8 Women Afrobeats Artists to Check Out
In the great year of 2019, who doesn’t love a good Afrobeat?
Be it to get your party guests dancing, to workout or to dance on your own, Afrobeats come in handy in many spaces. The term “Afrobeat” is used to broadly refer to popular music coming rom the continent of Africa. Having emerged especially from Nigeria and Ghana, Afrobeats tend to combine elements of Wetern African music with complex rhythms and vocals.
The genre is becoming increasingly visible in international popular music. Whether or not you’re familiar with its name, you are certainly familiar with the sound. From Drake’s “One Dance” to Beyocé’s Lion King-inspired “The Gift,” Afrobeats are everywhere. However, like any other genre the Afrobeat scene is very male dominated. Like… of the 51 songs on the official Apple Music Afrobeats playlist, only three songs are by women (one being Beyoncé).
We’re here to bring some Black Girl magic to your summer Afrobeats playlists with 8 women killing the Afrobeats game.
1. Lola Rae
Nigerian-born singer and dancer of Ghanian and British descent has been killing the Afrobeats game for years. Lola Rae brings the vocals and the tunes sure to get you dancing.
2. Ezi Emela
This British-Nigerian blends different sounds in her music from Afrobeats to R&B. Her vocals are sultry and her songs are sure to get you dancing.
3. Veeiye
Born and raised in London, Veeiye is a British/Nigerian singer-songwriter. Her tracks feature calm and laid back vocals over Afrobeats sure to get your hips moving. Listen to her song “Feenin’” here:
4. Tiwa Savage
Featured on alongside a range of artists from Wiz Kid to Beyoncé, Tiwa Savage knows exactly what to do to make an Afrobeats track a hit.
5. MzVee
MzVee is a Ghanian singer whose discography ranges from Afropop to dancehall. Regardless of the genre, she’s someone you’ll always want to queue up.
6. Becca
Becca is a Ghanian singer, songwriter and actress. Featured alongside Afrobeat icons like of Mr. Eazi and Pantoranking, she is certainly an Afrobeats great.
7. Simi
Simi has a catalog of music ranging from gospel, to Afrobeats/Afropop. Her voice is soft and her songs are hits, what more could you ask for?
8. Yemi Alade
Nigerian signer Yemi Alade brings the looks, the visuals AND the enrgy with every project. She’s not one to miss.
