When it comes to Nigerian music, few genres are as influential and beloved as Afrobeat. This fusion of highlife, jazz, and traditional African percussion has been captivating audiences since the 1970s, with its distinctive sound characterized by rich brass instrumentation, infectious rhythms, and spontaneous jams. However, Afrobeat is not just a musical genre, it’s a cultural movement that reflects the political, social, and economic realities of its time, challenging the status quo and giving voice to the marginalized.
At the heart of Afrobeat lies the legacy of one man – Fela Kuti. Born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela was a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and activist who revolutionized the music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical traditions, including jazz, highlife, and funk, Fela created a new sound that defied categorization, incorporating elements of African polyrhythms, Yoruba chants, and improvisational jazz.
In the book “Fela: Kalakuta Notes,” Fela’s conga player Daniel Koranteng, also known as JB, stated that Afrobeat was named in 1969 during a meeting between Fela, Stan Plange of the Uhurus, and promoter Raymond Azziz in Accra, Ghana. Fela expressed his desire to rename his music, which was previously known as jazz-highlife. It was then that Stan Plange suggested the name Afrobeat, citing Fela’s habit of raising his shirt collar in the style of an “Afro” guy as the inspiration behind the name.
What made Fela’s music so distinctive was his ability to merge these different styles into a cohesive whole, creating a sound that was at once traditional and modern, African and cosmopolitan. At the same time, Fela’s music was deeply political, reflecting his commitment to social justice and his critique of Nigeria’s corrupt and repressive government. With songs like “Zombie,” “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense,” and “Coffin for Head of State,” Fela became a voice of dissent, speaking truth to power and challenging the status quo.
However, Fela’s music was not just about politics, it was also about joy and celebration. With his electrifying stage presence and his 20-piece band, the Africa 70, Fela created a party atmosphere that was infectious and irresistible. His shows were legendary, with marathon sets that lasted for hours, often featuring extended jams and improvisations that showcased the musicians’ virtuosity and creativity.
Today, Fela’s legacy lives on, both in Nigeria and around the world. His children, Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti, have carried on the Afrobeat tradition, while other artists, such as Antibalas and Akoya, have brought the sound to new audiences. However, what makes Afrobeat so enduring is not just its music, but its spirit – a spirit of defiance, creativity, and joy that continues to inspire and uplift.
(headline image: Fela Kuti – Photo by Bernard Matussiere)
Here are some of the top Afrobeat bands to check out:
Fela Kuti & Africa 70 – Fela Kuti is the creator of Afrobeat and his band, Africa 70, is one of the most famous and influential groups in the genre. Their music is a mix of jazz, funk, and traditional African music.
Tony Allen – Tony Allen was the drummer for Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 and was considered one of the pioneers of Afrobeat. His solo work is a mix of Afrobeat, jazz, and funk.
Femi Kuti – Nigerian musician, composer, and pioneer of the Afrobeat genre. He is the eldest son of Fela Kuti, the legendary founder of Afrobeat, and has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian and international music scenes for over three decades. Femi Kuti has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Africa for Africa” and “One People One World,” and is known for his socially conscious lyrics and energetic live performances.
Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble – New York’s Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble was a Brooklyn-based Afrobeat group that was formed in 2002. Led by Nigerian-born drummer and composer, Bola Abimbola, the ensemble was praised for its authentic sound and commitment to the Afrobeat tradition.
Dele Sosimi is a Nigerian-British musician who is considered a key figure in London’s Afrobeat scene. He was a member of Fela Kuti’s band in the 1970s, and has since released many albums and collaborated with numerous artists. Sosimi’s music is known for its blend of traditional African rhythms and modern electronic sounds, and he has been recognized for his contributions to Afrobeat with awards such as the African Music Legend Award.
Orlando Julius – Nigerian musician who was a key figure in the development of Afrobeat in the 1960s and 1970s. He is known for his innovative use of the saxophone and his fusion of African and American musical styles. Julius has released several albums, including “Super Afro Soul” and “Dance Afro Beat,” and continues to perform and record music.
Ogun Afrobeat – Madrid-based Afrobeat group that was formed in 2010. Led by Nigerian musician Bukky Leo, the group combines traditional Afrobeat rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, Cuban music and soul. They have released several albums, including “The Observer” and “Kaleidoscope.”
Chicago Afrobeat Project – Chicago-based band that was formed in 2002. They are known for their high-energy performances and their innovative approach to Afrobeat, which incorporates elements of rock, and jazz. They have released several albums, including “What Goes Up” and “Move to Silent Unrest“
Abayomy Afrobeat Orquestra – Brazilian Afrobeat group that was formed in 2009. Led by Nigerian-born musician Ade Bantu, the group has been praised for their unique fusion of Afrobeat with Brazilian rhythms such as samba and maracatu. They have released several albums, including “Abra Sua Cabeça” and “Mundo Sem Memória.”
The Fontanelles – British Afrobeat group that was formed in 2007. Led by saxophonist and composer Nick Richards, the group blends elements of Afrobeat, jazz, and funk with electronic sounds and samples. They have released several albums, including “Horns of Freedom” and “Shuffle It.”
Kola Ogunkoya – Nigerian musician who is known for his innovative approach to Afrobeat. He has been described as a “rebel of the Afrobeat tradition” for his willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. His music incorporates elements of jazz, highlife, juju, funk, and traditional Yoruba music.
Chopteeth – Washington, D.C.-based Afrobeat band that was formed in 2004. They are known for their high-energy performances and their commitment to the Afrobeat tradition. They have released several albums, including “Chopteeth Live” and “Bone Reader.
Newen Afrobeat – South American band formed in 2010 in Santiago, Chile. The group is composed of musicians from Chile, Mexico, France, and Colombia, and they are known for their powerful live performances and their unique blend of Afrobeat with Latin American rhythms such as cumbia and salsa. They have released several albums, including “Newen Afrobeat” and “Curiche.” T
These are just a few examples of the many great Afrobeat bands out there. With its infectious rhythms and uplifting messages, Afrobeat continues to be a popular and influential genre around the world.
Recommended albums:
Fela Kuti: Fela Ransome Kuti And Africa 70 With Ginger Baker Live! (Regal Zonophone, 1971), Why Black Man Dey Suffer 1971, Shakara (EMI, 1972), Gentleman (EMI, 1973), Everything Scatter (Coconut, 1975), Zombie (Coconut, 1976), Sorrow Tears And Blood (Kalakuta, 1977), No Agreement (1977), Zombie January (1977), Shuffering and Shmiling (1977), V.I.P. Vagabonds In Power (Kalakuta, 1979), Original Sufferhead (Lagos International, 1981), Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense (Polygram, 1986) and Underground System (Kalakuta, 1992).
Femi Kuti – Shoki Shoki (Barclay, 1998)
Antibalas – Antibalas (Daptone, 2012) and Who Is This America? (Ropeadope, 2004)
Seun Kuti & Fela’s Egypt 80 – Many Things (Tôt Ou Tard, 2008) and A Long Way to the Beginning (Knitting Factory Records, 2014)
Dele Sosimi – Identity (Helico Records, 2007)
Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble – P.D.P. President Dey Pass (Afrobomb, 2008)
The Fontanelles – Horns of Freedom (First Word Records, 2013)
Chicago Afrobeat Project – What Goes Up (Self Produced, 2017)
Ogún Afrobeat – Unite (2021)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.