustices, echoing Kuti's commitment to activism through their music. The recent resurgence of interest in Kuti's work, including the Broadway musical 'Fela!,' has also reignited conversations about his legacy and the importance of music as a form of resistance. The rise of Afrobeats can be attributed to several factors. The advent of social media and digital streaming platforms has played a pivotal role in its dissemination, allowing artists to reach a global audience without the need for traditional gatekeepers. Collaborations between Afrobeats artists and international stars have further propelled the genre into the mainstream, exemplified by tracks like 'One Dance' by Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla, which topped charts worldwide. Moreover, Afrobeats has found a home in clubs and festivals across the globe, with its infectious beats making it a favorite among DJs and partygoers. As more people are exposed to the sounds of Afrobeats, cultural exchange occurs, enriching the genre and encouraging innovation. This cross-pollination of musical styles not only keeps the genre dynamic but also fosters a greater appreciation for African cultures. The rise of Afrobeats marks a significant moment in the evolution of global music, showcasing the richness of African musical traditions while embracing modern influences. Understanding the difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats is essential in appreciating the roots and growth of this genre. Fela Kuti's legacy remains a powerful force, influencing contemporary artists to blend artistry with activism. As Afrobeats continues to rise, it stands not only as a testament to the creativity of African musicians but also as a celebration of cultural resilience and global connectivity. Written by Aladin Anyebe for the House of Aladin Music TIME BUSINESS NEWS
LeMonde
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
The promise of African soft power
"My music is not there for entertainment. It is there to spread a message," said Nigerian activist and afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti (1938-1997) in the 1970s. Half a century later, his distant heirs – descendants of the "Black President" – seem to have moved on from that mantra. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, afrobeats (with an "s") now reigns supreme: a danceable, addictive genre that is unabashedly festive and commercial. Emerging from Lagos, Nigeria's chaotic megacity, this blend of R'n'B, electronic music, hip hop and traditional African rhythms has taken the world by storm. On April 18 in Paris, nearly 80,000 people packed the Stade de France to see Nigerian star Burna Boy, the first African headliner to perform solo in the stadium. The "African Giant" – also the title of his landmark 2019 album – draws massive crowds, as do fellow performers like Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Rema, whose hit " Calm Down," remixed with American pop star Selena Gomez, has over one billion views on YouTube. "The impact in terms of influence is enormous," said Yoel Kenan, founder and CEO of Africori, a music distribution company with offices in Johannesburg, London and Lagos, which supports nearly 7,000 African artists. "Fifteen years ago, Nigeria was seen as a country of crooks, but now people think first of culture and afrobeats."
Washington Post
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
The true horror — and triumph — of ‘Sinners'
The great, pioneering Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti once said: 'Music is a spiritual thing — you don't play with music. If you play with music, you will die young. Because when the higher forces give you the gift of music — musicianship — it must be well used, for the good of humanity.'
Gulf Today
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Nigerian Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti takes a look inward
Sat comfortably in a large chair at the New Afrika Shrine, his family's legendary Nigerian music venue, Femi Kuti was surrounded by history. The concert hall is an homage to his father Fela Kuti's original Shrine, which had also been located in the northern outskirts of Lagos before its demise. Femi's own music awards are scattered around, recognition for his determination to keep fighting the good fight his Afrobeat legend father was known for — calling out corruption and injustice in Africa's most populous nation. Part of a family defined by its determination to speak defiantly about what was going on around them — whether through lyrics or protest or both — Femi Kuti, however, is ready to turn inward, and focus on the 'virtues that have guided me in my life', he told the media in a recent interview. Those reflections will be apparent in the 62-year-old's upcoming album, 'Journey Through Life,' his 13th record, set to release on April 25. In the upcoming record, he sings about 'the kind of advice I give myself to where I am today,' he said. The title track, for example, is 'not political'. But listeners should not expect a member of the Kuti clan to give up politics completely. The elder Kuti came to define Afrobeat, the 70s-era jazz- and funk-inspired genre that would later give birth to the modern, R&B-inspired Afrobeats — plural — style shaking up the global music industry today. He was also a poster child of protest — using his lyrics to call out government abuses, even under brutal military juntas that ran Nigeria off and on before its latest transition to democracy in 1999, two years after his death. Femi Kuti's grandmother, meanwhile, was a women's rights and independence activist. It might be a given, then, that the virtues that guided Femi Kuti would be political in nature — though he has tempered his expectations of what exactly music can do. 'My father used to say music is the weapon. I think music is a weapon for change, but it can't be the soul,' he said. 'We still need organisations.' After all, the elder Kuti was repeatedly beaten and jailed by authorities — and with an incomplete record to show for it. Democracy might have eventually taken hold, but the corruption he railed against has been trickier to uproot. 'Self-reflection makes me think maybe it's not possible to change the world. But one thing I'm sure of is that I can change myself, I can make myself a better person,' Kuti told AFP. Femi Kuti has spent the last four decades as the heir to his father's activism and musical style. Together with his son Made and brother Seun, he keeps the New Afrika Shrine a sweaty, bumping place to be each Sunday night, and continues to tour internationally. The album, Kuti promised, is 'still very political' — and Kuti has some of his own thoughts to share as well. 'I've been singing political songs for 38 years,' yet not much has changed. In 'Nigeria, it's gotten worse'. 'Corruption must stop in the political class,' he said. 'Everybody thinks the only way to be successful is through corruption.' 'The health care — there's nothing that works,' he said. 'We can't afford a good education (for children).' These days he is unlikely to be beaten or jailed like his father — which traumatised his family growing up, he said. Though things are not always rosy for musicians in the modern political climate either. Broadcasting authorities earlier this month banned 'Tell Your Papa', by Eedris Abdulkareem, for its lyrics blasting President Bola Tinubu's handling of the economic and security situation in the country. The government is pursuing painful -- though necessary, it argues -- economic reforms, while insecurity from jihadist groups continues to menace the country's north. 'It will probably be very hard for me to not talk on political subjects,' Kuti admitted, before an electrifying live performance at an all-night show. 'I've lived it all my life with my father' Agence France-Presse
