“Testing the waters,” is a phrase often associated with exploration and trying to find a balance in life. In the music scene, the same concept applies. Artists love to explore the beauty of their craft, outside of boxes and conditioning that stifle them. Their journeys are often marked by several phases, seeking inclusion, expression, and freedom.
The past decade has been quite exceptional for the Nigerian music industry, especially with the introduction of Afro beats into the global music scene. Amongst other perks, this has provided a platform for so many young African creatives including; Producers, Managers, Stylists, and Creative Directors. For so many artists, the opportunity to share their craft with the world is half of the fulfilment they desire. However, finding one’s style and having the opportunity to fully explore it is the essence of artistic freedom.
Now that the rest of the world is finally catching up on the artistic masterpiece that is Afrobeats, here are some other emerging variants that are currently rocking the airwaves.
Afro-Soul
Afro-soul is one of those genres that first felt so foreign but has now evolved, and eased up into the African music scene. Although a lot of indigenous, traditional musical instruments produce very vibrant and intense music, soul music is smooth and rhythmic. Hence, the emergence of Afro-soul represents a perfect blend of the best of both worlds, Africa’s sound and soul’s softness.
Artists like Wurld, Simi, Obongjayar, and Asi Renie, have perfected the art of merging the elements of both categories of music in innovative ways.
Afro-EDM
With heavy vibrations, high pitches, and great quality of production, Afro-EDM is fast becoming a movement in the African music scene. Like every other afro sub-genre, the level of artistry displayed in this genre is quite commendable. Syncing the best of Nigerian and house elements, the quality of the sound is impeccable. Although Afro-EDM is still evolving to fit into the culture and style of its audience, it’s quite impressive to witness all of its growth and progression in real-time.
Amapiano
Even though the jury is still out on whether it can be categorised as part of Afrobeats, this list will be incomplete without this honourable mention. Amapiano first originated as a variant of house music in South Africa and has developed into one of the most popular sounds to be exported out of Africa. Afrobeats, however, bring out the best in Amapiano. Syncing elements of both genres has produced a plethora of the best bops out of Africa.
It's no surprise that almost every artist, expert, or nouveau wants to be a part of this musical revolution. No doubt, Amapiano, and Afrobeats are definitely a match made in rhythm heaven.
Alté
Alté is not just the music, it’s the style, the fashion, a movement. Coined from the word alternative, the genre fuses Afrobeats, alternative R&B, hip hop, and many more, producing a blend of unique and original music. A core feature of this genre is its individuality. Reserving all rights of expression solely on the artists and providing an avenue to truly create, in any medium they want to. Pioneers like BOJ, Teezee, Odunsi The Engine, Santi, and Lady Donli, set the pace for this fascinating sub-culture that the genre has evolved into.
As the Nigerian music industry is growing, so are the opportunities for creatives to create timeless art, and share them, in their most authentic forms. Inclusivity, and representation have opened up a portal that will inspire and motivate the next generation of creatives to explore, and document their art, as they would desire, especially with music. When art flows without boundaries, art will flourish. The emergence of these Afrobeats variants is a bold testament to that.
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