The Evolution of AfroBeats
March 10, 2023
Afrobeats is digitally produced pop music originating from West Africa. In 2022-2023 AfroBeats finally started to boom and become popular in the United States.
In my experience, dance programs often claim to teach all styles of dance, yet Afrobeats are not included. For example, at Waltham High School in the dance class Stage and Body, Afrobeats aren’t included, and it makes the class less fun for Africans. This excludes a whole part of our culture. I am part of a dance team called AfroDiamonds. We perform at many schools and universities every year. And when we go, it’s usually the first time those students are seeing and hearing Afrobeats. I think Afrobeats should be encouraged in schools because this shows support for African students.
People should explore Afrobeats because it is really interesting, so different from mainstream “American” music styles for dance like ballet, hip hop, jazz, etc. Even though Afrobeats are comprised of many different languages such as English, West African, and pidgin, the beat, the vibe, and the energy connect us all. So it no longer matters if you understand the words or not.
Burna Boy aka AFRICAN GIANT is one of the biggest African artists and a big contributor to Afrobeats. Burna Boy is one of the most talented African artists, and his music is trending worldwide. He is one of the reasons why Afrobeats are so popular in the United States right now. The U.S. has been one of the last countries to listen to his music and celebrate Afrobeats. It took years of African artists slowly collaborating with American artists to become famous and sell their music in the American market. Some collaborations include: For my hand- Burna Boy ft. Ed Sheeran, Calm Down- Rema ft. Selena Gomez, Closer- Wizkid ft. Drake, Blow My Mind- Davido ft. Chris Brown…just to name a few.
People should explore Afrobeats because it is really interesting, so different from mainstream “American” music styles for dance like ballet, hip hop, jazz, etc. Even though Afrobeats are comprised of many different languages such as English, West African, and pidgin, the beat, the vibe, and the energy connect us all. So it no longer matters if you understand the words or not.
— Shifrah Nakazzi
You may be wondering if this is important? Like who cares if Americans listen to Afrobeats, or if Burna Boy comes to the U.S. to perform? The U.S. music industry dominates the world music scene, so it basically sets the standard for everything, especially music. So if America ignores Afrobeats, then we aren’t taken seriously.
Edith Ndagire • Mar 18, 2023 at 11:04 am
Very true, thank you for this great insight on Afrobeat. We know from.histpry that music in America originated from diverse cultures around the world like the first European settlers brought thier music, the African slaves also brought thier own folk music and ofcourse the original “Nacirema” the Native Americans had their music. So as a collective nation it would serve better if we continue to embrace the diversity, the creation and enrichment all the culture continue to bring to this great nation. The samba, is performed every season on DWTS , I agree if all children at a young age are also exposed to the Afrobeat we will see it on the world stage every more. Music is a universal language you don’t need to know the words, who isn’t dancing or shaking themselves on Naacho Naacho today! Now Check out Calm Down and tell me that every hight school.kid we stay in their sits!
Karirirwe • Mar 17, 2023 at 9:20 pm
100% agreement! Hi Shifrah.
Thanks so much for bringing attention to Afro beats. I love your explanation about the vibe it brings to all people and personally, I derive more enjoyment in my aerobics and dance classes where afrobeats are featured. Keep spreading the love.
Ivy • Mar 17, 2023 at 9:07 pm
Wow this really spoke to me. I remember when I used to listen to AfroBeats at school, and it was so sad no one knew what I was talking about. Yet, in countries like the UK and France Afrobeats is so popular. America’s finally catching up!!
Thanks for this article Shifrah. I’m looking forward to more of your writing.
Africano Waltham • Mar 17, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Dear Shifra,
you outdid yourself and we love the article very much!!!
keep it up!
proud of you.
Africano Waltham Family