Afrobeat: Why women need to tell more African stories

Afrobeat is a music genre that was pioneered by the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The icon spoke about the African struggle, colonialism and slave masters, the nefarious military leadership era in Nigeria and several personal issues.

Afrobeat was simply a form of storytelling through music- it had a commencement, a middle and eventually, has no end. The narrative of Afrobeat has not stopped, as a matter of fact, the music genre is currently topping charts across the globe.

Sensational musicians such as Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido have taken the genre across the globe, making it one of the most appealing sounds in modern times. Afrobeat has become lucrative, attractive and everyone wants to affiliate with the sonorous genre that commenced from a place of pain, turmoil and hardship.

While men from Nigeria have pushed the genre far and wide, only few women have been able to make a name for themselves as mainstream superstars.

Despite Tems’ recent combustion in the international music scene and Grammy success, she isn’t in the same hierarchy as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade. However, Tems must be acknowledged for her impressive skillset and songwriting dexterity that she possesses.

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How Women Can Contribute To The Afrobeat Movement

The market is prepared to hear the stories of African women. Everyone wants to not only dance to the rhythm of delectable songstresses but they want to understand their story is about; the world wants African women to define what they are going through.

This is what made multiple award-winning songstress, Tiwa Savage special. Her music stands predominantly for female empowerment and unraveling some of the realities of the average Nigerian woman.

While the Queen of Afrobeat’s debut studio album, Once Upon A Time spoke about her journey into superstardom; her sophomore music project, R.E.D took a more mature theme where she spoke about love, motherhood and her newfound fame.

On her 3rd studio album, Celia which was released in 2020. Savage was in a different phase in her music career as well as in her personal life. She has transitioned from being the first lady in Don Jazzy’s Mavins Records to signing a record deal with the international label, Universal Records.

Also, her marriage to talent manager, Tee Billz had hit rock bottom. She was in a different phase entirely.

The singer-songwriter immediately took both the bittersweet experience to garner momentum and continue to establish her brand across the globe.

A Woman In Her Prime…

Nigerian songstresses- Tems, Ayra Starr, Fave, etc. are currently some of the young women in the industry making a name for themselves. They are in their prime and have plenty of time to show the world what they are made of.

While Tems has worked with international musicians and even grabbed a Grammy award, she is yet to put out a complete body of work that would make her become an icon in the music industry. It is only ideal she put out her music while she is in her prime.

As for Mavins signee, Ayra Starr, she has continued to shatter records the globe with her Gen Z-themed compositions. She is on the ideal path of her career and it is only a matter of time before she gains the recognition of Tiwa Savage.

Talented singer-songwriter, Fave is still garnering a name for herself. Her collaboration with Davido on his 2023 album, Timeless disclosed what she is fascinating to hear and has what it takes to take the music industry by storm.

The aforementioned women and several other ladies in the Nigerian music industry embody what it takes to narrate the struggle of women both in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.