Afrobeat has had an impact for decades, from its roots in Nigeria to its dominance in the global music industry. Pioneered by the legendary Fela Kuti, the genre has paved the way for a new generation of stars, including David Adeleke (Davido), Balogun Ayodeji Ibrahim (Wizkid), Tiwatope Savage (Tiwa Savage), Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), and Yemi Alade. Each of these artists has a distinct style that resonates deeply with their audiences, keeping the Afrobeat spirit alive and thriving.
Afrobeat is a cultural movement rooted in West Africa’s rich traditions. Its infectious rhythms and storytelling continue to shape and influence the global music scene, proving that the genre is here to stay.
History of Afrobeat
Fela Kuti.
Afrobeat music combines African rhythms with Black American influences to create a unique blend of culture and sound. It was pioneered by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, who, along with his band Africa 70, mixed West African beats (mainly from Nigeria and Ghana) with American jazz, soul, and funk. Kuti’s music also carried a strong political message.
Fela Kuti started the Afrobeat movement, and artists like his drummer Tony Allen helped keep it alive. In the West, musicians like Brian Eno and David Byrne of The Talking Heads drew inspiration from Afrobeat for their album Remain in Light (1980). Fela’s legacy lives on in the music of his sons, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, and modern bands like Antibalas, which has won a Grammy.
Although Afrobeat is sometimes confused with Afrobeat, they are not the same. Afrobeat refers to a broader range of West African and UK music styles. While both share African roots, their sounds are distinct.
The Legacy and Evolution of Afrobeat: The Past, Present, and Future of Nigerian Music
Wizkid.
Music is deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture—it’s the nation’s heartbeat. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the quiet corners of the countryside, music tells stories, preserves history, and connects people. Nigerian music, especially Afrobeat, holds a global reputation. Its legacy is rooted in the creativity of the past, thrives in the dynamic present, and inspires the experimental future.
In this piece, I’ll explore the journey of Nigerian music, spotlighting its Afrobeat influence and the enduring legacy of Fela Kuti. I’ll also discuss how traditions shape today’s sounds and tomorrow’s innovations.
The Roots: Nigeria’s Musical Past
Nigerian music has always been functional. Traditional sounds served specific purposes—celebrations, rituals, and even labour. In the northern fields, work songs motivated farmers; in Yoruba societies, tension drums (like the dùndún) and kettledrums accompanied social gatherings. The Igbos used folk instruments like flutes and xylophones to narrate history and celebrate achievements. These regional sounds laid the foundation for Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
By the 20th century, global influences arrived. Nigerians returning from abroad blended Western instruments with indigenous rhythms, birthing iconic genres like Highlife, Jùjú, and, eventually, Afrobeat.
Jùjú: Pioneered by Tunde King in the 1930s, Jùjú was a blend of Yoruba percussion with brass and Western instruments. The legendary King Sunny Ade pushed the genre forward, infusing it with electric guitars and synthesisers, earning global acclaim.
Highlife: Originating from Ghana but embraced by Nigerians, Highlife became the soundtrack of Nigerian nightlife. Artists like Bobby Benson and Oliver De Coque gave the genre flair.
Jazz and the Afrobeat Genesis: In the 1960s, Fela Ransome-Kuti’s jazz band Koola Lobitos began experimenting with a fusion of highlife, jazz, and traditional Yoruba rhythms. This experimentation birthed Afrobeat, a genre synonymous with Fela’s revolutionary spirit.
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Afrobeat: Fela Kuti’s Enduring Legacy
Fela Kuti.
Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat was more than music—it was a political weapon. Fusing jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms, Fela addressed corruption, military oppression, and societal ills in songs like “Zombie” and “Water, No Get Enemy.” The Kalakuta Republic, his commune and recording studio, became the epicentre of this movement, attracting free-thinkers and enraging the government.
Even after Kalakuta’s destruction and personal tragedies, Fela remained undeterred, cementing Afrobeat’s place as a genre of defiance and cultural pride. Today, the New Afrika Shrine, rebuilt by his son Femi Kuti, stands as a beacon of his legacy, hosting global fans and local devotees alike.
The Present: Afrobeats and Global Pop Dominance
Afrobeat paved the way for Afrobeats, a genre that blends Afrobeat’s rhythm with hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall elements. While distinct from Fela’s political undertones, Afrobeats has brought Nigerian music to global heights. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido lead the charge, collaborating with international stars and dominating global charts.
Lagos, the heart of Nigeria’s music scene, comes alive during December’s Detty December, where concerts and festivals showcase mainstream hits and underground sounds.
The Future: Alternative Sounds and Global Influence
A new wave of Nigerian artists is redefining the music scene. Known as Alté, this movement embraces individuality and experimentation. Artists like Santi, Lady Donli, and Odunsi (The Engine) push creative boundaries, drawing international attention.
As technology evolves and global audiences embrace more African sounds, Nigerian music continues to grow, merging its Afrobeat roots with futuristic innovations. Fela Kuti’s legacy lives on in his music, and the spirit of creativity and resilience defines Nigerian artistry.
Nigerian music, from its traditional beginnings to the global phenomenon of Afrobeat and Afrobeats, tells a story of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride. Fela Kuti’s legacy remains a cornerstone of this narrative, inspiring future generations to carry the torch and spread the sounds of Nigeria worldwide.
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