The Nigerian music of today is very unique in the sense that it infuses and relates one’s ethnicity in its style. It is of no doubt that the music industry has gained recognition both far and wide for its up-tempo genre known as Afrobeats.
With the fusion of traditional instruments and languages, one can say the earliest styles of Music in Nigeria were known to be Highlife, Palm wine music, Jùjú, Fuji, Apala, and much more. These styles were then experimented with and fused by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, which then birthed the genre of Afrobeat. He is known to be an iconic pioneer of this genre. As time passed, the Afrobeat genre evolved into what we now know as Afrobeat(s), but with a modern twist.
Although similar, the genre of Afrobeats is distinctive in its style as it fuses African rhythms with modern western music by mixing various genres such as R&B, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, and others. This genre is distinguished by its signature use of drums, which provide an upbeat rhythm, whether electronic or instrumental.
The genre has become vast as international artists have collaborated with African artists, particularly those from Nigeria. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and others are known for bringing the genre to a global audience.
Wizkid is known to be the first Nigerian artist to be featured on an international music track. In 2016, his feature One Dance with Drake was named “Song of the Summer” by Billboard and Spotify, and it was later revealed that it had been played 1.7 billion times.
Other artists have also been recognized as they are known for their unique works.
With the genre growing effortlessly year in year out, Nigerian artists are recognized for their worth as they gain international brands and influence.
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Great read.