What Makes a Song Afro Beat?

This article covers the characteristics of Afrobeat, including its call-and-response vocals, complex rhythms, and fusion of African and Western musical genres. It also gives a brief history of the genre.

"The Anatomy of Afrobeat" by Dennis M. Spragg on Afropop Worldwide: This in-depth article breaks down the musical components of Afrobeat, including the role of the rhythm section, the use of horns, and the incorporation of Yoruba and other African musical traditions.

"The Elements of Afrobeat" by Patrick Coleman on ThoughtCo.: This article highlights the key elements that define Afrobeat music, such as the use of polyrhythms, the incorporation of Nigerian and other West African musical styles, and the political and social commentary in the lyrics.

"What is Afrobeat? A Beginner's Guide to the Nigerian Sound" by Damilola Ojeniyi on OkayAfrica: This article explores the history and evolution of Afrobeat music, as well as the unique features of the genre, including the use of percussion, the influence of highlife and juju music, and the incorporation of social and political themes.

"Afrobeat: The Music That Took Over the World" by Jon Pareles on The New York Times: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and cultural significance of Afrobeat, highlighting the role of its creator, Fela Kuti, and the influence of the genre on contemporary music.

Afrobeat is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the 1960s and 70s, and was developed by the legendary musician and activist Fela Kuti. It is characterized by its fusion of traditional West African music with American funk, jazz, and soul, as well as its politically charged lyrics.

The music is known for its complex and intricate rhythms, which are created by combining multiple layers of percussion, including drums, shakers, and cowbells. It also typically features a horn section, with trumpets, saxophones, and trombones used to create dynamic and powerful melodies.

One of the key features of Afrobeat is its use of call-and-response vocals, with the lead singer typically supported by a group of backing vocalists who echo and respond to their lines. The lyrics of Afrobeat songs often address social and political issues, including corruption, poverty, and injustice, and are sung in a variety of languages, including English, Yoruba, and Pidgin English.

Since its inception, Afrobeat has become a global phenomenon, influencing a wide range of musical styles and genres. Many contemporary artists, both in Africa and around the world, continue to draw inspiration from Afrobeat's unique sound and message.

Afrobeat was developed in the 1960s and 70s by Fela Kuti and his band, Africa '70, in Nigeria. The genre was a response to the political and social challenges of the time, including widespread corruption and the oppression of the Nigerian people by the country's military government. Fela Kuti saw music as a tool for social change, and used his music to critique the government and call for greater freedom and justice for the Nigerian people.

Musically, Afrobeat is characterized by its complex polyrhythmic percussion, which is created by layering multiple rhythms on top of one another. The rhythm section typically includes a variety of percussion instruments, such as congas, bongos, and shekeres, as well as a drum kit. The horn section often includes trumpets, saxophones, and trombones, which add a powerful and dynamic melodic layer to the music.

Afrobeat's lyrics are often sung in a mix of English and African languages, and typically address issues such as poverty, corruption, and political oppression. Fela Kuti's lyrics were particularly outspoken and confrontational, and he was known for his willingness to challenge the government and speak out against social injustice.

Today, Afrobeat has a global following, and its influence can be heard in a wide range of musical styles, including hip hop, pop, and electronic dance music. Many contemporary artists, both in Africa and around the world, continue to draw inspiration from Afrobeat's unique sound and message, and the genre remains a powerful tool for social and political commentary.