From Wizkid and Tems’ near perfect musical collaboration that birthed the Billboard-charting hit, “Essence”,  to Rema’s mega hit, “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez, it’s undeniable that the allure of Afrobeats has stretched further across the globe but do you know that this unique genre is as multifaceted as the continent that it stems from? If you don’t, allow me to help you diversify your playlist by introducing more eclectic forms of music to you. 

Highlife 

During the Jazz Age of 1920s America, Ghana was still bound by the grip of colonialism but nonetheless, highlife was born. It is a musical style that blends European brass band music with Akan language and traditional rhythm. It created such a euphonious sound that delivered a burst of energy to its audience, only rich people could afford to listen to it then. You read that right, it was music for the elites and the elites only until it eventually filtered down to the common folk and spread to Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. 

Juju

A popular style of music created by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, characterised by its use of the talking drum, guitars and other traditional instruments. Juju music is just one of many musical styles such as Afropop that comes from Nigeria.

Makossa

This popular Cameroonian music style is characterised by its use of a heavily syncopated bass line and melodic brass instruments.

Kwela

A style of music that originated in southern Africa, featuring the use of wind instruments especially the pennywhistle.

Gnawa music

Can you guess this one? Yeah, I couldn’t either. Gnawa music is a style that originated in Morocco, featuring mesmerising rhythms and incorporating the use of the hajhuj or guembri, a three-stringed bass instrument.

Soukous

This is a type of dance music that originated in the DR Congo stemming from the iconic Congolese rumba, featuring intricate guitar work, upbeat rhythms, and vocal harmonies. Soukous music is fast paced so if you ever want to change up your workout playlist, I recommend you listen to some soukous music.

Gqom 

As if the African music catalogue wasn’t brimming already,  a new genre called Gqom emerged from Durban, South Africa in the early 2010s. Said to have been developed from kwaito, a subgenre of South Africa’s addictive house music, it is characterised by its heavy use of electronic bass and minimalistic beats. DJ Lag, Rudeboyz, DJ Nathan Medee and Citizen Boy are some of the few notable personalities who popularised gqom. Yet another recommendation for your workout playlist.

Benga

Along with being known for its expansive and beautiful landscape and diverse wildlife, Kenya is also the home of benga. If you favour fast paced guitar and drum rhythms synced with traditional vocal harmonies, chances are that you would like this genre of Afrobeats.

Kizomba

Where are my Angolans at? Kizomba is another southern African music genre which arose some time in the late 1900s in Angola and is still quite popular in the 21st century. It is characterised by its slow, romantic rhythms and melodic guitar lines. Perfect for late night drives and date night. 

Griot music

This genre boasts a very interesting and rich history. In pre-colonial West Africa, griots were highly respected storytellers, poets, orators and preservers of a family history or history in general. They weren’t roadside musicians, they were in the employ of great kings, heroes and noble families. Storytelling and poetry are accompanied by traditional instruments such as the kora and balafon which are string instruments.

Chimurenga

Chimurenga is a Shona word which means liberation, the genre originated from Zimbabwe, blending traditional rhythms with elements of rock and roll and featuring socially conscious lyrics because other than entertainment, music is a powerful tool for activism.

Bongo Flava

Keep scrolling, we’re not done yet. No, bongo flava is not the stage name of an artiste though it sounds like it. It is a genre of Tanzanian music that combines traditional Tanzanian rhythms with hip-hop and R&B influences, another testament to the versatile nature of African music.

Taarab

 This entrancing music style originated in East Africa, it features a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian influences which are portrayed by the use of traditional Middle Eastern instruments such as the oud and the qanun.

Afro-Cuban music

 A blend of African and Cuban rhythms that originated in Cuba and has had a significant influence on modern Latin American and Caribbean music.

Tuku music

Tuku music is credited to Zimbabwe, named after its creator, Oliver Mtukudzi. Yup, he invented an entire genre. It features traditional Zimbabwean rhythms blended with elements of jazz and African pop.

Ghanaian rhythms

There are several different rhythms that originate from Ghana, such as Adowa, Kpanlogo, and Agbadza, each with its own unique style and cultural significance.

 Mbira music

 Mbira (a thumb piano) as an instrument is native to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

Morna

A music genre from Cape Verde, characterised by its melancholic melodies and lyrical themes of longing and nostalgia. Common instruments used are the piano, violin and guitar.

Saharan music

 A diverse range of music styles that originate from the Sahara region of Africa, such as Tuareg, Gnawa, and Berber music, each with its own unique rhythms and musical traditions.

Malian Blues

 A music style that originated in Mali, blending traditional Malian rhythms with elements of American blues and featuring instruments such as the ngoni, kora, and calabash.

Somali music

A diverse range of music styles that originate from Somalia, such as Qaraami, Banaadiri, and Dhaanto, each with its own unique rhythms and cultural significance.

Wassoulou

 A music genre that originated in Mali, featuring traditional instruments such as the ngoni, and characterised by its strong rhythms and powerful vocal performances.

Soussou music

A music genre that originates from Guinea, featuring polyrhythmic drumming and the use of traditional instruments such as the balafon and kora.

Tassou

A music genre from the Ivory Coast that features a mix of traditional rhythms and modern electronic sounds.

Mbalax

A Senegalese music genre which is characterised by its fast-paced rhythms and use of traditional instruments such as the sabar drum(rhythm), the nder drum(lead) and the tama (talking drum).

Kwaito

A music genre that originated in South Africa, featuring a mix of African rhythms, hip hop, and house music, and often incorporating lyrics in local languages such as Zulu and Xhosa.

Nubian rhythms

 A diverse range of rhythms that originate from Nubia, an ancient region that straddles the border between Egypt and Sudan, and which includes styles such as Reggada, Saidi, and Beja.

So when you hear your next favourite song which you’ll listen to for months to come, perhaps, you’ll be able to identify certain root influences once you familiarise yourself with these genres. While some Afrobeats genres may not be popular in the mainstream, it doesn’t make them any less enjoyable.