Afrobeat is a music genre that combines elements of African traditional music, funk, soul, jazz, and reggae. Afrobeat was developed in the early 1970s by Fela Kuti, who merged Western jazz and traditional African music. The term "Afrobeat" was first used in 1973 by William "Blues" Brown, a music journalist in the United States.
Afrobeat is one of the most popular music genres in Africa and has been popularized in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The music of Afrobeat performers like Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti, and Tony Allen is often political, with an emphasis on Pan-Africanism, black liberation, and social justice. Afrobeat has been praised for its eclectic mix of styles, virtuosic players, and driving rhythms.
Some of the most well-known Afrobeat performers include Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti, Tony Allen, Sunny Ade, and Salif Keita. Afrobeat has had a significant impact on popular music, influencing artists such as James Brown, George Clinton, Kendrick Lamar, and The Roots. Afrobeat is one of the most popular music genres in the world, and its influence can be heard in music from all over the world.