About Afrobeat
Afrobeat is a music genre in the 1970s. It is usually classed as a form of music of West Africa.
Among the best-known names in the style are Youssou N’Dour, Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Burna Boy, Aya Nakamura and Femi Kuti.
From Wikipedia
Afrobeat (also known as Afrofunk) is a West African music genre, fusing influences from Yoruba and Ghanaian (such as highlife) music with American funk, jazz, and soul influences. With a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms, and percussion, the style was pioneered in the 1960s by Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti, who popularised it both within and outside Nigeria. At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers."
Distinct from Afrobeat is Afrobeats, a combination of sounds originating in West Africa in the 21st century. This takes on diverse influences and is an eclectic combination of genres such as hip hop, house, jùjú, ndombolo, R&B, soca, and dancehall. The two genres, though often conflated, are not the same.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Afrobeat.
Key artists
- Youssou N’Dour
- Fela Kuti
- Manu Dibango
- Burna Boy
- Aya Nakamura
- Femi Kuti
Related genres
Highlife
1960s · Ghana
Afrobeats
2000s
Music of Nigeria
overview of music activities in Nigeria
Wassoulou music
Samorian state
Yoruba music
the pattern/style of music practiced by the Yoruba people of Nigeria,
Music of Mauritania
music and musical traditions of Mauritania
Music of Benin
music and musical traditions of Benin
Zouglou
Ivory Coast
Frequently asked questions
What is Afrobeat?
Afrobeat is a music genre in the 1970s. It is usually classed as a form of music of West Africa.
Where and when did Afrobeat originate?
Afrobeat originated in the 1970s.
Who are famous Afrobeat artists?
Youssou N’Dour, Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Burna Boy, Aya Nakamura and Femi Kuti.