Afrobeats: More Than A Trending Genre
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The popularization of Afrobeats music has reached new heights, with collaborations and an appreciation for its dynamic energy and compelling cultural narratives continuing to garner fans worldwide. You may have also heard a white man remix it badly on the internet or read discourse concerning the gentrification of the musical genre. Nonetheless, Afrobeats has maintained the primary notes of its improvisational compositions, utilizing a fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms. As of late, Afrobeats has introduced the likes of amapiano, R&B, reggae, and more to the conversation, ultimately aiding in its rapid universalization.
Contemporary producers credit the polyrhythmic influences of Afrobeats music in their work, with producers such as Brian Eno and artists like The Talking Heads citing them around the 80s. The influence of Afrobeats has long been undeniable, yet the internet’s new propensity for watering down genres, cultures, and more causes many to worry about the future of Afrobeats, a worry that exists alongside the joy of recognition.
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Some artists currently redefining the genre include Santi (Cruel Santino), Kojey Radical, and Lady Donli. Many American artists do their due diligence, such as Latto and Ari Lennox, who performed at Afronation in Portugal to recognize the genre's influence on their music.
People can see there is pain behind the idea of a Western civilization that once plagued a land beginning to adapt and gain inspiration from a country like Africa, one whose narrative has been warped in the media for far too long. The concern is born from history and the genre's roots—one derived from artists such as Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and political activist. Music’s use as a political weapon was largely a part of Kuti’s many ideologies and opposition against political climates.
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As a result, the roots of Afrobeat music are embedded in employing music as a means of educating, weaponizing resistance, and liberating people. There must be a consideration of the benefits of the evolution of Afrobeats into a cross-cultural movement, as well as the dangers of its dilution and misrepresentation.
Afrobeats' recent global traction is culturally significant because it amplifies components of African culture while allowing African people to redefine how they are viewed in the media. Its visibility challenges longstanding stereotypes and enables more authentic cultural representation, particularly through the music's historical context and contemporary evolution. The genre continues to represent the rich history of African music, blending traditional sounds with modern influences, and liberating those who create and engage with it. However, with this worldwide recognition comes the risk of cultural appropriation.
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Omah Lay has expressed concerns that Afrobeats is not in "safe hands," arguing that its direction is converging with hip-hop as top artists prioritize mass appeal over authenticity. This presents a dilemma: on the one hand, Afrobeats artists must fight cultural appropriation and gentrification, while on the other, they aim to export their music to the world. This tension reflects a broader reality for African artists and cultural producers who seek global reach without compromising the integrity of their work.
A conscious effort must be made to engage with Afrobeats in a way that respects its origins and cultural significance. This means actively supporting African artists, understanding the political and historical context of their music, and resisting the commercialization that strips it of its identity. The genre's influence on musicians worldwide forms a symbiotic relationship, where non-African artists draw inspiration from its rhythms while contributing to its expansion. This virality highlights Afrobeats as a cultural bridge, affirming Africa's enduring influence on global culture. However, this exchange should be rooted in respect, not exploitation.
Ultimately, Afrobeats serves as a testament to African resilience, creativity, and cultural dynamism. It is not merely a genre but a movement that continues to reshape global perceptions of Africa and its people. To truly appreciate and support Afrobeats, one must listen consciously, promote cultural education, and push back against the forces that seek to commodify its essence. Through collaborations with authentic Afrobeats artists and crediting the influence of Afrobeats music itself, musicians can continue to more ethically bring this to light in a way that does not disparage authenticity globally. In doing so, the genre can continue to thrive as a powerful force of cultural expression and liberation, honoring its roots. The practice of knowing the cultures you consume is paramount on a deep, humanistic level; Particularly within music—the universal connector and the crux of a country’s contemporary culture.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isa Ochoa
Editor: Layne Schulte
Tallahassee