AFROBEAT is a music genre which involves the combination of West African musical styles such as Fuji music and highlife with American jazz. It focuses on chanted vocals, rhythms and percussions. It was pioneered by a Nigerian singer Fela Anakulapo Kuti known by his stage name Fela Kuti in 1969. It became popular in Rwanda following the rise of West African artistes such as Wizkid and Davido. Daniel Izere, best known as Dany Beats, one of the leading producers in Rwanda, explains this genre as the identity of African music. “Afrobeat has a nice groove and percussion that represents the African culture of dancing and being together. This style has put Africa on the map to an extent where big foreign artistes like Beyoncé jump on it,” Izere says. The “Twifunze” maker adds that Rwandans embraced it faster than other music styles. “The reason why this style took over is because Rwandans like things that are trending in other countries and this genre is really doing well globally, any music lover can tell you this,” he tells The New Times. The Afrobeat craze started blowing up and capturing everyone’s attention after 2015 when hits like “Kungola” were coming out, he says. Igor Mabano, an artiste, explains why this genre is so popular in the Rwandan music industry. “Artistes make songs which can sell, and Afrobeat is one of the top trending styles which explains why it’s so common here in Rwanda. This style also creates room for creativity and innovation, artistes can use this genre in different ways, some can even rap to it,” he says. Bill Ruzima, an upcoming artiste, explains the rise of Afrobeat and its branches like Afropop and Afrofusion that many Rwandans have found interest in. “The reason behind its blow is its uniqueness. It is different from other genres, the dance moves and sounds are also something that can attract any music lover,” Ruzima says. Producer Element, one of the best Afrobeat producers in the country, believes that this genre will grow even more due to the way it’s ‘bouncy’. “While making the beats, I feel a high vibe that I don’t feel while producing other styles. It connects the producer and artiste, which is one of the reasons why Afrobeat songs sound creative, and this will make it grow even more,” he tells The New Times. Christine Gakuba, a big fan of the Afrobeat genre, describes it as a vibe connection referring to the way Afro fans can connect by just having the same taste in music. “The impact of Afrobeat is easily seen outside of Africa, where you meet someone and become friends just because you all have the same interest in this style,” says Gakuba. “Afrobeat holds a vibe that makes everyone move, which is why dance moves like zanku and leg work exist,” she says.
