African popular music
[6] The Encyclopedia of Africa v. 1. states: "Beginning in the 1940s, Afro-Cuban [son] groups such as Septeto Habanero and Trio Matamoros gained widespread popularity in the Congo region as a result of airplay over Radio Congo Belge, a powerful radio station based in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa DRC).
John Storm Roberts states: "It was the Cuban connection, but increasingly also New York salsa, that provided the major and enduring influences—the ones that went deeper than earlier imitation or passing fashion.
In 1974 the Fania All Stars performed in Zaire (known today as the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Africa, at the 80,000-seat Stadu du Hai in Kinshasa.
The Zairean appearance occurred at a music festival held in conjunction with the Muhammad Ali/George Foreman heavyweight title fight.
[12] The Senegalese band Orchestra Baobab plays in a basic salsa style with congas and timbales, but with the addition of Wolof and Mandinka instruments and lyrics.
This influence began with the dispersion of millions of Africans around the world during the slave trade and continues today as people travel to and from Africa.
In the period of the late 60s to early 70s, there was a number of visits from artists such as “James Brown, who toured Nigeria in 1968, and the legendary Soul-to-Soul concert held in Accra in 1971 — which saw musical powerhouses in Wilson Pickett, Ike and Tina Turner, and Roberta Flack.”[15] In the late 90s to the early 2000s the Black African population within England and Wales grew higher than their Caribbean counterparts for the first time.
[15] African popular music has contributed distinct rhythms, melodies, and vocal styles that have deeply influenced various global genres.
[16] Musical festivals have featured many African artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Rema, and Asake.
[16] This exposure to international audiences has led to global fanbases and diverse listeners, working to expand Afropop’s influence across the world.
[17] Kuti blended “traditional Yoruba music with Western jazz and funk to create a unique and rich sound” that would become to be known as Afrobeats.
[17] Now, major international artists, such as “Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Major Lazer have collaborated with Afrobeats stars, blending their sounds to create hit songs that resonate with global audiences.”[17] Afropop’s influence across the globe has been amplified by social media, streaming services, and digital music platforms, such as Youtube, Spotify, and TikTok, making it easier for fans around the world to access and discover Afropop.
[18] Phillips finishes, “This has allowed young artists like eSwatini-born DJ, Uncle Waffles, Nigeria’s Rema, and even South Africa’s Musa Keys to take the world by storm in what feels like the blink of an eye.”[18]
