AFRICAN MUSIC ACHIEVES HUGE GLOBAL RECOGNITION

D BANJ

DJ Abrantee, a UK-based Afrobeats champion, says the new sounds derive from Afrobeat, having evolved over the years with various Afrobeats musicians experimenting to suit their individual styles.

“[With] the inclusion of non-traditional instruments, electronic sounds, grooves, synths, hip-hop kicks, it has become more than just the one typical style of beat used in the 1970s,” he explains. “It is now an amalgamation of beats.”

But who are some of the hottest names making strides in the Afrobeats scene?

Here, Abrantee picks five stars whose are breaking through commercially on the world stage.

WizKid

“WizKid is without a shadow of doubt on the verge of a worldwide explosion,” declares Abrantee, who describes the Nigerian Afrobeats singer as a “young talented guy who not only sings but pens some of the most musically catchy hooks in that genre.” WizKid was recently signed by UK star Tinie Tempah’s management company.

D’Banj

The Nigerian rapper is at the forefront of the Afrobeats scene, having enjoyed big international success with “Oliver Twist,” a global hit that made it to the Top 10 in UK charts. Abrantee says “his music is infectious, fun, dynamic and appeals to the masses.” In recent years, D’Banj has won several prestigious awards, including the Best African Act at the 2012 MOBO Awards.

May7ven

Nigerian May7ven is a UK-based Afrobeats artist and singer-songwriter who is well known for her dancing. “Her bold and catchy anthems in a predominately male-dominated industry have been leading the way and carrying the international flag for the ladies in Afrobeats,” says Abrantee.

Atumpan

The Ghanaian artist, also known as “the talking drum,” has had success with “The Thing,” a massive hit on dance floors in Africa and beyond. “The dexterity and distinctness of his soulful voice complements his records and puts him in a firm position to have a long lasting career,” says Abrantee.

R2Bees

R2Bees is a super group featuring Ghanaian artists Paedae and Mugeez, produced by Killbeats, who is responsible for some of the biggest hits coming out of the West African country. Abrantee says they are the “Afrobeats group to watch” in 2013, pointing to the anticipated release of their new single featuring UK star Tinchy Stryder.