The New Afrobeats Direction: A Fusion of 90s Hip-Hop and African Rhythms
Afrobeats has never been a static genre—it is constantly evolving, absorbing influences from different cultures and eras. Bella Shmurda’s latest song, Verily, exemplifies a fresh direction that Afrobeats is leaning towards, one that fuses the percussive patterns of Afrobeats with the melodic and rhythmic sensibilities of 90s Hip-Hop.
Tracing the Evolution of Afrobeats
Afrobeats has undergone several transformations over the years. There was a time when Central African Makossa had a heavy influence on Nigerian music, followed by an era dominated by R&B-inspired Afrobeats. Highlife from Ghana and Nigeria birthed the ponpon beat, while Fuji music left its mark on the genre with its distinct percussive elements. More recently, the global explosion of Amapiano, a house music subgenre from South Africa, has shaped contemporary Afrobeats. However, there has been a subtle shift from Amapiano towards a sound reminiscent of 90s Hip-Hop.
Artists like Burna Boy (City Boy), Asake (Lungu Boy), and Bella Shmurda (Verily) are at the forefront of this new wave. Their music incorporates classic Hip-Hop elements while retaining the fundamental African rhythmic identity of Afrobeats.
The Key Elements of the New Afrobeats Sound
1. The Dominant Bassline and Kick Patterns
One defining characteristic of this emerging Afrobeats style is the prominence of deep basslines and heavy kicks. These elements are structured in a way that instantly grabs the listener’s attention. Unlike traditional Afrobeats, where percussion often leads the rhythm, this new sound allows the bass to take center stage, reminiscent of Hip-Hop production styles from the 90s.
2. A Nod to 90s Hip-Hop Instrumentation
Another key element is the influence of classic Hip-Hop instrumentals. This is particularly noticeable in the way horn instruments are integrated into the beat, mirroring the production styles of legends like 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. Asake’s MNS from his Lungu Boy album and Bella Shmurda’s Verily are prime examples of how these elements are reinterpreted within the Afrobeats framework.
Breaking Down Afrobeats While Retaining Its Essence
A major aspect of this evolution is the deconstruction of traditional Afrobeats elements. In Baby (Is It A Crime), Rema samples Sade’s 1986 hit, but his producers break the shekere pattern into fragments, subtly embedding it beneath the instrumental layers. Similarly, Bella Shmurda and his team integrate Afrobeats elements beneath the dominant Hip-Hop basslines and snares, creating a hybrid sound that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
A Strategic Shift Towards the American Market
This shift in sound is not coincidental; it aligns with Nigerian artists’ growing ambition to penetrate the American music industry. Afrobeats has always evolved to fit the demands of international markets, and with the current wave of African artists gaining traction in the U.S., this new fusion of Hip-Hop and Afrobeats positions itself as the perfect bridge between cultures. Burna Boy, Asake, and Bella Shmurda are leading the charge, crafting music that appeals to both Hip-Hop and Afrobeats audiences worldwide.
Final Thoughts
While still in its early stages, this fusion of Afrobeats and 90s Hip-Hop has the potential to become a dominant sound in the industry. It reflects the genre’s adaptive nature and its ability to blend diverse influences without losing its core identity. As more artists experiment with this style, we can expect to see Afrobeats continue its journey of global expansion, with new sounds and directions emerging along the way.
The New Afrobeats Direction: A Fusion of 90s Hip-Hop and African Rhythms
