Afrobeat music is a genre rooted in African rhythms, with elements of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African sounds. In recent years, Afrobeat has undergone a transformation, merging with global genres like rap to create a dynamic and unique fusion that appeals to audiences worldwide. This fusion of Afrobeat and rap, known as Afrobeat rap, blends infectious rhythms and compelling lyrics, drawing influences from both African culture and Western hip-hop traditions. Artists combine the energetic beats of Afrobeat with the storytelling and poetic flow of rap, producing a sound that is as vibrant as it is diverse.
Afrobeat rap is a genre that continues to grow and evolve, bringing African culture to the forefront of global music. In this article, we will explore the best Afrobeat rap hits that showcase the genre’s versatility and ability to bring together different musical elements. From Nigerian heavyweights like Burna Boy and Wizkid to rising stars in the genre, these songs represent the fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with the lyrical prowess of rap. Each track captures the energy, the struggles, and the joys of life through an Afrobeat lens. Let’s dive into these Afrobeat rap hits and explore why they are dominating the global music scene.
12 Must-Listen Afrobeat Rap Hits
1. “Ye” – Burna Boy (2018)
Burna Boy’s “Ye” is an iconic Afrobeat rap track that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with rap-style delivery. The song features infectious beats, smooth Afrobeat instrumentation, and Burna Boy’s signature blend of Afrobeat and rap vocals. “Ye” is a song about empowerment, resilience, and celebration, with Burna Boy’s distinctive voice delivering a message of self-confidence and triumph. The track’s rhythmic energy and catchy chorus make it a timeless anthem, showcasing Burna Boy’s unique style of merging Afrobeat with modern rap influences.
2. “Soco” – Wizkid feat. Terri, Spotless, Ceeza Milli (2018)
“Soco” by Wizkid, featuring Terri, Spotless, and Ceeza Milli, is a popular Afrobeat rap track that blends the sound of West African rhythms with rap-style verses. The song highlights Wizkid’s ability to seamlessly incorporate rap elements into his Afrobeat sound. With smooth and energetic verses, the track captures the carefree and celebratory vibe typical of Afrobeat. The flow of the song, combined with the vibrant beats and catchy chorus, makes “Soco” one of the best examples of Afrobeat rap in modern African music.
3. “Fela Kuti” – Olamide (2020)
Olamide’s “Fela Kuti” is a powerful Afrobeat rap track that pays tribute to the legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti. The song blends Afrobeat’s vibrant rhythms with Olamide’s energetic rap flow, creating a dynamic and powerful anthem. The lyrics honor Fela’s legacy and highlight Olamide’s cultural pride and connection to Nigerian heritage. The track’s hypnotic beat and Olamide’s rapid-fire delivery bring a unique energy to the song, making it an instant hit in the Afrobeat rap scene. “Fela Kuti” is a celebration of Afrobeat culture and the influence of Fela Kuti on contemporary African music.
4. “Billionaire” – Teni (2019)
Teni’s “Billionaire” is an Afrobeat rap hit that combines catchy melodies with Teni’s lyrical prowess. The song expresses her desire to achieve great success and live a lavish lifestyle, all while maintaining her roots and staying grounded. The combination of Afrobeat’s rhythmic instrumentation with rap-style verses gives “Billionaire” its infectious vibe. Teni’s vibrant and energetic performance on this track makes it stand out as one of the top Afrobeat rap hits of the year. The song’s infectious chorus and upbeat tempo make it a crowd favorite in clubs and on radio stations across Africa.
5. “Joro” – Wizkid (2019)
Wizkid’s “Joro” blends Afrobeat’s signature groove with elements of rap and highlife. The song features a smooth and hypnotic beat, with Wizkid’s laid-back delivery taking center stage. His lyrical style mixes rap and Afrobeat sensibilities, reflecting his ability to seamlessly bridge different musical genres. “Joro” is a love song that is both sensual and celebratory, capturing the joy and excitement of romance. The track’s ability to fuse Afrobeat rhythms with a rap-like vocal delivery makes it a standout in the genre of Afrobeat rap.
6. “Kokoro Ife” – Mayorkun (2020)
Mayorkun’s “Kokoro Ife” is a catchy Afrobeat rap track that blends infectious rhythms with rap-style verses. The song’s title translates to “Heart of Love,” and it combines elements of Afrobeat with Mayorkun’s trademark rap flow. “Kokoro Ife” is a fun, upbeat track that speaks to love and relationships in a playful, yet heartfelt manner. The song’s groovy beats and catchy lyrics make it a favorite among fans of Afrobeat rap. Mayorkun’s ability to merge rap with Afrobeat rhythms makes this track an essential listen in the Afrobeat rap genre.
7. “Ginger” – Wizkid feat. Burna Boy (2020)
Wizkid and Burna Boy’s collaboration on “Ginger” is a powerful Afrobeat rap hit that blends the best of both artists’ styles. The song’s smooth instrumentation and infectious beats combine with the rap-infused delivery of both artists, creating a track that is both mellow and high-energy. The lyrics, which celebrate success and resilience, are delivered with confidence and flair. “Ginger” is a standout track from Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, showcasing the synergy between Afrobeat and rap and how seamlessly they can come together to create a captivating sound.
8. “Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems (2020)
“Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems is a global hit that blends Afrobeat rhythms with smooth, rap-inspired verses. The song, with its mellow vibe and catchy chorus, showcases Wizkid’s ability to create a relaxed but compelling track that merges African sounds with Western influences. Tems’s powerful vocals complement Wizkid’s laid-back delivery, creating a balanced fusion of Afrobeat and rap elements. “Essence” became a cultural phenomenon, gaining attention worldwide and proving the global appeal of Afrobeat rap.
9. “Anybody” – Burna Boy (2019)
Burna Boy’s “Anybody” is an Afrobeat rap track that blends the sounds of Afrobeat with Burna Boy’s signature rap and reggae influences. The track’s infectious beat and rhythm serve as the perfect backdrop for Burna Boy’s confident and introspective lyrics. “Anybody” speaks to the idea of self-reliance and independence, with Burna Boy’s lyrics encouraging listeners to take control of their own lives. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook make it a standout hit in the Afrobeat rap genre, resonating with fans across the globe.
10. “Zanku (Legwork)” – Zlatan (2018)
Zlatan’s “Zanku (Legwork)” is an Afrobeat rap hit that took the world by storm with its energetic vibe and catchy lyrics. The song’s infectious beat, combined with Zlatan’s rap-style flow, makes it a standout in the Afrobeat rap genre. “Zanku” is a dance anthem that encourages listeners to let go and have fun, and its success can be attributed to its blend of rap and Afrobeat. Zlatan’s charismatic delivery and ability to merge both styles seamlessly make this track a must-listen in Afrobeat rap music.
11. “Fvck You” – Kizz Daniel (2019)
Kizz Daniel’s “Fvck You” is a bold Afrobeat rap hit that tackles themes of love and betrayal. The track blends Afrobeat rhythms with Kizz Daniel’s laid-back vocal delivery, which leans into rap influences. The song’s provocative title and lyrics focus on the complexities of romantic relationships and the pain of betrayal. Kizz Daniel’s ability to seamlessly blend rap-like verses with Afrobeat melodies has made “Fvck You” one of the standout tracks in the genre, resonating with listeners who appreciate both Afrobeat and rap.
12. “Bounce” – Ruger (2021)
Ruger’s “Bounce” is a catchy and infectious Afrobeat rap track that blends elements of Afrobeat, reggae, and rap. The song’s energetic beat and Ruger’s confident delivery make it an anthem for the dancefloor. “Bounce” combines catchy melodies with rap-like verses, showcasing Ruger’s ability to navigate between genres with ease. The track’s upbeat tempo and vibrant rhythms make it a standout in the Afrobeat rap scene, highlighting the genre’s ability to merge different musical styles to create something fresh and exciting.
See Also: 9 Steps to Make a Rap Beat on Chrome Music Lab
Conclusion
Afrobeat rap has become one of the most exciting and dynamic genres in contemporary music. The fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with rap-style delivery creates a sound that is both infectious and thought-provoking. The tracks featured in this article showcase the best of Afrobeat rap, highlighting the genre’s ability to merge African cultural influences with global music trends. From Burna Boy’s anthemic hits to Wizkid’s smooth collaborations, these songs represent the future of Afrobeat rap and its growing influence on the global music scene. As Afrobeat rap continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to shape the soundscape of modern music, bridging cultures and creating new musical possibilities.
Related Topics
