Soulful Sounds: 8 British Rap Tracks That Honour Afrobeats
Afrobeats, a music genre originating from West Africa, has become increasingly popular in recent years, not just in Africa but worldwide. The genre is known for its infectious rhythms and vibrant energy and has influenced many other genres, including hip-hop and rap.
In the UK, a new wave of British rap artists has been incorporating Afro beats into their music, resulting in a fusion of two genres that have been well-received by music lovers. Here are eight British rap tracks that honour Afrobeats.
1. "Energy" by Skepta featuring Wizkid: Skepta, one of the trailblazers of the UK grime scene, collaborated with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on this track. The song has a distinct afrobeat sound, with Wizkid's vocals blending perfectly with Skepta's rap verses.
2. "Location" by Dave featuring Burna Boy: Dave, an up-and-coming star in the UK rap scene, teamed up with Nigerian afrobeat sensation Burna Boy on this track. The song has a mellow vibe, with Burna Boy's melodic voice complementing Dave's introspective lyrics.
3. "Issa Vibe" by J Hus: J Hus, a British rapper of Gambian descent, has been incorporating Afro beats into his music since the beginning of his career.
"Issa Vibe" is a standout track from his debut album, "Common Sense". The song features a catchy hook, infectious beat, and J Hus's smooth flow, making it a perfect summer anthem. The track is a prime example of J Hus's ability to seamlessly blend different genres, with the Afrobeat's influence evident in the song's rhythm and instrumentation.
4. "Bad Energy" by Skepta featuring Wizkid: Skepta and Wizkid's second collaboration is just as good as theirs. "Bad Energy" has a more laid-back vibe than "Energy", but it still has that Afrobeats sound that makes you want to dance.
5. "London Town" by Mr Eazi featuring Giggs: Mr Eazi, a Nigerian artist known for his afrobeat sound, collaborated with British rapper Giggs on this track. The song celebrates London's diverse culture, with Mr Eazi's afrobeat sound blending perfectly with Giggs' gritty rap verses.
6. "Drogba (Joanna)" by Afro B: This track from Ivorian artist Afro B has become a viral hit with its catchy hook and danceable beat. The song is named after Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, and it has become an anthem for football and Afrobeat music fans.
But "Drogba (Joanna)" is more than a catchy dance tune. The song has become an anthem for fans of both Afro-Caribbean music and Ivorian football. The track pays homage to Drogba, who is widely hailed as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
7. "Barking" by Ramz: Ramz, a British rapper of Congolese descent, has been making waves with this track. Ramz's flow is infectious. The track blends elements of Afrobeat and hip-hop to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The use of percussion and synths gives the song a lively feel, and it's impossible not to bob your head along to the rhythm.
8. "Let Me Live" by Rudimental featuring Major Lazer, Anne-Marie, and Mr Eazi: This collaboration between British electronic group Rudimental, American electronic group Major Lazer, British singer Anne-Marie, and Nigerian artist Mr Eazi is a testament to the global appeal of afro beats. The song has a catchy hook and an infectiously danceable beat to get you moving.
Conclusion
These eight British rap tracks that honour Afro beats are just a small sample of the fusion of genres in the UK music scene. Incorporating Afro beats into British rap has resulted in a fresh, vibrant, and distinctly British sound. With more and more artists experimenting with this fusion of genres, we can expect to hear even more soulful sounds in the future.
Don't miss out on the ultimate Afrobeats day party in London! Join us at Soundsdafrique for a celebration of the fusion of genres that is taking the UK music scene by storm. Get your tickets now and experience the infectious beats and soulful sounds of afrobeats mixed with British rap. See you on the dance floor!
