afrobeat
what it is
Afrobeat is a fusion of Jazz, Funk and West African Highlife. Nigerian musician and bandleader Fela Kuti is credited with inventing the term and with pioneering and popularizing the style in Africa in the 70s. Afrobeat can be seen as a form of protest music since it addresses political issues, often seeking direct confrontation with the powers that be in the process.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make afrobeat a playlist
turn these 34 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is afrobeat?
Afrobeat is a fusion of Jazz, Funk and West African Highlife. Nigerian musician and bandleader Fela Kuti is credited with inventing the term and with pioneering and popularizing the style in Africa in the 70s. Afrobeat can be seen as a form of protest music since it addresses political issues, often seeking direct confrontation with the powers that be in the process.
What are good afrobeat albums to start with?
Try Remain In Light (Deluxe Version) by Talking Heads, Gentleman by Fela Kuti, Shoki Shoki by Femi Kuti, and Feelin' Funky by Matata.
Who are some women making afrobeat?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/afrobeat/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making afrobeat, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20