Afrobeat featuring Afrobeats: The evolution of sounds and colors

Born of the same ideology, similar in composition yet different in expression. Afrobeats are born from the liberating spirit of Afrobeat.

A brief origin of Afrobeat:

Afrobeat began in the early twentieth century when musicians from Ghana combined West African regional music with Western jazz and calypso. – The Masterclass staff.

Nevertheless, the iconic figure of Afrobeat sits with the legendary Fela “Anikulakpo” Kuti. Who is regarded as the father of the Afrobeat sound. And is undoubtedly the anchor figure and signature for new Afrobeats artists (particularly in Nigeria).

Afrobeat features wild and vibrant display of sounds, as a result of its individual elements from which it is created. A fusion of jazz, highlife, rhythm and blues birth a sound that is distinct from the Afrobeats sound.

Afrobeats, commonly referred to as Afropop, borrows a sense of its elements and ideology from Afrobeat. While the distinction of sounds between both genres is evident, the ideology of both Afrobeats and Afrobeat in African fashion (street fashion) are similar.

Fela Kuti, who at the time was considered a maverick. Often dressed in outfits that were considered futuristic compared to the prevalent outfits worn by his counterparts in the music space (during the 70’s). However, being born with a sense of evolution. To usher in a new trend while reflecting a personal representation of his environment. Fashion in Afrobeats (Afropop) has taken the exact same approach.

Afrobeat featuring Afrobeats

GQ magazine

While a bulk of Afrobeats artists such as Davido, Tiwa Savage, Niniola Burna Boy have largely varying styles. Their concepts of style rests in their interpretation of their personal representations.

Same as Afrobeat, Afropop also finds a fusion of its sounds and fashion themes from popular western cultures. While Afrobeat draws on Jazz, including American soul and psychedelic sounds. Afrobeats also include a mix of western sounds as well.

The story of colors:

This particular refers to the major trend of style present in Afrobeat and Afrobeats.

Since both genres are often mistaken as essentially the same thing. It isn’t unpopular to find the Afrobeat theme in Afrobeats style. Often featuring Western styled outfits created with African fabric is essentially the Afrobeat and Afropop (Afrobeats) concept of style.

While Afropop styles are still loosely affiliated with present day fashion trends. Stretching between street fashion and popular style culture. One important element remains its distinguishing factor from what would be outrightly considered secular street fashion – African signature.

This signature can take on many forms. From fabric, to bold clothing accessories with African signatures.

However, there still is a close correlation between Afrobeats and Afrobeat concepts. And with the constant presence of Afrobeats on global music charts, its constant contact with more trends, music and fashion cultures is certain to influence the genre in the coming decades.