Afrobeats And Afrobeat: The Real Difference In The Genres
Afrobeat and Afrobeats may sound alike, but there are two different genres of music. Although the disparity, the salient influences are conspicuous.
Afrobeats vs Afrobeat: Many people think Afrobeat and Afrobeats are the same, especially with the dissemination of African music to new listeners beyond the shores of the continent in recent times. Music from Africa is diverse and inclusive, led by genres of various regions.
These include; the Amapiano of the South, Bongo Flava of the East, Chaabi of the North, Afrobeats of the West, and Soukous of the Central Region of the continent. However, popular African music in recent years is often being tagged as “Afrobeats” by the giants of the global music industry and some music fans as well, disregarding the uniqueness and originality of the various genres inaccurately or purposefully classified under it.
The recently launched Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart is a perfect example, a non-Afrobeats record like ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ by Ghana’s Black Sherif, the 5th song on the chart has been boxed in the same category as ‘Finesse’ by Pheelz, on a supposed ‘Afrobeats‘ chart. Observations like these prompt the question: Is Afrobeats more of a culture than a genre? (A topic for another day).
“Before Abraham, there were men,” permit me to use these words. Prior to Afrobeats, African music has been consistently taking shape, legends like Fela Kuti, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Miriam Makeba, King Sunny Ade, Youssou N’Dour, Sunny Okosun, Brenda Fassie amongst others have been exhibiting the beauty of African music at different levels.
During the aforementioned area, the ‘Afrobeat’ genre was a major player in the African music sphere, and its major proponent was the legend, Fela Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti popularly known as Fela Kuti. Developed in the late 1960s, it had a salient influence on the contemporary Afrobeats style.
“Before Abraham, there were men,” permit me to use these words. Prior to Afrobeats, African music has been consistently taking shape, legends like Fela Kuti, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Miriam Makeba, King Sunny Ade, Youssou N’Dour, Sunny Okosun, Brenda Fassie amongst others have been exhibiting the beauty of African music at different levels.
During the aforementioned area, the ‘Afrobeat’ genre was a major player in the African music sphere, and its major proponent was the legend, Fela Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti popularly known as Fela Kuti. Developed in the late 1960s, it had a salient influence on the contemporary Afrobeats style.
Afrobeats vs Afrobeat: Real Difference
The terms “Afrobeat” and “Afrobeats” are often used interchangeably in discussions surrounding African music genres. While the names may sound similar, there are distinct differences between Afrobeat and Afrobeats that are important to understand. These musical styles have emerged from different eras, encompass various elements, and have had unique impacts on the global music scene.
Afrobeat, as coined and pioneered by the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 1960s and 1970s, is a genre that combines elements of traditional West African music, highlife, jazz, funk, and political activism. Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat is characterized by its complex rhythms, horn sections, intricate arrangements, socially conscious lyrics, and extended instrumental solos. It served as a powerful medium for Fela Kuti to express his political views, criticize the government, and advocate for social change.
The influence of Fela Kuti and Afrobeat on the global music landscape cannot be overstated. Fela’s bold and unapologetic approach to music, coupled with his charismatic stage presence, resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria. His songs, often lengthy and immersive, addressed themes of corruption, oppression, and the struggles faced by the common people. Afrobeat became a voice for the voiceless, a revolutionary movement that transcended musical boundaries.
On the other hand, Afrobeats (with the “S”) refers to a contemporary genre that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s in Nigeria and Ghana. Afrobeats is a fusion of various musical styles, including Afrobeat, hip-hop, dancehall, reggae, and R&B.
It is characterized by its infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, repetitive hooks, and upbeat tempo. Afrobeats is often associated with dance and party culture, as it inspires energetic and joyful movements.
Unlike Afrobeat, which was predominantly driven by live instrumentation and large bands, Afrobeats heavily incorporates electronic elements, synthesizers, drum machines, and digital production techniques.
The genre has experienced significant commercial success and has gained a massive following worldwide, thanks to artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, who have played a crucial role in popularizing Afrobeats on the global stage.
While Afrobeat and Afrobeats share common elements and draw from similar musical roots, they represent different eras, movements, and cultural contexts. Afrobeat is rooted in the sociopolitical struggles of post-colonial Nigeria, championed by Fela Kuti and his band Africa ’70. Afrobeats, on the other hand, reflects the contemporary urban music scene and the fusion of African sounds with international influences.
Afrobeats vs Afrobeat: Both Afrobeat and Afrobeats have made significant contributions to the African music diaspora and have influenced numerous artists and genres worldwide. They serve as a testament to the richness and diversity of African music, showcasing the ability of African artists to innovate and create sounds that resonate with a global audience.
In conclusion, Afrobeat and Afrobeats are two distinct genres with different historical backgrounds and musical characteristics. Afrobeat, pioneered by Fela Kuti, is a politically charged genre that blends various musical elements and serves as a vehicle for social commentary.
Afrobeats, on the other hand, is a contemporary fusion genre that blends African rhythms with international influences, emphasizing dance and celebration. Both genres have played crucial roles in shaping the African music landscape and have earned their rightful places in the global music scene.
