Top Afrobeat Tracks of 2014

AFR Clothing is crazy about all positive things AFRican. If it has roots in Africa and contributes to the well-being or welfare of people the world over in a sustainable way, it has our default support.

Afrobeats, much like a lot of things African, has in recent years truly emerged from anonymity and sample donor category to a bonafide music genre. This is the period in time where African cuisine, Afrocentric fashion, performing arts and African identity has become mainstream and acceptable representation of taste. As anthropologists, industry captains and trend setters dissect and classify the new confident offerings by people of African decent, we must ask ourselves the big question, “What is good… what is better and what is best?” A good place to start would be the ultimate Nigerian Wedding playlist. I think another good Afrobeats critique by Donaeo is worth looking at.

The current accepted definition of afrobeats is a combination of any African Ethnic music, jazz, highlife, funk, chants, Afro-folk and more to create a vibrant, high energy and emotive music that sounds {for want of a better descriptive term} uniquely African. From the experiments of Fela Kuti (recently compared to Handel by The Guardian) in the seventies to the signing of some Afrobeats musicians to popular hiphop labels (see Forbes article by Mfonobong Nsehe on D-Banj signing to GOOD Music), the genre has trudged on like a chameleon juggernaut… ever changing according to the environment and totally unstoppable and irresistible. The videos are of increasingly better quality and the songs keep improving. As an up-and-coming musician in my free time, I have even attempted at producing an Afrobeat or two. I will admit, my taste is rather eclectic… however, when we speak Afrobeats, I know a thing or two. Here is my top 5 from last year.

 

Dorobucci – Mavins ft Dony Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, D prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello & Di’Ja.

This strange little number is very ethnic sounding, almost hypnotic in its rhythm and simplicity… a very primal song, in my view. With more than 5 million YouTube views – it is clear that this song is a crowd favorite. It reminds one of a kindergarten game played across Africa. “Nyama, nyama kunaka… nyama yemombe… nyama,” would be the Shona equivalent, meaning, “Meat, meat is delicious… meat of cow… meat” I wonder if this is what they are saying here. I like the unorthodox harmonisation as well as the energy in this song. Quite a lot of contributors to this song… perhaps indicative of the strength in unity within this highly competitive industry…

 

 

Dangerous Love – Fuse ODG ft Sean Paul.

Although Sean Paul almost dominates this song with his unmistakable voice, it is still very Afro-centric in its feel and energy plus the cheesy lyrics. Wait: is this a genre-defining trait then, the amount of cheese on top?

Shake Body – Skales.

I love the intro in this song; the guitar is very energetic. Although it sort of becomes monotonous as the song goes, the vox are refreshing and pleasantly unrefined. I have no clue what he says half the song but I love the bits I hear… something about hope, blessings and hallelujah, eh… then shake body? Genius and cheesy.

 

 

Aye – Davido.

I like this very African song. The vox and beat are very ethnic, and passionately cheesy. Who knew a video filmed in a field of cassava would get over 14 million hits. This song is brilliant to lay before the party starts… as everyone in the party is settling in, breaking ice and bread.

 

 

Kukere – Iyanya.

Some songs are just hits from the first time one hears them. Kukere is one such song. I dare to describe it as the “Dutty Wine” of Afrobeats. Although released in late 2011, it is still a party favorite and has earned “classic” status. According to an article on 360nobs.com; ‘Kukere’  means ‘Don’t worry’ in Iyanya’s native Calabar language. Musically very simple, this song does embody Afro-centric music, in my view. Colourful, energetic, comic yet somewhat elegant… with a hint of awesome flow and then covered in cheese. The vocals are smooth and the ladies in the video certainly advertise African curves without making the video unwatchable with respectable company. The drumline makes this song for me.

 

 

 

Honourable mentions: Antenna – ODG ft Wyclef Jean, E.L – ObuuMo, You’re your hand – R2Bees ft Wande Coal, Circulate – Double Bangz.

 

I will be the first to admit that this is not an exhaustive list. However, it goes without saying that this is what I am feeling at the moment. If you have any comments about my choices and suggestions, please share your view with us.

 

By Kingstone Matsekeza – Co-Founder, AFR Clothing.