The Afrobeats genre has lately been taking on more of a mellow and sensual vibe. However, Rema is bringing a thunderstorm-like jolt of energy into it with his sophomore album, HEIS. Overall, the “Calm Down” star has continuously been dubbing himself as the next face of his respective lane and he honestly may have a strong case with this project. This all killer and no filler 11-song tracklist rarely allows to take a moment to breathe. From the blistering pace of the opener, “MARCH AM”, to probably “EGUNGUN”, Rema will make the listener dance till they drop. Displaying this much energy on any album is challenge, but when the instrumentals are so diverse, it makes it even more difficult. Rema manages to pull it off and then some on HEIS. Show-stopping performances are plentiful even just on 27-minute listen.
Some of our favorites that we are revisiting include “EGUNGUN”, “BENIN BOYS” with Shallipopi, “MARCH AM”, and the title track. Themes on this project include boastfully repping his hometown of Benin City to reminding everyone of his artistic greatness. Perhaps, the reason why Rema was able to succeed perhaps more than ever before on HEIS was due to his changed mindset. According to Rolling Stone, wanted to focus more on what his fans across the globe would get down to, rather than what he deemed as sufficient. That might sound like a mistake to some, but the results would prove otherwise, Rema seemed like he had a blast making this. “We’re not just making what the people at home would enjoy. We’re also making what we hope the world would also enjoy. I got rid of that mentality getting in the studio, like, ‘I’ll start with what I love’”.
Rema has pretty quickly become a mainstay in the Afropop/Afrobeats space, but also just in general. Ever since exploding with his viral radio hit, “Calm Down”, as well as its even more popular remix featuring Selena Gomez, he has managed to keep up the momentum. While his last few releases, including the RAVAGE EP are not on that same level, there is still tons of quality to be had. However, this new Rema/Shallipopi collaboration “BENIN BOYS” has a chance to reach a similar mark.
This is the Benin City native’s first record of 2024, and it seems to be starting the rollout for his sophomore album, HE IS. There is no drop date for the project yet, but we feel pretty good about it will coming out sometime later this summer or early fall. Hopefully, that happens, because “BENIN BOYS” is a rollercoaster ride that continues to twist and turn with every passing second. Both Rema and Shallipopi bring some uncontrollable energy to the already dramatic and thrilling instrumental. From the rhythmic drums to the hard-hitting keys, this track has it all. It makes sense why Rema and Shallipopi are giving this one their all, as this single is about showing love to their “hoods”, the lead artist explains to Rolling Stone. There are plenty of cultural nods in the music video as well, so be sure to check that out too with the link below.
Touchdown Benin boys, gen-gen-gen Money yapa, money repete (Confirm) Remy Ekehuan road, Shalli Sapele (Ayy) Santa Monica touchdown, shekens (Clear road) They dey like to dey dance the legbeegbe (Eh?) Na we dey bully, na we dey pepper (Say)
Asake and Central Cee really do not share a lot in common sonically, but “Wave” sees them work in perfect harmony. From funky instrumental to the confident and triumphant performances from both artists, this song has what it takes to be a smash hit. It seems it is well on its way to that title, as the track already has over one million views on YouTube in one day. This single comes at an exciting time for both Cee and Asake, too, making this moment even sweeter.
Let us start with UK drill phenom first. It seems we are just counting down the weeks until the hitmaker delivers his new album, CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS. After “BAND4BAND” with Lil Baby popped off not too long ago, it seems people are back on the CC hype train. As for Asake, “Wave” is possible the second promotional track for his fourth overall project. The Lagos, Nigeria native has not announced the title nor the release date yet. Even with the minimal information, it is coming soon for sure, as he just revealed the Lungu Boy World Tour on June 10. It should be one heck of a time this summer, and fans seem thrilled for him to set sail. See why “Wave” is going to be a powerhouse moving forward by clicking the YouTube video link below.
I was never playing for the undеr-18’s Now it’s 18-karat, that’s another AP Eight cribs to my name, and a couple AMG’s Sеnd your allocation, put your addy in my navigation She a baddie, got my validation, say your body need examination Say you want vacation, then we ain’t goin’ Afro Nation
It is finally here ladies and gentlemen. Tyla, the Johannesburg, South Africa native has been delivering some incredible tracks up until her debut self-titled LP. Of course, everyone is hip on “Water,” which has not only dominated the charts and everyone’s hearts, it also nabbed her a GRAMMY. But do not let that one song fool you, she is not a one-trick pony. She showcased her talent for songwriting and ear for infectious production on songs like “Butterflies,” “Truth or Dare,” and more.
The Afropop/amapiano talent spoke with Apple Music about the creation of her project. “I’ve always wanted to be a pop star, but beyond that, I wanted to be an African pop star. The roots of my sound are in amapiano music, in South African and African music.” She continues, “Since I started experimenting with amapiano, I just feel like it’s really helped me get to this point where I created something fresh and new, but still familiar and comes from home.”
Tyla has a sense of pride about where she is from and she is looking forward to sharing her culture with the masses. “It’s a sound of Africa, and it’s something that I couldn’t be more proud about.” Helping bring her roots to the mainstream are Gunna, Tems, Travis Scott on the “Water” remix, Becky G, and more. be sure to tap in to what fans already deeming a great album.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album, TYLA, by Tyla? After hearing this record, do you see her as a bonafide star, why or why not? What songs are you gravitating toward right now? Who had the best guest performance here? Which track is the best? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Tyla. Finally, stay with us for the most informative project posts throughout the week.
But it looks like Wizkid no longer wants to be tethered to the genre. After a clip from his 2023 interview with Apple Music resurfaced, the “Money & Love” musician doubled down on his older statements.
In another posted screenshot by ThatGrapeJuice, he went on to clarify his initial statement. “Listen, am I African? Yes,” he wrote. “But I do make all sorts of music. I don’t want to be labeled just Afrobeats. That’s like saying every American artist makes rap.”
Lil Yachty made a similar point when he began to explore rock via his album Let’s Start Here. Still, users online weren’t pleased with Wizkid’s statement. View the mixed response from users online below.
Outsiders : you cannot box Burna Boy into just afrobeats… He does so many genres effortlessly
Nigerians… He should shut up.. Let’s see how long he can go alone
Afrobeat una…wizkid isn’t afrobeat artist he does every sound…he have done countless genres and even most of his albums speak for him…he have won countless awards in different genre is music category and also charted songs there. pic.twitter.com/InYimdAKXl
No bro you are getting it wrong again. Remove the “afro” whatever… wizkid is pop/r&b, burna is rap/reggae pop… We simply just call these guys afrobeat cos they are Africans, they just want it to stop. We even call Blaqbonez afrobeat artiste even tho blud does rap. https://t.co/13WhkjAX0o
Nothing wrong with what Wizkid is trying to drive home. It doesn’t make sense that every artiste is boxed under Afrobeat. Especially if you’re versatile with your craft. If you have the range to try something new it’s okay to leave the umbrella of Afrobeat and create your sound.
Wizkid just finished his next album, as he let fans know on Friday (March 15) via the Instagram social media platform. But apparently, before this new phase of his career begins, he wants to set the record straight on some important matters concerning his artistry and his image. “Album done! [eagle emoji] See you soon b***hes!” the “Loju” singer began. “And pls Abeg if u like Pakurumo wizkid don’t download this new album… in fact delete me from ur playlist and your life! [heart emoji] [eagle emoji] And if u like afrobeats pls don’t download my album! I am not a f***ing afrobeats artiste! Don’t call me that h*e! I am not Afro anything b***h!”
Overall, there were a lot of divided reactions to this rant online, with some criticizing his assessment and others defending his perspective. On one hand, the Nigerian superstar shouldn’t be boxed into a single genre or style, and not all of the music he makes necessarily falls under the umbrella of Afrobeats. On the other, Wizkid is definitely one of the biggest names associated (however lightly) with the genre. After all, he became the first African artist to get three platinum songs, and folks will immediately tie his success into that of the larger genre, even if simply calling him an Afrobeats artist might not accurately convey the full picture of his artistry right now.
Whether or not you agree with this rant, it’s hard to deny all the work the 33-year-old has put in to expand his artistry beyond what the market pushed onto him. In fact, plenty of business executives, industry workers, and fellow artists have tried to take credit for the growing popularity of African artists worldwide. But none of that matters without the artists themselves. As such, Wizkid is free to make whatever kind of music he wants and define how he wants the music world to perceive and celebrate him.
Meanwhile, what do you think about these comments and assessments, especially with the debate around them in mind? Is the More Love, Less Ego unquestionably an “Afrobeats” artist? However you may feel, let us know in the comments section down below. Also, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and more updates on Wizkid.
Let’s set the scene. You’re out with friends, or maybe by yourself, at a local nightclub or day party, and the DJ on set gives a shoutout to the “Carribeans” in the crowd. They say something like, “One time for my Carribeans” or “Where my Carribeans at?” and those in the audience who identify as such make some noise with the expectation that a song from their region will be played next. Instead, an afrobeats record from the likes of Wizkid, Davido, or Burna Boy blares from the speakers. Carribeans and Africans in the audience are left equally confused by the miscategorization and the DJ does a quick two- or three-song rotation before getting back to their regularly scheduled programming.
As ludicrous as it sounds, this scenario happens more often than you’d think. Look no further than comments in this Lipstick Alley forum from 2022 for proof. While regions heavily populated with Africans or Carribeans like southern New England, New York City, Philadelphia, or Houston probably haven’t had this experience to the extent of other areas, it is an issue. It’s just one example of the miscategorization of these genres that we’ve seen happen time and time again.
By the 2010s, Afrobeats and dancehall were undeniably popular in the global mainstream. Viral dances like those attached to Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” and Iyana’s “Kukere,” as well as success from Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, P-Sqaure, D’banj, and others played a big role in afrobeats’ rising popularity. In contrast, the success of Sean Paul, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, and others helped boost the appeal of dancehall. Though dancehall stands alone as its own unique sound, afrobeats is more of a culmination of various genres that include any mixture of house, hip-hop, dancehall, highlife, R&B, afrobeat (yes, without the s), and more.
Afrobeat is different from afrobeats as it pulls from traditional Nigerian music with additional influences from funk, jazz, and soul, and sees its origins go back to the 1960s, while the origin of dancehall is between the 1960s and 1970s. With afrobeats and afrobeat often getting confused and afrobeats containing numerous influences — including dancehall — it’s not all that surprising that the genres are mixed up, leading to DJs shouting out “Carribeans” and playing afrobeats. However, a history mix-up would be a generous explanation for all of this.
With afrobeats and dancehall making their presence felt in the mainstream world by the mid-2010s, artists in the respective genres continued a tradition of collaboration dating back to their origins. Some of the records we’ve received over the years include Kranium & Wizkid’s “Can’t Believe It,” Popcaan and Davido’s “Risky” and “Dun Rich,” Burna Boy’s “Toni-Ann Singh” with Popcaan, Byron Messia’s “Talibans II” with Burna Boy, Teejay’s “Drift (Remix)” with Davido, Vybz Kartel & Burna Boy’s “Personally (Remix),” and Wizkid’s “Slip N Slide” with Shenseea and Skillibeng. In these cases, the blend between afrobeats and dancehall can be effortless with each artist performing just as well in the other’s genre as they do their own. For those without knowledge of the artists and sounds within afrobeats and dancehall, this is where the distinction between the genres gets lost, and suddenly, you’re shouting out the Carribeans in the crowd, only to play a set full of afrobeats staples.
While some ignorance is understandable, fans’ and DJs’ reluctance to correct said ignorance is not. Both afrobeats and dancehall are becoming more and more globally popular and respected by the month. For example, a fall 2023 report from Spotify noted that afrobeats tallied more than 15 billion streams on the platform. In just the last few years, both genres have provided records that served as anthems for the year’s hottest months, including Burna Boy’s “Last Last,” Byron Messia’s “Talibans,” and Wizkid’s “Essence.”
These artists are Grammy nominees and winners. Artists in both genres collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. The genres’ successes aren’t a fluke, but the result of years of work from their pioneers and contemporary hitmakers to push the beautiful sounds of their culture to the masses. Afrobeats and dancehall deserve the respect and recognition to stand and be known on their own terms.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Lagos, Nigeria native and Afrobeats veteran Adekunle Gold is bringing his infectious energy once again with a new single. Gold is someone we would normally not cover as often due to his genre that operates in. However, outside of his immense amount of talent, he also crosses over to work with rappers and singers from the hip-hop/R&B space. Additionally, Afropop and Afrobeats have also been extremely popular as of late. So with that, today we are covering Adekunle Gold’s newest track “The Life I Chose.”
This track is following up a very impressive 2023 for Adekunle. Last year, the veteran put out his album Tequila Ever After. It featured impressive names like Pharrell Williams, Khalid, his wife Simi, Coco Jones, and more. In 2024, things got even better for the Def Jam signee.
Besides dropping this summer-ready anthem “The Life I Chose,” Gold also had a big time feature placement. With the assistance of JAY-Z, he was able to land on THE BOOK OF CLARENCE (The Motion Picture Soundtrack). Adekunle made his way on to one of the best songs from the accompanying tape, “JEEZU” with Kodak Black and Doja Cat. We highly encourage you check out the new single, you will dancing and getting hype all day long.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “The Life I Chose,” by Adekunle Gold? Is this one of his best tracks as of late, why or why not? Is Tequila Ever After an album still in your rotation and if so what songs are you revisiting? Is he one of the best Afrobeats artists going right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Adekunle Gold. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
All of a sudden Everybody act like they love me (Fake love) Men dey active If you f*** with my team, it’s risky If no be you baba Dem for don dey laugh me for their corner
Nigerian singer and songwriter Omah Lay, recently stirred up controversy during a performance on the European leg of his Boy Alone tour at the Eventim Apollo in London on Tuesday, February 20. The 26-year-old artist took an unconventional approach to engage with his audience, leading to a viral moment that left many online spectators gasping. The incident occurred during the rendition of his song “Bend You” when Omah Lay spontaneously invited a female fan from the front row to join him on stage. The woman, reportedly attending the concert with her boyfriend, accepted the unexpected invitation. However, what happened next, fans were surprised by.
As Omah Lay and the fan walked to the far end of the stage, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. However, what unfolded behind a curtain caught everyone off-guard. The duo’s silhouettes became visible to the audience, and the performance took a steamy turn, with their moves becoming progressively raunchy. Videos captured by concertgoers quickly circulated online, causing a wave of uproar. Many viewers found the explicit nature of the performance inappropriate, and the incident triggered a heated debate on social media platforms. “Nah she dead wrong,” someone commented. “Emasculating your man in front of thousands that he probably paid for you to go to is crazy. He ain’t lose nun and he handsome. Her loss”
Moreover, in one of the clips, the alleged boyfriend of the woman was visibly upset, shaking his head in disappointment before eventually leaving the venue. “He walked away without causing a scene. He took his L that night & went on about his day. Most men can’t even do that. Props gang just let her fly,” another fan wrote. Omah Lay’s controversial performance with the fan has sparked discussions about the boundaries of onstage interactions. In addition, it discussed responsibilities artists hold in maintaining a level of appropriateness during live shows. Critics argue that such explicit displays can be uncomfortable for certain audience members and may not align with the expectations of a concert environment. “See what you started Usher? Nah but shorty a waste ting! Focus on yourself king,” one user commented. “
While live performances often involve crowd engagement and spontaneous moments, the incident has led to questions about the line between entertainment and crossing boundaries. Omah Lay’s decision to engage in a provocative performance with a fan has left some fans and online commentators disappointed. and questioning the appropriateness of such actions in a concert setting. “This omah lay thing happened inside the same room , imagine what they’re doing to your long distance babe,” another person wrote.
In the dynamic world of Nigerian music, Omah Lay has carved a niche for himself with his unique sound and compelling lyrics. As of 2024, his estimated net worth stands at a staggering $1.2 million, according to Glusea.com. Let’s delve into the journey that has led the young artist to such financial success.
BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 12: Nigerian singer Omah Lay performs live on stage during a concert at the Huxleys on April 12, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Frank Hoensch/Redferns)
Born Stanley Omah Didia on May 19, 1997, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Omah Lay exhibited a passion for music from a young age. Raised in a musical household, he was exposed to various genres, which influenced his eclectic style. Despite facing initial skepticism from his family regarding a career in music, Omah Lay persevered, honing his craft and mastering his distinct sound.
Breakout Moment: Rise To Prominence
Omah Lay’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of his debut EP, Get Layd. The project garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing the “Woman” singer’s versatility as an artist and cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s rising stars. Moreover, tracks like “Bad Influence” and “You” quickly gained traction, earning millions of streams across various platforms and propelling Omah Lay into the spotlight.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 07: Omah Lay talks with courtside announcer Amberley Lobo during the round 19 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena on April 07, 2022, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Following the success of his debut EP, Omah Lay continued to make waves in the music industry. His sophomore EP, What Have We Done, released in 2020, further solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with. The project featured hit singles such as “Godly” and “My Bebe,” which further endeared him to fans worldwide. As a result, he’s also gained global fame through collaborations alongside renowned pop stars like Justin Bieber. Additionally, Omah Lay’s captivating live performances have earned him accolades and nominations, including the coveted Next Rated award at The Headies, Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards ceremony.
Beyond his music career, Omah Lay has ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors, contributing to his growing net worth. From lucrative endorsement deals to strategic partnerships with brands, he has capitalized on his rising popularity to expand his financial portfolio. Moreover, Omah Lay’s savvy investments in real estate and other ventures have further boosted his wealth, ensuring long-term financial security.
As Omah Lay’s star continues to ascend, his net worth serves as a testament to his hard work, talent, and business acumen. From humble beginnings in Port Harcourt to becoming a household name in the Nigerian music scene, he has defied the odds and emerged as a success story for aspiring artists everywhere. With a promising future ahead, things look bright for Omah Lay and his net worth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Omah Lay’s net worth in 2024 reflects not only his musical prowess but also his ability to leverage his fame for financial gain. Through dedication, perseverance, and a keen eye for opportunity, he has established himself as a formidable force in the entertainment industry, with his financial worth serving as a testament to his enduring impact.
Afrobeat has no substance
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