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CKay makes musical history amid Afrobeat’s unstoppable global rise

CKay makes musical history amid Afrobeat’s unstoppable global rise

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY THE popular musician came in at number 98 on Billboard’s best-selling artist in USA 2022 with his addictive Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah) hit single clocking in at number 17 on Billboard Global 200 songs and the Hot 100 chart at number 55. African music has had another stellar year in 2022, likely to continue through 2023, with Nigerian artist Burna Boy set for a history-making concert at London Stadium on June 3 - the first-ever African artist to headline a UK stadium, according to Rolling Stone. On April 2 this year, CKay's Love Nwantiti,…
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Afrobeat and a growing sense of unity

Afrobeat and a growing sense of unity

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD NEWSROOM WITH the rise of Afrobeat and Amapiano, African pop stars are penetrating the global music scene and changing how the continent’s music is perceived and consumed. Significantly, they are also bringing a sense of unity to the continent. Africa’s rich terrain of musical styles is laden with fascinating genres such as Taarab, Genge, Ndombolo, Rhumba, Bongo, Benga, Kwaito, Amapiano, and Afrobeat. Over the past decade or so, the continent’s music landscape has changed dramatically, with new fusions blended into existing genres to create a magical and unique cocktail. As the music changes so do dance routines,…
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The daughters and sons of Fela in African Pop

The daughters and sons of Fela in African Pop

GARHE OSIEBE, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Rhodes University DECADES after his death, Fela Kuti, Nigeria’s most famous musician continues to live on through his art. Afrobeat, a genre he pioneered, has transcended generations after him, existing in varying forms. Contemporary African pop stars are sampling his work in new records. Much of that music is called ‘Afrobeats’ today, (the ‘s’ is important) A new genre, partly inspired by Fela’s work. It’s the current flavour of Lagos, and the rest of the continent, where Nigerian pop music maintains a strong presence. But how do these musicians portray this legend in their work?…
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