Top 10 Famous Mexican Singers of All Time
Almost two years ago, I interviewed one of the famous Mexican singers, Leonardo Prieto, to understand the influence of Mexican folklore in his rock music.
Afrobeats is one popular genre that people may have been listening to for years but just don’t know the name. Because the melodic rhythms and vibrant energy of Afrobeats artists are all around us. But, there’s quite an interesting fact that Afrobeats music lovers may not know.
And that is, people associate Afrobeats music with Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician. However, this is not entirely accurate, as there’s an important difference.
But, what’s the difference?
I will give you a clue to see if you can guess.
Have you ever wondered how commonly we intermix Afrobeat and Afrobeats?
I mean, there’s no law against it. It’s just an additional letter ‘s.’ And how can just one letter make a difference in a genre?
Well, it can. Still don’t believe what you’re reading? I will explain now!
When you search for the best Afrobeat artists online, you find results featuring Afrobeats artists instead. This mix-up is common, as the names sound similar. However, the genres are quite different.
I didn’t know that even until one reader of CulturalReads pointed out this difference. And I was surprised to find the difference and how much of a difference an alphabet can make.
Afrobeat is a genre pioneered by Fela Kuti in the 1960s and 1970s that blends traditional West African music styles with funk, jazz, and highlife.
Whereas, Afrobeats (with an ‘s’) is for contemporary pop music from West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. This newer genre has influenced hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, which has made this new genre a global sensation in recent years.
Here, I have made an interactive table highlighting the differences between Afrobeat and Afrobeats music!
| Aspect | Afrobeat | Afrobeats |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in the late 1960s and 1970s by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. | Emerged in the early 2000s in Nigeria and Ghana, influenced by global pop. |
| Musical Characteristics | Long compositions, complex rhythms, large ensembles with horns, percussion, and guitars. Often includes jazz, funk, and traditional African elements. | Shorter, more radio-friendly tracks. Combines elements of African music with hip-hop, dancehall, R&B, and electronic music. |
| Themes | Politically charged, addressing issues like corruption, social injustice, and African identity. | More focused on love, partying, and everyday life, with less emphasis on political themes. |
| Key Artists | Fela Kuti, Tony Allen. | Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage. |
| Cultural Impact | Strongly tied to the political and social landscape of 1970s Nigeria. | Popularized African music globally in the 21st century, becoming a mainstream genre. |
| Instrumentation | Live instruments, especially prominent horns and percussion. | Mix of live instruments and digital production, including beats and synthesized sounds. |
| Global Influence | Influenced genres like hip-hop, jazz, and funk globally. | Significant impact on global pop music, influencing artists and producers worldwide. |
Afrobeat music originated in Nigeria during the late 1960s. Fela Kuti is credited for innovating a musical genre that combines West African music with American funk and jazz.
Although Afrobeat has inspired music globally, it has not achieved the fame as its modern successor, Afrobeats. This lack of recognition is unfortunate, as Afrobeat’s rich, complex sound and powerful messages deserve a wider audience.
After all, Afrobeat music was not just a musical innovation; it was a cultural and political movement.
Fela Kuti used Afrobeat music as a platform to speak against the social and political injustices in Nigeria. Through his powerful lyrics and energetic performances, he addressed issues like corruption, military rule, and colonialism.
Let’s discuss more about the best Afrobeat artists and their music!
Fela Kuti is widely regarded as the founding father of Afrobeat music. He was born in Nigeria, moved to the UK, and returned to Nigeria during political turmoil. When he returned in the 1970s, he set up his own nightclub, Afro-Spot, and named his band Africa 70. Afrobeat music was born from this band.
After that, there was no looking back, as he released hit after hit. His influence on Afrobeat artists is undeniable, as many modern Afrobeat artists cite him as the most significant influence. Some of his top hits include “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Lady.”
Zombie no go think
Unless you tell am to think
Zombie no go reason
Unless you tell am to reason
Fela Kuti’s legacy didn’t end with his death. The Kuti family has continued Fela’s legacy, producing talented Afrobeat artists such as his sons, Femi and Seun Kuti.
Both have carved their niche within the genre while maintaining the essence of their father’s work. Femi’s notable tracks include “Beng Beng Beng” and “No Place Like Home,” while Seun’s top songs include “Black Times” and “Struggle Sounds.”
Orlando Julius is another Afrobeat music legend. He began his musical career in the 1960s, contributing to the popularisation of Highlife music. Although Julius was born in Nigeria, he pioneered a Ghanaian Highlife music genre that combines traditional African rhythms with Western influences.
His innovative approach to music and ability to blend various genres set him apart as a key contributor to the evolution of Afrobeat. He also collaborated with Fela Kuti and other best-known Afrobeat singers.
His music features vibrant brass sections, rhythms, and socially conscious lyrics. Over the decades, Orlando Julius has continued to influence new generations of musicians in the African music scene. His profound impact on the genre makes him one of the best Afrobeat artists. You can listen to him on Spotify and other music platforms.
Dele Sosimi is one of the leading figures in contemporary Afrobeat music. He began his career with Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80, where he played keyboards for many years. His innovative arrangements and performances were instrumental in the development of Afrobeat.
During Fela’s incarceration, Dele took on the role of musical director for Egypt 80, further honing his skills in arranging and training musicians. He played a crucial role in hits like “Parambulator” and “Authority Stealing” and helped shape the band’s evolving sound.
In 1986, Dele co-founded the new band Positive Force with Femi Kuti, the eldest son of Fela Kuti. Since then, he has released albums and continues to influence Afrobeat music.
In 1995, he moved to London, where he regularly plays Afrobeat music and is behind the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Foundation. He is also a visiting lecturer in Music and Media at London Metropolitan University.
Antibalas is an exception in our list of best Afrobeat bands because it’s not a Nigerian or Ghanaian band but a Brooklyn-based American Afrobeat music band.
Antibalas is one of the best contemporary bands, keeping the Afrobeat tradition alive. Their sound features unique rhythms, a fusion of traditional Afrobeat with modern influences. Their traditional drumming is, however, inspired by Cuba and West Africa.
The band’s lineup includes musicians who bring a variety of influences to their music. Antibalas has performed at major festivals worldwide and collaborated with various artists, including guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Tony Allen, and Oghene Kologbo, among others.
Antibalas has released several acclaimed albums, including “Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1” and “Where the Gods Are in Peace”. They remain one of the best Afrobeat bands, continuing to perform and keep the genre alive.
Antibalas is not new to playing African music or being influenced by it. I recently wrote about how European bands mix musical genres from around the globe.
Seun Kuti is one of the best Afrobeat artists and the youngest son of the legendary Fela Kuti. When his father died in 1997, he took up his father’s band, Egypt 80, to continue the legacy of Afrobeat music. Over the years, he has made a name for himself with his distinct style and energetic performances.
His musical career predates his joining Egypt 80, however. He used to play for Egypt 80 as a child, similar to how one of the best Pakistani singers, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, used to play with his legendary uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
So, it shouldn’t be surprising that Seun Kuti has been playing music since the 1990s. Over the years, he has released several albums that blend traditional Afrobeat music with contemporary influences. His music often addresses social and political issues, reflecting his commitment to using his platform for activism. I love this Seun Kuti’s recording with Newen Afrobeat.
Let’s move from Afrobeat to the more mainstream Afrobeats (with an s).
Afrobeats is a modern genre that (partially) evolved from Afrobeat in the 2000s. Afrobeats artists incorporate elements of highlife, dancehall, and hip-hop. It features a diverse range of sounds, including rhythmic beats, catchy melodies, and a blend of African and Western musical influences.
It’s no wonder that Afrobeats music is so popular. Yemi Alade is one of the best female afrobeats artists who has collaborated with Beyoncé. Wizkid has taken the Afrobeats music scene even further by collaborating with Beyoncé, Drake, and Skepta.
Although Afrobeat music is mostly Nigerian work, it’s different for Afrobeats music. For Afrobeats music, many Ghanaian artists have played a significant role in shaping Afrobeats, contributing their unique style and rhythms. Pioneers like Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy from Ghana have popularised the genre worldwide.
Over the years, the genre has evolved into an eclectic mix of diverse musical styles. It has become more commercial and now reaches far beyond the African content. Top Afrobeats songs like Calm Down and Location have millions of listeners worldwide.
So, the influence of top Afrobeats songs on global musical charts is something to marvel at. There’s even a US Billboard chart for Afrobeats songs with weekly updates. So, it’s quite conclusive to say that Afrobeats doesn’t just have an African audience but a global musical phenomenon.
Furthermore, you must have heard many songs without realizing they fall in the Afrobeats genre. Today, top Afrobeats singers include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and many others.
Let’s now discuss the top Afrobeats artists out there!
Some of the artists, as discussed above, have made the genre global.
So, the list of best Afrobeats artists is going to be exciting!
Niniola is a female afrobeat artist and songwriter known for her unique blend of Afrobeat and electronic dance music. Her powerful vocals and energetic performances have made her one of the top Afrobeat artists in recent years.
After her debut single, “Ibadi,” Niniola has since released some popular Afrobeats songs, including “Maradona,” “Boda Sodiq,” and “Addicted.” Niniola uses various musical influences and Afrobeats in her music and received a nomination for Most Promising Act to Watch in 2015.
Since then, she has released two albums, ‘This Is Me,’ and ‘Colours and Sounds.’ She is one of the top Afrobeat singers, and her music is worth exploring.
Burna Boy is also a Nigerian singer-songwriter. He is famous for his unique fusion of Afrobeats with reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and R&B. He gained prominence in 2012 with his single “Like to Party,” which became a hit across Nigeria. Since then, Burna Boy has released seven albums, with the latest album, Love, Damini, released in 2022. Some of his top afrobeat songs include “Ye,” “On the Low,” and “Anybody.”
Burna Boy’s success is transatlantic, as he has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Damian Marley. His distinctive sound and energetic performances make him one of the top Afrobeat artists in the world.
David Adedeji Adeleke, or Davido, is a Nigerian singer and record producer whose catchy afrobeat songs are a global sensation. He rose to fame in 2012 with his second song, “Dami Duro,” from his debut album “Omo Baba Olowo.” Since then, he has released top Afrobeat songs such as “If,” “Fall,” and “Fia.”
Davido’s influence on Afrobeats extends beyond his music as his record label Davido Music Worldwide has launched the careers of other best Afrobeat artists. He continued to make music and released his latest album, ‘Timeless,’ on March 31, 2023.
Tems is an emerging Nigerian Afrobeat singer who quickly rose to prominence in 2018 with her debut single, “Mr. Rebel.” After her first song, an amalgam of Afrobeat and Afropop, she has released top Afrobeat hits like “Damages” and collaborated with fellow Afrobeat artist Wizkid on “Essence.” She is known for her soulful voice and emotional lyrics.
Tems’ unique blend of afrobeat music with pop and soul elements makes her an amazing addition to the Afrobeats genre. She was also a part of the soundtrack album of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022. As Tems continues releasing new music, she is the best new Afrobeats artist to watch out for.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, goes by his studio name, Wizkid. He is one of the most famous Afrobeats artists of his generation. He burst onto the Afrobeat music scene in 2011 with his debut album “Superstar,” Wizkid quickly gained global recognition with smash hits like “Holla at Your Boy,” “Say My Name,” and “Come Closer.”
His distinctive music and successful album launches have led him to collaborations with top international artists such as Beyoncé, Drake, Skepta, and Justin Bieber. His distinct afrobeat sound and star power mean he is a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre. In 2022, Wizkid released his latest album, “More Love, Less Ego.”
Oluwatosin Ajibade, or by his stage name Mr. Eazi, is a Nigerian singer who needs no introduction to the Afrobeat genre. His unique blend of Afrobeats, highlife, and banku music (a Ghanaian fusion of highlife and electronic sounds) resonated with fans across Africa and beyond. Some of his top afrobeat songs include “Leg Over,” “Pour Me Water,” and “Skin Tight.”
As one of the most prominent Afrobeat artists today, he is also the founder of emPawa Africa, a record label that introduces emerging African singers and provides them a platform to succeed in Afrobeat music. (Mr. Eazi discovered Joeboy, whom we discuss below).
Teniola Apata is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, popularly known as Teni or Teni the Entertainer. She is known for her unique blend of Afrobeat and pop music, or Afropop, that has earned her numerous awards and accolades since she burst onto the scene in 2017 with her debut single “Fargin.” Some of her top Afrobeats songs include “Askamaya,” “Case,” and “Billionaire.”
Teni has powerful voice vocals and is a powerhouse when performing. It makes her one of the best Afrobeats artists in the music industry. She is the sister of fellow Afrobeats singer Niniola (We have discussed her above).
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She is famously known as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Her unique blend of Afrobeat music, Afropop, R&B, and traditional African sounds makes her one of the best female Afrobeat singers. Yemi is known for some of the top Afrobeat songs like “Johnny,” “Kissing,” and “Tangerine.” She has also been featured on Beyonce’s album “The Lion King: The Gift.”
Yemi Alade’s success as an Afrobeat artist extends beyond her music; she is also an activist. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN and works to promote female empowerment and raise awareness about African social issues.
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has become one of the most influential female Afrobeat artists. She is known for her sultry voice and captivating lyrics, and she has consistently produced top afrobeat songs since her debut song, “Kele Kele Love,” in 2010. She released her last album in 2020, “Celia,” and her latest single, “NSV,” was released this year.
Savage is the first female singer to win the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards 2018. She is known for her powerful performances on stage and is recognized as one of the best Afrobeats singers of this generation.
Joeboy, also called Young Legend, is known for smooth vocals and passionate lyrics, which makes him one of the fastest-rising Afrobeat artists in recent years. He was discovered by Mr. Eazi (we also discuss him later) and is associated with his record label, EmPawa Africa. He gained recognition in 2019 with his hit single “Baby,” and since then has released some of the best Afrobeats songs like “Beginning” and “Don’t Call Me Back.”
As a young talent in the Afrobeats scene, he is famous for melodies while maintaining an authentic African sound has earned him a place among the top Afrobeats artists today. He released his first album, “Somewhere Between Beauty And Magic,” in 2021.
Divine Ikubor, a professional Rema singer and rapper, is the latest sensation in the Afrobeat scene. He mixes Afrobeats, trap, and pop, and what comes out is a unique flavor of the Afrobeat genre. Rema released his successful debut single “Iron Man” in 2020, and since then has released some of the best afrobeat songs such as “Dumebi,” “Lady,” and “Bad Commando.” Rema has collaborated with Selena Gomez, releasing a single, “Calm Down,” which debuted at number 1 on many charts worldwide.
As a young and new talent in Afrobeat music, he is sure to cement his place as he can produce catchy melodies. He released his album Rave & Roses in 2022. Although relatively new on the Afrobeats music, he sure will make way for more.
The differences between the Afrobeat and Afrobeats genres are fascinating. However, one aspect is quite evident: the classic Afrobeat genre has influenced the modern Afrobeats genre.
It’s no wonder that the modern Afrobeats genre is a true fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary sounds. On top of that, Afrobeats artists like Davido and Rema have made this genre a global phenomenon.
The credit goes to the ability of Afrobeats artists to infuse different musical influences while maintaining the authenticity of African essence. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that many top Afrobeats artists collaborate with global musicians to give us some of the best Afrobeats songs.
Are you ready to listen to it now? Check out the playlist!
If you loved this post with Afrobeat artists, Afrobeat songs and the origins of Afrobeat pioneer Fela, you might also like:
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