Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The Rise of Afrobeats

Another chance to hear DJ Edu's Story of Afrobeats, first broadcast in 2012.

Another chance to hear DJ Edu's Story of Afrobeats, first broadcast in 2012.

Featuring leading Afrobeats artists including Nigerian superstar D'Banj, Sarkodie - Ghana's fastest rapper, and Black Coffee - the South African House Music legend, plus personal insights from Donae'O, Sway, Sean Paul, Estelle and Tinchy Stryder.

Afrobeats has close relationships with already familiar urban music genres. The UK Funky House scene planted the rhythmic seeds for the exuberant and infectious Afrobeats tribal motifs. It is as if artists like Donae'O and Gracious K were laying down the welcome mat for their older brothers from overseas.

The lyrical foundation of patois and ethnic slang in reggae and dancehall also assisted Afrobeats' former stumbling block - Pidgin and broken English, as well as its many, many individual languages.

There is a wider Afro-Cool cultural movement which covers fashion, film and the arts. Africa has benefited from the heavy investment from China and India and its burgeoning telecommunications industry - Africa has more mobile phone subscribers than Europe.

The effect of a more affluent African continent reflects on Africans closer to home. There has been a rise in African pride and identity - supported by high profile music role models: Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder, Taio Cruz, Sway, Estelle, Lethal B...the list could continue. Peer successes are influential and dancing to their heritage music is how young British African celebrate their significance.

The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats ties all these strands together in a fun, fast feature which will keep your feet tapping until the very last beat.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 1 Mar 2024 02:00
麻豆社 Radio 1Xtra

More episodes

Previous

The A to Z of Michael Kiwanuka

Next

Don't Bet On It: The Story of Young People and Gambling

See all episodes from 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave

Clips

See all clips from The Rise of Afrobeats (2)

Music Played

  • Skepta

    Punch His Face

    • Boy Better Know.

  • Atumpan

    The Thing

    • Sunset Productions.

  • Cabo Snoop

    Windek

  • D Double E

    Bluku Bluku (feat. Dizzee Rascal)

    • Dirtee Skank.

  • Tyga

    Rack City

    • Careless World.
    • Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republi.

  • Fally Ipupa

    Sexy Dance (feat. Krys Obouo)

    • Because Music.

  • Ice Prince

    Oleku

  • Skepta

    Sweet Mother

    • White Label.

  • Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz

    Sweet Mother

    • Decca.

  • Various Artists & Wayne Wonder

    Dancehall Classics: Diwali Riddim Medley

    • Xtravaganza Recordings.

  • Stylo G

    Call Me A Naija (feat. Sneakbo)

  • Fantasia

    Free Yourself (David Harness & Charles Spencer Afro Mix)

    • Free Yourself.
    • J Records.
    • 1.

  • 顿辞苍补别鈥檕

    African Warrior

    • Zephron Entertainment.

  • 顿辞苍补别鈥檕

    Move To Da Gyal Dem (Sarkodie mix)

    Remix Artist: Sarkodie.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 22 Jan 2012 21:00
    麻豆社 Radio 1Xtra
  • Sun 1 Apr 2012 21:00
    麻豆社 Radio 1Xtra
  • Fri 1 Mar 2024 02:00
    麻豆社 Radio 1Xtra

麻豆社 Action Line

麻豆社 Action Line

Head here for information + support on issues covered in recent 麻豆社 programmes.

Podcast