Afrobeats is not only about the music; it’s about the infectious rhythms that compel people to move. From Lagos to London, from New York to Nairobi, the beats of Afrobeats have become a soundtrack to celebrations and joyous gatherings.
In today’s world, where music has collapsed international borders, Nigeria’s Afrobeat is well-known around the world. Afrobeat stands out as a vibrant and significant genre that has won the hearts of music lovers.
With the fusion of traditional African rhythms and elements of hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, and R&B, Nigerian musicians create unique sounds that resonate with people across the world. This genre has become a cultural bridge, connecting people from different backgrounds. It represents the spirit of Africa, its resilience, and its vibrant diversity. Through Afrobeats, Nigerian artists are sharing their stories with the world.
In this edition, we take a look at some top Afrobeat singers in Nigeria, their talent, authenticity, and infectious energy.
AT NUMBER ONE WE HAVE FELA KUTI:
Without including Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat in Nigeria, no study of the genre would be complete.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, born in 1938, was not just a musician but also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and political activist.
He is frequently referred to as the inventor and father of Afrobeat. Jazz, funk, and highlife were major influences on Fela’s music, which he combined with stirring lyrics that spoke to social and political issues in Nigeria.
The captivating rhythms and moving social satire found in songs like “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Sorrow, Tears & Blood” are examples of Fela’s talent.
His iconic status in the history of Nigerian music was further cemented by his charismatic and energizing live appearances. It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Fela Kuti on Afrobeat since his music continues to move and inspire listeners all over the world.
AT NUMBER TWO WE HAVE BURNA BOY:
Burna Boy has clearly established himself as one of Nigeria’s top Afrobeat musicians with Grammy Awards and numerous awards to his name.
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu born in 1991, has dominated the world music industry with his distinctive voice, varied style, and Afro-fusion approach. His 2019 album “African Giant” received a ton of praise and featured hits like “Anybody” and “Ye.”
Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and other genres are blended together in Burna Boy’s songs to create a distinctive and alluring sound. His songs address issues of identity, African pride, and social consciousness and it resonate with a large audience both in Nigeria and beyond.
AT NUMBER THREE WE HAVE TIWA SAVAGE:
The “Queen of Afrobeat,” Tiwa Savage, has unquestionably made an irreplaceable impact on the Nigerian music landscape. born in Lagos in 1980, Tiwa’s influence goes beyond Nigeria. Her global impact has been further cemented by her collaborations with international artists like Beyoncé, Major Lazer, and Omarion.
Afrobeat, R&B, pop, dancehall, and other genres are all incorporated into Tiwa Savage’s music to produce a unique and contagious sound. “Kele Kele Love” and “Eminado,” two of the big singles from her debut studio album “Once Upon a Time” (2013), helped launch her to fame.
Tiwa Savage has received multiple honors, including MTV Africa Music honors, BET Awards, and The Headies, in addition to being honored for her musical accomplishments.
Her honors and wide-ranging acclaim attest to her talent and the difference she has made in the music business. She recently gave a performance of “Key to the Kingdom” at King Charles of England’s coronation, a song from the Lion King album on which she collaborated with Beyonce.
AT NUMBER FOUR WE HAVE WIZKID:
Another performer who has significantly influenced the Afrobeat genre is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid. Born in 1990, he is gifted with an unusual voice, catchy songs, and charismatic stage presence.
Wizkid’s music expertly combines afrobeat, reggae, and contemporary pop elements, making it appealing to a broad audience.
Collaborations with foreign musicians like Drake and Beyoncé have increased his international profile even more. He has received recognition for songs like “Ojuelegba,” “Come Closer,” and “Fever” which reached the top charts and won him prizes including many BET prizes and a Grammy nomination. His contribution to the Afrobeat genre and his success abroad have solidified Wizkid’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s top artists.
.
AT NUMBER FIVE WE HAVE DAVIDO:
Born David Adeleke, Davido is a prominent figure in the Afrobeat music industry and a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
His upbeat and contagious approach combines Afro-pop, Afrobeat, and highlife to produce melodic and rhythmic songs.
Davido, who is well-known for his affable stage persona, has produced a number of top-charting singles, including “Fall” and “If.” Davido has solidified his position as one of the top Afrobeat musicians by consistently pushing the genre’s boundaries with his melodic hooks and compelling performances.
AT NUMBER 6 WE HAVE YEMI ALADE:
popularly known as “Mama Africa, Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer and songwriter,” and she has become well-known for her upbeat and lively Afrobeat sound.
Her contagious melodies and commanding voice have captured audiences all around the world. Afro-pop, R&B, and dancehall are combined in Yemi Alade’s songs to create a vibrant and energizing atmosphere.
With singles like “Johnny” and “Oga,” she has distinguished herself as one of the best Afrobeat artists, bringing excitement and vibrancy to the genre.
AT NUMBER 7 WE HAVE REMA:
Divine Ikubor bornMay, 2000) is professionally knownas Rema. He rose to stardom after releasing the song “Dumebi.
He is best known internationally for his 2022 hit single “Calm Down“, the remix of which, with Selena Gomez, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and led the U.S. Afrobeats Songs for a record-setting 41 weeks.
He became the first Nigerian artist and Afrobeat Gem to achieve this mark and emerged to be the only Nigerian music star holding a Guinness World Record. The 2022 international hit is the first-ever No.1 hit on The Official MENA Chart.
Rema has been steadily on the rise ever since his debut, counting on an ever-growing fanbase and racking up international fame.
AT NUMBER 8 WE HAVE TEMS:
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer whose thoughtful blend of alternative R&B and Afrobeat earned her international attention at the tail-end of the 2010s. After notching the 2019 hit “Try Me,” she began to appear on high-profile tracks like WizKid‘s “Essence” and Drake‘s “Fountains.”
Along with Drake, she was featured on Future‘s 2022 single “Wait for U,” which reached number one in the U.S. and later picked up a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance. She also made appearances on Beyoncé‘s Renaissance and the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
With the single ‘Free Mind’, Tems made history as the first female artist to debut at No.1 on the Billboard US Afrobeat song charts with no feature in 2022.
AT NUMBER 9 WE HAVE ASAKE:
Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake is arguably one of 2022’s biggest breakout stars. Born in January 1995, Asake is a Nigerian afrobeat singer and songwriter who uses uptempo, afro and amapiano- style production. After years of being part of Nigeria’s underground Afrobeats scene, the 28-year-old singer has collaborated with Burna Boy and released his debut album, Mr Money With the Vibe, to widespread critical and commercial success.
Asake was recently nominated for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023 award, for artists breaking through in the UK.
As his international renown has grown, Asake has become known for his spectacular – and, occasionally, erratic – live shows.
AT NUMBER 10 WE HAVE FIREBOY:
Adedamola Adefolahan (born 5 February 1996), known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer. Fireboy between 2021 and 2022 has got to feature international music stars like Ed Sheeran, Justin Beiber, and Chris brown on his album
His hit song Peru was number one on the UK Top 100 music chart for 10 weeks straight. The beat is a combination of African drums, trumpet, and guitar, which gives the song a unique Afrobeats sound that is both upbeat and danceable.
************************************
Nigeria’s Afrobeat music scene has been blessed with an abundance of brilliant musicians who have helped to shape the genre and take it around the world. Fela Kuti’s groundbreaking work created the groundwork for Afrobeat, and musicians like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have elevated the genre with their fresh sounds and all-encompassing appeal.
