Greetings Good People,

In a previous post, I discussed why I no longer listen to the radio and why I’ve become more selective with the type of music that I choose to support; most people would call it mental digestion, I just call it being allergic to ignorance. However, one of my mentors from the Bushman #1 Art Gallery & Events Center, here in Orlando, FL, introduced me to a genre of music that I can’t seem to get enough of, Afrobeat.

Afrobeat originated in the 1960s and 1970s by Nigerian musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti. All Music advised that “Kuti’s Afrobeat was primarily rooted in West African Highlife—a bright, sunny dance music driven by horns and/or guitars—but synthesized it with African-American musical forms like funk (particularly that of James Brown) and jazz.” Political activism also played a part in Kuti’s music at the time. After gaining independence from colonial rule, he encouraged his people to regain their self-reliance and self-pride; which are elements that are prevalent in today’s sound.

I literally spent an hour watching music videos from current Nigerian and Ghanaian artists within this genre, and that’s something I haven’t done in years for any musician. This sound will put you in a space that can energize you, relax you, or make you think.

Nonetheless, let’s vibe to some music.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Pettas, M. (n.d.). Fela Kuti And The Legacy Of Afrobeat. Retrieved April 23, 2017, from https://theculturetrip.com/africa/nigeria/articles/fela-kuti-s-afrobeat-legacy/

Afro-beat. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.allmusic.com/style/afro-beat-ma0000004495