12 Popular music genres that exist in Africa

Given Africa's vastness and sheer size, it’s hardly a shock that the continent thrives in terms of its music. There are many different and popular music genres and styles that have emanated from the region, Africa. Some have been adopted or adapted by other cultures, while others have remained exclusive to the territory. Some music styles have been created within the borders of their original country and have remained within them, giving the population who live there a sense of national pride.

Of course, music is a global thing. It’s something that almost everyone worldwide will enjoy in some form. Even those who do not actively listen to music will find that they are exposed to it in some form. The radio might be on in the workplace; music may be used on TV and in film; it may even be used in games.

The influence and impact that music has had can’t be underestimated or understated. However, what is popular in one location can’t always be said to be the same in another. Africa is certainly no different in this regard.

Africa’s growing influence on music

Africa’s place within music has always been possible to see. As mentioned, there are forms of music that have been popularized worldwide that clearly have the continent’s influence. Hip-hop can be one of those that has been widely enjoyed by people in the US, with most artists in this genre coming from African heritage.

Afrobeats is one form of music that has started to experience its own growth. Hearing it in today’s charts with leading artists creating headlines is possible. Individuals including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, and Mr Eazi (all Nigerian) are just some of the most famous artists within this category.

The genre is also used to create sound effects given its global appeal. It’s possible to find it being used within online videos on YouTube, or in commercials created for TV and radio. The rate at which the music genre is growing, it wouldn’t be a shock if we were to see it being used more widely in the near future.

What are the most popular music genres in Africa?

Given that 54 different countries form the continent, each ranging in size and with its own culture and traditions, it’s hardly shocking that there are many differences when it comes to the type of music enjoyed. As mentioned, there are certain musical genres that are exclusively found within the borders of one country that may not have spread like many of those that can be considered more common.

That said, it can be argued that there have been many different instances of music being infused with African culture. Genres like African hip hop and African heavy metal are some examples.

As a result of the different preferences that can be found, it can be hard to identify what the top 12 most popular genres are. However, a common belief suggests that the following is how it can be considered:

1. Rap

Rap has found a significant foothold in African music, drawing heavily on the genre’s origins in African American culture. African rap blends local languages and rhythms, creating a unique style that's resonated across the continent. Countries like South Africa and Nigeria boast some of the biggest rap scenes, with artists like Sarkodie (Ghana) and Nasty C (South Africa) rising to international fame.

2. Hip Hop

African hip hop, while similar to rap, often incorporates a variety of traditional and modern elements, making it distinctive. It has been influenced by global hip hop culture but also speaks directly to the experiences and struggles of African people. Artists like Cassper Nyovest and Khaligraph Jones are among those shaping this genre in Africa.

3. Afrobeats

Afrobeats, not to be confused with Afrobeat (created by Fela Kuti), is one of the continent's most successful musical exports. Originating from Nigeria and Ghana, Afrobeats is a fusion of West African sounds, jazz, funk, and electronic music. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema have brought Afrobeats to international recognition.

4. R&B

R&B in Africa has grown exponentially, fusing Western rhythm and blues with African melodies and themes. African R&B tends to incorporate more emotive storytelling, and it's often sung in local languages or in a mix of English and native tongues. Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage are among the genre's prominent figures.

5. Electronic/Dance

Electronic music is becoming increasingly popular in Africa, with genres like Afro-house and Gqom gaining traction, especially in South Africa. DJs and producers like Black Coffee have helped make Afro-house a global sensation. The upbeat, rhythmic nature of electronic dance music has made it a staple at festivals and clubs across the continent.

6. Amapiano

Amapiano, originating in South Africa, is one of the most exciting recent developments in African music. It’s a house music subgenre that blends jazzy piano melodies, deep house, and kwaito (another South African genre). Artists like Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa have propelled this genre to worldwide attention, particularly in dance clubs and on social media platforms like TikTok.

7. Mbalax

Mbalax is a Senegalese music style made famous by Youssou N’Dour. It blends traditional Senegalese rhythms like sabar drumming with modern pop and jazz influences. Mbalax is particularly popular in Senegal and Gambia but has spread to some parts of Europe as well.

8. Soukous

Soukous is a fast-paced, guitar-driven genre that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The music is heavily based on traditional rumba rhythms but infused with modern dance beats. It's known for its infectious, upbeat tempo, making it a favorite in dance halls across Africa and beyond.

9. JuJu

JuJu music, native to Nigeria, is deeply rooted in the traditional Yoruba culture and is performed using percussion instruments like talking drums, as well as guitars. Originating in the early 20th century, it has evolved over time and remains one of the most prominent music styles in Nigeria, often performed during celebrations and ceremonies.

10. Highlife

Highlife is a genre that originated in Ghana and spread across West Africa. It’s a fusion of traditional Akan music, jazz, and brass band sounds. Highlife music, with its jazzy horns and upbeat rhythms, became particularly popular in Nigeria as well, thanks to artists like E.T. Mensah and Victor Olaiya.

11. Tarabu

Tarabu is a popular genre in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili coast in Tanzania and Kenya. It blends traditional Arabic and Swahili sounds with Indian and Persian influences. Its melodies are often emotive and incorporate themes of love and life struggles. The genre has been widely embraced in Zanzibar and coastal cities like Mombasa.

12. Bongo Flava

Bongo Flava, originating from Tanzania, is an East African spin on American hip hop and R&B, mixed with reggae, Afrobeats, and local Tanzanian rhythms. It has become immensely popular across East Africa, with artists like Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba leading the charge. The genre is known for its catchy beats and lyrics addressing social and political issues.

Some of these genres are more widely known than others. For instance, the first five of those on the list of ten can be heard globally. They have each entered the mainstream music industry, with big artists having had success in the charts with these genres.

However, the final seven are more specific to Africa. The Mbalax genre of music is a popular Senegalese music style but it’s largely confined to a handful of Western African countries and a very few in Europe. At the same time, Soukous - a fast-paced guitar-driven style of music originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has started to spread widely. It can be heard in a few countries around the continent, as well as within select locations across Europe where African culture can be found.

Will Africa’s music scene continue to grow and expand?

With the way that music is able to spread and be heard today, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw African music gain further traction.

Tools like social media, YouTube and other modern-day technologies are extremely powerful. They have made the world smaller from a digital POV, allowing for the elimination of virtual barriers. With these barriers gone, people can share what they hear or create more freely, and with more diverse audiences.

It may only take one individual to create a sound that goes viral for the genre to become popular. If this happens, it could help to propel the African music industry to new heights.

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