Why I Started Listening to Afrobeats
Written by Madison Akindele on September 13, 2024
When someone asks, “What kind of music do you like?” and you answer, “All kinds,” how true is that? For me, it feels genuine, but I’ve come to realize that I hadn’t truly explored all genres. There’s a whole world of music I hadn’t discovered yet, and lately, I’ve been diving into Afrobeats.
Afrobeats is more than just a sound; it’s a global phenomenon. International artists within the genre have made an immense impact, producing hits that have become cultural staples far beyond Africa. Just like how K-pop fans helped propel groups like BTS to global stardom, and Latin culture fans supported Bad Bunny’s rise, Afrobeats are powered by a cultural movement that’s being embraced worldwide.
What Immediately hooked me is how the music moved me. It’s almost impossible not to start bopping your head or swaying your body when an Afrobeats track comes on. The rhythm is infectious, and as someone who loves to move to music, I appreciate that.
What’s more amazing is that you don’t need to understand the language to feel the energy. Music is universal, and with Afrobeats, the message is in the sound as much as the lyrics. You just feel it.
The positive lyrical content also stands out. Afrobeats often focuses on themes like religion, love, joy, and celebration. Unlike some of the topics we hear in mainstream American music—whether it’s violence or oversexualization—Afrobeats feels like a breath of fresh air. Even when songs address struggles, the focus is often on perseverance and enjoying life despite the hardships. It’s uplifting and admirable.
A great example of this is Tems’ song “Me & U”which is actually about her relationship with God. That blend of spirituality and soulful vibes is something that I truly appreciate.
Artists like Uncle Waffles make their mark not only within the Afrobeats space but also within related genres like Amapiano, carving out unique spaces in the global music scene. African artists like Ayra Starr, Asake, and Burna Boy are trailblazers, pushing the genre to achieve incredible things like from Grammy wins and sold out arenas worldwide.
As someone of Nigerian & Bahamian descent, listening to Afrobeats also deeply connects me to my heritage. I’m still working on my dance moves, but enjoying the music from my culture feels natural. There’s something powerful about seeing the world embrace the sound of Africa while knowing it’s part of where I come from.
I used to blame my late discovery of Afrobeats on a lack of exposure, but at this point, if you haven’t heard it, it’s almost impossible to avoid. Afrobeats has undoubtedly infiltrated the mainstream music with honors. Your favorite American artists have either dipped their toes into Afrobeats or blatantly copied its style. Whether it’s Ed Sheerans “Peru“ featuring Fireboy DML, Selena Gomez’ “Calm Down“ with Rema or Drake’s numerous collaborations these moments reflect how powerful and popular the genre has become.
Whether it’s dancing, vibing, or reflecting on the uplifting messages, Afrobeats has become a genre I truly love. And this is just the beginning of my journey with it. If you haven’t started listening yet, what are you waiting for?
