Tag: Afrobeat

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, remains one of the most influential figures in African music and culture. Known as the pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela’s life was a blend of revolutionary music, outspoken activism, and fearless challenges to political authority. Even decades after his passing in 1997, his legacy continues to resonate across music, politics, and African identity.

The Birth of Afrobeat

Fela Kuti’s journey into music began at a young age. Raised in a politically active family; his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a feminist and activist. Fela was exposed early to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. He studied music in London at the Trinity College of Music, where he learned classical piano and trumpet. But it was upon his return to Nigeria that he fused traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, highlife, and soul to create Afrobeat.

Afrobeat was more than a music genre; it was a vehicle for social commentary. Through extended compositions, intricate horn sections, and polyrhythmic percussion, Fela delivered sharp critiques of corruption, military rule, and social injustice in Nigeria and across Africa. Hits like “Zombie” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” were not only musical masterpieces but also acts of resistance.

Activism and Political Influence

Fela’s music was inseparable from his activism. His lyrics openly criticized Nigeria’s military regimes and exposed the harsh realities of life under oppressive governments. His Kalakuta Republic commune served as both a home and a political haven, where artists, musicians, and activists collaborated to resist authoritarianism.

Fela endured repeated arrests, raids, and physical assaults. Despite this, he remained steadfast, using his international fame to draw global attention to Nigeria’s political struggles. His activism inspired countless musicians and activists worldwide to use art as a tool for social change.

Cultural Impact

Beyond music and politics, Fela Kuti reshaped African cultural identity. He challenged colonial mindsets by promoting African traditions, attire, and language in his performances. His stage shows were theatrical, often including dancers, elaborate costumes, and improvisational elements that celebrated African heritage.

Today, Fela’s influence is evident in the global rise of Afrobeat, which has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage credit Fela as a major inspiration. The genre has also crossed borders, influencing international musicians from Beyoncé to Major Lazer, bridging African sounds with global pop culture.

Fela Kuti’s Family Legacy

Fela’s legacy extends through his family, many of whom are accomplished artists and activists. His children, including Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti, continue to perform Afrobeat with the same political passion. The Fela Shrine in Lagos, now a museum and live music venue, keeps his memory alive, drawing fans from across the world to celebrate his music and message.

Fela’s life and impact have been immortalized through multiple mediums. The Broadway musical Fela! brought his story to international audiences, combining music, dance, and storytelling. Documentaries, films, and books continue to explore his influence, while Nigerian festivals and global Afrobeat events celebrate his contributions annually.

Fela’s fearless stance against injustice, combined with his artistic genius, created a blueprint for generations of musicians and activists. His influence on culture, politics, and music remains unparalleled, making him a symbol of resistance, creativity, and African pride.

Fela Kuti’s relevance persists because the struggles he highlighted; corruption, inequality, and political oppression still exist. His life reminds us of the power of art as a force for change and the importance of staying true to one’s convictions. In an age where African music dominates global charts, remembering Fela ensures that the roots of this cultural revolution are not forgotten.

Fela Kuti’s legacy is a reminder that music is more than entertainment; it can be a catalyst for awareness, unity, and transformation. His story is a call to celebrate African heritage, challenge injustices, and inspire future generations to use their voices boldly and not to be chasing unnecessary clout on social media.

Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked fresh controversy on social media after he publicly admonished fans of global pop star Wizkid, particularly members of Wizkid FC for comparing the award‑winning artist to his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

According to reports and the widely shared video circulating online, Seun delivered a pointed message in his video addressing what he described as an inaccurate and disrespectful narrative about Wizkid or any other artist being the “new Fela.” 

“Wizkid FC needs to keep Fela’s name out of their mouth. You people try to steal the man’s image. You try to claim your fake artiste is the new Fela. It’s an insult to Fela to call Wizkid the new Fela. Wizkid FC are the most ignorant fanbase in the world.”

In recent weeks, debates have flared online around whether modern Nigerian stars like Wizkid should be celebrated in the same vein as Fela. Some fans and social media users beyond just Wizkid FC have jokingly or seriously heralded Wizkid’s success as being “on par” with Fela’s cultural legacy. 

Seun’s message appears to draw a clear boundary between the politically charged Afrobeat legacy of his father and the commercial, global pop success of today’s Afrobeats artists particularly those who lean into mainstream sound and international collaborations. In calling out comparisons to Fela, Seun reiterated that Fela’s legacy was rooted in socio‑political resistance and cultural revolution, which he implies cannot be easily equated with modern pop stardom. 

Seun Kuti, who has long positioned himself as a guardian of Afrobeat’s original spirit, has spoken publicly on similar themes in the past, including debates about Grammy nominations and how modern artists are compared to legacy figures.

 Fan Reactions

The response online has been mixed and often heated:

• Some social media users support Seun, praising him for defending Fela’s legacy and rejecting comparisons that feel shallow or forced. 

• Other fans argue that celebrating Wizkid’s achievements doesn’t diminish Fela’s impact, and that music can evolve without erasing history. 

Whether fans agree with Seun or not, the viral video has reignited a significant cultural debate. It isn’t simply about fandom, it’s about how legends are remembered, how new talent is honored, and how different eras of music influence each other without losing their identity.

Fela’s legacy remains monumental.  A revolutionary sound rooted in resistance. Wizkid’s success represents global Afrobeats reaching new audiences.

What are your thoughts?

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Fast-rising Afrobeats star Spyro is preparing to drop his highly anticipated debut album, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy, on Friday, September 26, 2025. The artist who is known for his viral hit “Who Is Your Guy?”

The concept separates Nigerian music into three categories: “The Men” (industry veterans), “The Boys” (the new wave), and “Your Guy” (Spyro’s personal voice). With this unique structure, Spyro aims to bridge generations in Afrobeats while cementing his place as a central figure in the genre’s evolution.

Spyro The Men, The Boys & Your Guy Tracklist

The Men

1. Para ft. M.I Abaga
2. Can’t Lie ft. Faze
3. Wait ft. D’Banj
4. If To Say ft. 2Baba
5. Irreplaceable ft. Styl Plus
6. Salary Work ft. Sound Sultan
7. Shutdown ft. Phyno

The Boys

1. Sweet ft. Shoday
2. No More ft. Bayanni
3. Baba Mimo ft. Suave
4. Beautiful ft. Oxlade
5. Que Sera Sera ft. Soundz & Jeriq
6. Aye Kan ft. Ceeboi

Your Guy

1. Shope
2. Away ft. Pitch6lack
3. Stand By You
4. Dance
5. Pray
6. Serving a Living God

The Album Concept

The Men

This section pays homage to the legends of Nigerian music; M.I Abaga, 2Baba, Styl Plus, D’Banj, Phyno, Sound Sultan, and Faze. Spyro uses these collaborations to ground himself in the rich history of Afrobeats.

The Boys

Here, Spyro shines a spotlight on the next generation with features from Oxlade, Bayanni, Shoday, Soundz, Jeriq, Ceeboi, and Suave. These rising voices represent the future of Nigerian pop culture, and Spyro positions himself as their connector.

Your Guy

This is the heart of the album. Tracks without industry giants, where Spyro speaks directly to his audience. With songs like “Pray” and “Serving a Living God”, Spyro reveals his personal journey, spiritual side, and musical identity.

Album Outlook

Cross-Generational Appeal: By combining old-school legends with young Afrobeats stars, Spyro is targeting both long-time fans and Gen Z audiences.
Artistic Ambition: Splitting an album into three distinct parts is risky, but it allows Spyro to showcase versatility while blending nostalgia, new school vibes, and personal storytelling.
Potential Impact: If executed well, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy could establish Spyro as more than a one-hit wonder, solidifying him as a major player in Afrobeats.

Spyro’s debut project, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy, is not just another Afrobeats release, it’s a bold statement about legacy, the present, and the future of Nigerian music. By bringing together icons, rising stars, and his own voice, Spyro has created one of the most anticipated albums of 2025.

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After five years away from her last album release, Tiwa Savage returns with This One Is Personal; a 15-track body of work that pulls her away from Afropop dominance into a stripped-down, deeply vulnerable space. Where 2020’s Celia was bold, global, and radio-ready, This One Is Personal feels like the diary entries Tiwa never intended to share but bravely did anyway.

Sound & Atmosphere

The first thing you notice is what’s missing: the high-energy beats that once powered hits like “All Over” or “Ma Lo.” Instead, the production here is minimal, at times skeletal—pianos, soft percussion, and spacious R&B backdrops.

This shift is deliberate. On “I’m Done,” the piano feels like a stage light focused solely on her voice. “You4Me” reworks Tamia’s So Into You into a breezy Afrobeats-R&B hybrid. “On the Low” carries a smoky sensuality, its Afro-groove subdued to make room for Skepta’s rap.

It’s intimate, yes but also risky. The quieter sound creates room for her voice to shine, but it also strips away some of the dynamism that made her previous projects more versatile. For some listeners, the pacing may drag after a few tracks, as the emotional weight leans heavily toward sorrow and reflection.

Themes & Storytelling

Tiwa promised vulnerability, and she delivers. The lyrics carry raw honesty, often exposing cracks instead of polishing them over.

• Toxic Love: “Angel Dust” paints love as an addiction, seductive but destructive.
• Heartbreak & Bitterness: “You’re Not the First (You’re Just the Worst)” might be her bluntest song yet, sharp, even petty, but undeniably human.
• Faith & Spirituality: On “Change,” featuring James Fauntleroy, romantic yearning blurs into a conversation with God—a rare pivot that elevates the record’s depth.
• Emotional Fatigue: “Pray No More” feels like a sigh of exhaustion, a prayer from someone tired of constant battles.

The narrative arc is heavy: heartbreak, disillusionment, attempts at healing. It’s moving but narrow. One missing element is contrast; there are few bright or hopeful moments to balance the melancholy.

Collaborations That Complement

One of the album’s smartest choices is restraint with features. Skepta’s appearance on “On the Low” feels organic, adding grit without stealing attention. Rising star Taves fits seamlessly into “Addicted.” James Fauntleroy on “Change” provides the record’s spiritual climax.

In an era of feature-stuffed albums, this discipline gives This One Is Personal cohesion. Every guest feels like part of the story, not a marketing checklist.

What Works

• Honesty: This is Tiwa at her most unguarded. She doesn’t hide behind pop gloss.
• Cohesion: The album feels like one body of work, not a random playlist.
• Intentional Features: Skepta, Taves, and Fauntleroy serve the music, not the hype.

What Doesn’t

• Pacing: The mid-tempo mood rarely shifts, making some tracks blur together.
• Limited Emotional Range: Almost all songs sit in heartbreak and reflection. A moment of joy or defiance would have added balance.
• Commercial Appeal: Fans wanting another “Koroba” will find little to dance to here.

This One Is Personal is not a flawless album, but it’s a brave one. Tiwa Savage steps away from her comfort zone, risking commercial momentum to reveal her humanity. The result is a project that may not dominate charts but will resonate with those who crave authenticity in music.

It’s a record for headphones, quiet car rides, and solitary nights—not for the club. And maybe that’s the point.

Rating: 8/10

Billboard has officially released its list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, highlighting some of the most iconic and groundbreaking tracks that have shaped the genre. Afrobeats, which has its roots in Nigeria and Ghana, has now become a global sound influencing artists worldwide. The list features a mix of legendary classics and recent international smashes that propelled the genre beyond Africa.

Spotlight on the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time

1. African Queen – 2Face Idibia (2004)
This timeless love ballad remains one of the most iconic songs in African music. 2Face’s “African Queen” put Nigerian music on the global map and is celebrated as a masterpiece that helped pave the way for Afrobeats’ worldwide success.

2. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” tells the story of struggle and triumph, capturing the spirit of Lagos. The remix featuring Drake and Skepta further expanded its global reach, solidifying Wizkid as one of the biggest Afrobeats stars.

3. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) – Flavour (2005)
Flavour’s highlife-infused anthem became a cultural staple, known for its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics. It cemented Flavour’s place as a household name in African music.

4. Calm Down – Rema (2022)
Rema’s “Calm Down” took the world by storm, especially with the Selena Gomez remix. It became one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs globally, highlighting the new wave of Nigerian artists pushing Afrobeats into the mainstream.

5. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems (2021)
Dubbed the “song of the summer,” “Essence” is the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ soulful delivery and Wizkid’s smooth style created a masterpiece that captured hearts worldwide.

6. Love Nwantiti – CKay (2019)Initially a slow-burn hit, “Love Nwantiti” exploded through TikTok, becoming one of the most remixed and viral Afrobeats songs of all time. It solidified CKay’s place in the global music scene.

7. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2012)
A song that marked Afrobeats’ breakthrough into the UK charts, D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” was a game-changer. It proved Afrobeats could thrive on the international stage.

8. Fall – Davido (2017)
“Fall” became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs on Billboard. Its fusion of Afrobeats and international pop influences helped Davido gain worldwide recognition.

9. Ye – Burna Boy (2018)
“Ye” is widely regarded as Burna Boy’s breakthrough international hit. With its catchy hook and relatable themes, it became an anthem that transcended borders and genres.

10. Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square ft. Akon (2012)
This collaboration between Nigerian duo P-Square and Akon showcased Afrobeats’ crossover appeal. The track gained massive popularity and became a fan favorite across Africa and beyond.

Full Ranking: Positions 11–50 (with Release Dates)

11	Olufunmi	Styl-Plus	2003
12	Gongo Aso	9ice	2008
13	Do Me	P-Square	2007
14	Dami Duro	Davido	2011
15	Johnny	Yemi Alade	2013
16	Fall in Love	D’banj	2008
17	Bumper to Bumper	Wande Coal	2008
18	Adonai	Sarkodie ft. Castro	2014
19	Azonto	Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany	2012
20	Fada Fada	Phyno ft. Olamide	2016
21	Eminado	Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy	2013
22	Last Last	Burna Boy	2022
23	Bobo	Olamide	2015
24	Drogba (Joanna)	Afro B	2018
25	Pakurumo	Wizkid	2011
26	Skin Tight	Mr Eazi ft. Efya	2015
27	Iskaba	Wande Coal & DJ Tunez	2016
28	Peru	Fireboy DML	2021
29	Sad Girlz Luv Money	Amaarae & Moliy	2020
30	Killin Dem	Burna Boy & Zlatan	2018
31	Rush	Ayra Starr	2022
32	Dorobucci	Mavins	2014
33	Mad Over You	Runtown	2016
34	Personally	P-Square	2013
35	Pana	Tekno	2016
36	Kontrol	Maleek Berry	2016
37	Ku Lo Sa	Oxlade	2022
38	Monalisa	Lojay & Sarz	2021
39	Shake Body	Skales	2014
40	UNAVAILABLE	Davido ft. Musa Keys	2023
41	Peace Be Unto You	Asake	2022
42	People	Libianca	2022
43	Buga	Kizz Daniel & Tekno	2022
44	Oleku	Ice Prince ft. Brymo	2010
45	Yahooze	Olu Maintain	2007
46	Soweto	Victony & Tempoe	2022
47	Raise Da Roof	Jazzman Olofin & Adewale Ayuba	2004
48	Dem Mama	Timaya	2005
49	Tonight	Nonso Amadi	2016
50	Ijoya	Weird MC

Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time is more than a ranking—it’s a history of Afrobeats itself. From 2Face Idibia’s classic African Queen to Rema’s global smash Calm Down, it captures how a genre rooted in African rhythms has become a universal language.

The diversity of the list, spanning pioneers like Weird MC and contemporary stars like Ayra Starr and Asake, proves that Afrobeats is not only here to stay but also destined to keep evolving as one of the world’s dominant genres.

Personally I will make some few changes to this List. Will you? Drop a comment

Naira Marley, Nigerian music executive and head of Marlian Music, has spoken extensively about the death of his former signee, Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba), in a new video interview released on August 20, 2025. The Afrobeats star maintained his innocence while calling for a reinvestigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing, which remains one of the most controversial cases in Nigeria’s music industry.

Maintaining Innocence and Presenting Evidence

In the interview, Naira Marley insisted he had no hand in Mohbad’s death, which occurred on September 12, 2023. He presented evidence, including WhatsApp conversations, bank transactions, and other receipts, to show that he had a supportive relationship with Mohbad. Marley stated that he not only gave financial assistance to the late artist but also intervened to protect him on several occasions.

He addressed longstanding accusations of bullying, which have lingered since Mohbad’s exit from Marlian Music in 2022. While acknowledging tensions within the camp, Marley denied personally bullying Mohbad, adding that he often advised him against drug use and stressed the impact of mental health struggles on the young artist’s wellbeing.

Frustration Over Detention

The Marlian Music boss also recounted his two-month detention in 2023 by the Lagos State Police Command. He described the ordeal as unfair, pointing out that he was out of the country at the time of Mohbad’s death. According to Marley, his arrest was more about public outrage than solid evidence, and he expressed dismay that his passport was seized for months even after no case was established against him.

A Call for Re-arrest and Fresh Probe

In a move that has stirred further debate, Marley urged authorities to reopen the case and re-arrest everyone linked to Mohbad’s death, including himself, Sam Larry, and others previously accused. He specifically called for a trusted police officer to oversee the reinvestigation, citing mistrust in how the initial process was handled.

“I came back to Nigeria to support the police because I can see fingers pointing our ways. If they believe there is still doubt, then re-arrest us and let justice be done,” Marley said in the video.

Clarifying Financial Allegations

Marley also addressed rumors of financial exploitation. He explained that some of the funds he sent to Mohbad went into an account belonging to Mohbad’s mother-in-law at Mohbad’s own request, countering narratives that he diverted money for personal gain.

Additionally, he revealed that he has reached an agreement with Mohbad’s lawyer to transfer all royalties from the late artist’s works to a family member legally appointed by the court to manage his estate.

Public Reaction

The interview has sparked divided opinions online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Some users see Marley’s evidence as proof of his innocence and a demonstration of transparency. Others remain unconvinced, arguing that even if Marley was not directly responsible for Mohbad’s death, allegations of intimidation and a toxic label culture remain unresolved.

No matter what you do, no allow them kill you.

— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) August 20, 2025

Legal and Investigative Background

In February 2025, a Yaba Magistrate Court cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Prime Boy of direct responsibility in Mohbad’s death. The court instead charged an auxiliary nurse and an associate with reckless negligence. However, Mohbad’s father has since challenged the legal advice that discharged Marley and others, and a fresh hearing is still pending.

The autopsy conducted on Mohbad’s body provided inconclusive results due to decomposition, leaving the exact cause of death uncertain.

Two years after Mohbad’s death, the case continues to raise broader questions about accountability in the Nigerian music industry, particularly regarding artist welfare and record label dynamics. Marley’s latest remarks represent not just a personal defense but a renewed push for transparency in a case that has gripped public attention and continues to stir debate.