5 Young Afrobeats Artists to Listen To
Afrobeat artists from West Africa are dominating London dance and party events with their distinct sound that blends West African music, hip-hop, American jazz, and funk. Afrobeat's mix of repetitive vocals, heavy percussion, and complex rhythms creates jubilant vibes that will have you moving your body as soon as you step into the venue. The combination of English and Yoruba lyrics is reminiscent of Jamaican reggae.
Tiwa Savage from Lagos and Burna Boy from Nigeria are some of the most popular Afrobeat artists, along with Kojo Funds, Afro B, J Hus, and Teni the entertainer. WizKid is another artist whose popularity has skyrocketed after his 2016 feature on "One Dance," a mega-hit from Canadian-born hip-hop artist Drake.
Afrobeat is so prevalent in the London club scene that it's not hard to find events and secure tickets at the hottest Afrobeats bars. If nightlife isn't your thing, you can even find an Afrobeats day party – London has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Afrobeat scene.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 restricts how many Afrobeats concerts London can currently host, but you can still find things to do. Whether you plan a virtual experience or host an event at a local venue with sanitiser stations, food, and a bar with cocktails, Afrobeats is one of the best aspects of an energetic gathering.
If you're new to Afrobeats anthems or need new artists to check out for your upcoming party or event in London, keep reading this page for some of the best young musicians on the scene.
First a social media sensation rocketed to the top of Nigerian music charts with the help of Mr Eazi and emPawa Africa, Joseph Akinfenwa-Donus, better known as “Joeboy,” is among the fastest rising Afrobeat artists. In three short years, his unique blend of Afro-pop and R&B has won him Best Artiste in African Pop Award from the All Africa Music Awards and the Best Pop Award from the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, along with a slew of other nominations.
Songs to Check Out
● Baby
● Beginning
● Call
Another up-and-coming Nigerian Afrobeat artist, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, landed a contract with Mavin Records after posting a freestyle to D'Prince's "Gucci Gang." After receiving another boost in name-notoriety when his song “Iron Man” appeared on Barack Obama's 2019 summer playlist, the rapper has gone on to win several awards. His music is even featured in the FIFA 21 soundtrack.
Songs to Check Out
● Iron Man
● Woman
● Love in the Morning
Omah Lay started out as a street rapper in Port Harcourt, then going by Lil King. Considered an Afro-fusion artist, he injects emotion into his music that has caught the ear of some of the biggest Afrobeat publications in Africa, including Native Mag and NotjustOk. He’s also a debut star on Apple’s Africa Rising Campaign.
Songs to Check Out
● You
● Bad Influence
● Get Layd
Producing a self-deemed lyrical subset of Afrobeat, "Afro-life," Fireboy’s break-out single "Jealous" was an instant hit, leading him to win the Listener's Choice Award at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival and Best R&B Album at the Headies. He aims to tell a story with his music, and based on his rapid rise to the top, he succeeds.
Songs to Check Out
● Jealous
● Baby
● What If I Say
A testament to the power of YouTube, Temilade Openiyi has captured the attention of the Afrobeat community with just a few songs. Her collaboration with Wizkid, “Essence” currently sits at the top of the BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart. The 25-year-old is best known for her powerful vocals and ability to nail hard-to-hit notes with ease.
Songs to Check Out
● Mr Rebel
● Try Me
● Damages
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