These artists, along with many others, have played a significant role in promoting and expanding the reach of Afrobeat beyond its African origins. Their contributions have helped to establish Afrobeats as a global genre, and they continue to push its boundaries and inspire a new wave of international artists. Afrobeats has gained significant international popularity, and several artists from around the world have embraced the genre and incorporated its influence into their music. Here are a few international artists who have been associated with or have incorporated elements of Afrobeats into their work:
1. Burna Boy (Nigeria): Burna Boy is a Nigerian Afrobeats artist who has achieved global recognition and has been at the forefront of the genre’s international success. He has combined Afrobeats with elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, creating a unique and infectious sound.
2. J Hus (UK): J Hus, a British rapper of Gambian and Sierra Leonean descent, has infused Afrobeat and dancehall into his music, blending it with elements of UK rap and drill. He has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with his fusion of genres.
3. Afro B (Ivory Coast/UK): Afro B, hailing from Ivory Coast and based in the UK, has played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre known as Afroswing, which fuses Afrobeat, dancehall, and other urban sounds. He is known for his hit singles such as “Drogba (Joanna)” and “Fine Wine and Hennessy.”
4. Machel Montano (Trinidad and Tobago): Machel Montano, known as the “King of Soca,” has incorporated Afrobeats elements into his soca music, creating a unique fusion known as “Afrosoca.” His energetic performances and infectious rhythms have gained him international recognition.
5. WizKid (Nigeria): WizKid is another Nigerian Afrobeats artist who has achieved global success. His music blends Afrobeat with elements of pop, R&B, and dancehall. He has collaborated with international artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, further solidifying his international presence.
6. Afro Bongo (Tanzania): Harmonize, a Tanzanian artist, has gained popularity with his blend of Afrobeats and Bongo Flava, a Tanzanian genre. His music incorporates catchy melodies, vibrant rhythms, and Swahili lyrics.
7. Fuse ODG (Ghana/UK): Fuse ODG, a British-Ghanaian artist, has been instrumental in popularizing the “TINA” (This Is New Africa) movement. His music combines Afrobeats with elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, promoting a positive image of Africa and its culture.
8. Niniola (Nigeria): Niniola is a Nigerian singer known for her unique blend of Afrobeat, house, and afro-house music. Her energetic performances and distinctive vocal style have earned her global recognition.
9. Rema (Nigeria): Rema is a young Nigerian artist who has made waves in the Afrobeats scene with his fusion of trap, Afropop, and Afrobeats. His catchy melodies and versatile style have garnered him a dedicated international following.
10. Chronixx (Jamaica): Chronixx, a Jamaican reggae artist, has incorporated Afrobeat influences into his music, creating a fusion known as “Afro-Dancehall.” His conscious lyrics and infectious rhythms have resonated with audiences globally.
11. Tiwa Savage (Nigeria): Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has achieved international recognition for her blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop music. She has collaborated with several international artists and is known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances.
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12. Dadju (France/Congo): Dadju, a French-Congolese artist, has incorporated Afrobeat into his R&B and pop-infused music. He has attracted a wide fan base with his smooth vocals and catchy melodies, contributing to the global popularity of Afrobeat.
13. Sho Madjozi (South Africa): Sho Madjozi is a South African artist known for her vibrant blend of Afrobeat, Tsonga music, and hip-hop. Her energetic performances and unique style have made her a rising star in the international Afrobeat scene.
14. Mr Eazi (Nigeria): Mr Eazi, a Nigerian artist, gained international acclaim with his fusion of Afrobeat, highlife, and contemporary pop. He has been influential in popularizing the genre known as “Banku Music” and has collaborated with numerous international artists.
15. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania): Diamond Platnumz is a Tanzanian artist known for his Afrobeat and Bongo Flava-infused music. He has amassed a significant following across Africa and beyond, with his catchy tunes and energetic stage presence.
16. Davido (Nigeria): Davido is a Nigerian artist who has gained global recognition for his infectious blend of Afrobeat, pop, and dancehall. His energetic performances and catchy melodies have helped him solidify his place as one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
17. Yemi Alade (Nigeria): Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her Afrobeat-infused pop music. She has been called the “Queen of Afrobeats” and has achieved international success with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
18. Rotimi (Nigeria/United States): Rotimi is a Nigerian-American artist known for his versatile style that blends elements of R&B, Afrobeat, and pop. He has garnered attention for both his acting and music, with notable collaborations in the Afrobeat scene.
19. Maleek Berry (Nigeria/United Kingdom): Maleek Berry is a Nigerian-British artist who has made waves in the Afrobeat genre with his blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and dancehall. He is known for his catchy tunes and smooth vocals.
20. Samthing Soweto (South Africa): Samthing Soweto is a South African singer-songwriter who has gained recognition for his unique fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and soul. His soulful vocals and distinct sound have made him a standout artist in the Afrobeat scene.
21. Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo): Fally Ipupa is a Congolese artist known for his blend of Afrobeat, soukous, and R&B. With his smooth vocals and energetic performances, he has become one of the most prominent figures in African music.
22. Sauti Sol (Kenya): Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afro-pop band known for their vibrant fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and traditional Kenyan sounds. Their captivating harmonies and socially conscious lyrics have made them a popular group on the international stage.
23. Angelique Kidjo (Benin): Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer-songwriter and activist who has been influential in bringing Afrobeat to a global audience. She infuses her music with elements of jazz, funk, and West African traditions, creating a unique and captivating sound.
WORTHY MENTIONS
24. D’BANJ (NIGERIA)-OLIVER TWIST CROONER
25. OMAH LAY (NIGERIA)
26. ASAKE (NIGERIA)
27. FIREBOY DML (NIGERIA)
28. WANDE COAL (NIGERIA)
29. THE CAVEMEN (NIGERIA)
30. TIMAYA (NIGERIA)
These international Afrobeats artists continue to expand the genre’s boundaries, blend it with various sounds, and make it accessible to a global audience. Their contributions highlight the growing influence and popularity of Afrobeats as a genre that resonates with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
INTERNATIONAL AFROBEATS ARTISTS