2017: THE FAST EVOLVING SOUND OF MUSIC – AFRO BEATZ

Music is constantly evolving as there is a shift in the pattern of sound we are used to. Different artists, both old and new are bringing us new sounds over different genres and some even go to the extent of combining two or more genres to create iconic sounds. Particularly in 2017, music has harmonized so many different languages that people from different parts of the world listen to songs sung in languages they do not understand but it’s all about the vibes.

With the help of producers, artists have been able to fuse Afro beats into foreign songs, for instance, Drake’s one dance. 

DJs’ are also not left out in this evolution. They have taken music to the next level and have invented beats with great vibes and have gotten great artists to sing on them. Notable DJs are Diplo, who has been able to interject songs from all around the world and electrify them with beats. Nigeria’s DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Spinnall are also part of the makers of the new sound waves and a lot of other DJs. They have proven to have the power to make the R&B sound like Afro-Beatz. They have also helped in promoting African music by playing these songs in countries outside Africa when they visit to play and perform. 

With the help of African artists like D’banj and Tu face, amongst others, Afro-Beatz gained recognition internationally. This exposure made artists like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Big Sean and the likes of them embrace the Afro-Beatz sound. It also led to the signing of some African artists like D’banj and Davido into Sony music and paved the way for international collaborations like D’banj featuring Snoop Dogg on his endowed song, Drake featuring Wizkid on “One Dance”, Drake and Rita Ora using Nneka’s beat on their songs, and so much more. Other artists like Burna Boy, Ayo Jay, Ice Prince and Olamide have also gained international recognition.

Afro-Beatz stars are also not left out on international awards, like BET awards which were received by the likes of Wizkid, Sakordie, Tekno, Mr Eazi and Davido and others also getting nominated.

Apart from the international success, this year has been a big year for some of our African artists. One of the biggest singles of the year is “IF” by Davido, it was number one on the charts the second day it was dropped. The song was a smash hit and got R’Kelly doing a cover. Another undeniable hit song is “mad over you” by Runtown. It was number one on iTunes for a while and you hardly attended a party without mad over you not being played. It was even played on BBC One Extra. How can we forget “Leg Over” by Mr Eazi, which he was singing at almost the concerts he performed at.

This year has also been a year of concerts. Many African artists were sold out for their concerts both within and outside Africa. Artists like Wizkid and Davido, (who is currently doing is “30 Billion world tour”) had the venues full to the brim.

Our African female artists are also not left out. Even if we tried we couldn’t miss out on Seyi Shay who is currently touring around Africa. The Queen, Tiwa Savage has also been giving us ‘hot hot’ this year especially with her single “All Over” that she dropped earlier this year. Niniola isn’t slacking too, her song “Maradona” is currently trending. She had people going crazy over the beat of the song. Mama Africa, Yemi Alade doesn’t seem to be sleeping either, her songs are listened to at different parts of the world. She has also been trying to make improvements in order to satisfy her fans, both international and local better by making covers of the song in different languages.

How can we enjoy good music without the incredible producers? Shout out to all the producers, Legendury Beatz, Kriss Beatz, Tekno who produced “if’, Don Jazzy, Maleek Berry who produced for London artist Geko, Juls, Spellz, Yung John, Sess, Kiddominant, Sarz, who produced “Come closer” by wizkid and also “African bad gyal” by wizkid featuring Chris Brown and co-produced one dance by Drake, and the list goes on and on. These producers can’t be slept on while talking about the evolution of music.

At this point, we think it’s safe to say music is fast evolving and has contributed to the improvement of international relations over the past years.

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