The realm of Afrobeat is rich with rhythm, culture, and revolutionary spirit, echoing the heartbeat of Africa through its vibrant melodies and powerful messages.
At the forefront of this genre in the 1960s stands iconic figure, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for future generations. Among these successors is Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid who are the modern-day torchbearers whose musics resonates globally.
In this article, Glamsquad delves into the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Burna Boy, and ten of the greatest Afrobeat singers of all time.
Fela
Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, better known as Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, was born on 15th October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta. He was a legendary musician, songwriter, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, political activist, and Pan-Africanist.
Fela is regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, an African music genre that combines traditional Yoruba with funk and jazz.
Abami Eda (strange creature), as he is sometimes referred to, was always known to direct his satirical music towards bad governance. Until his death on the 2nd of August, 1997, he was highly engaged in political activism in Africa.
Fela was married to his wife, Remilekun with whom he had three children.
However, he made history after he married all twenty-seven female band members, on the same day. To date, his music portrays everything it spoke about in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Burna boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu better known as Burna Boy is a testament that Afrobeats music is a genre that has come to stay and will continue to promote Africa as a continent. He came into the limelight with his first single “Like to Party” and has since become a formidable force in the local and international music scene.
One thing noticeable about Burna Boy is that he completely adopted the style of Afrobeats legend, Fela Anikulapokuti. While he has earned praise, he has also received backlash for adopting the style up to interview level.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun better known as Wizkid began his Afrobeats journey in 2010 with his hit single “Holla at your Boy” from his debut album, Superstar.
Wizkid currently holds the position of the most-awarded musician in Africa. His collaboration with Beyonce on her song “Brown Skin Girl” earned him his first Grammy Award and projected Afrobeats more into the international space. He has also collaborated with international artists like Drake, Akin, Skepta, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown.
Davido
David Adeleke better known as Davido has continued to prove to his fans that he resonates Afrobeats genre of music in its complete form.
While other artists have one way of the other rubbish Afrobeats genre despite gaining fame and fortune through it, Davido continually defended it as the source through which Africa is seen and heard.
Tagged as a hardworking singer, Davido came into the limelight with his single “Back When” in 2011. Despite missing out on the 2024 Grammy Award when his album “Timeless” and two of his songs “Fall” and “Unavailable” were nominated, Davido has vowed to make the best of music.
Olamide
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji synonymously known as Olamide took Afrobeats to another level with the infusion of rap in an indigenous language.
Under his tutelage, other Afrobeats singers have risen to fame.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwatope Save better known as Tiwa Save is fondly called the Queen of Afrobeats. Her hit single Kele Kele Love shot her into the limelight and she has continued to break barriers for female singers.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Eberechukwu Alade fondly called Mama Africa journey from her start in the Noty Spices to her breakthrough moment winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009 underscores her determination and talent. “Fimisile” was a game-changer, marking her entrance into the music scene as a solo artist under the Jus’ Kiddin’ label. It’s amazing how those early experiences shaped her into the powerhouse artist she is today.
Kizz Daniel
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe better known as Kizz Daniel shot into limelight with his second single Woju which got a popular remix featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido. He has since produced other hit songs such as Buga, Twe Twe among others.
Asake
Ahmed Ololade better known as Asake or Mr Money is one of the singers who has risen to stardom through the influence of Olamide. He has released back-to-back hits that have got local and international audiences craving more for Afrobeats.
Read Also: “I was stigmatized for being Fela’s son” – Seun Kuti
