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Is Rap Really Dead?

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By Funmilayo Olusanya

 

When Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, enthusiastically declared in an interview with 10 Magazine based in Australia that rap is dead and then claimed he meant that the genre is dead in Nigeria because it has been in a steady decline and those who participate in it are slowly fading away, it left one question unanswered, is rap really dead?

 

In this report, Funmilayo Olusanya takes a deep dive into the history of both Afrobeat and rap music in Nigeria, x-raying which one is dead or alive.

 

Modern Music in today’s world is a major form of entertainment. While classical, country, Rhythm & Blues (R&B), hip-hop, rap, and other modern genres of music are among the most popular worldwide, important subgenres of African music include Afrobeat, Highlife, Hiplife, Juju, and so on.

 

The most well-known genres in Nigeria and on a global stage, recognized to be from Nigeria or majorly from Nigeria are Indigenous genres like Apala, Ogene, Fuji, Jùju, and Afrobeat, among others.

 

In recent times there has been a rise in comparison between Afrobeat and rap music, and debates as to those keeping it real and those selling out, old versus new school, which one is dead or alive, and who is superior and inferior between Afrobeat artists and rap artists.

 

In this article, I will be giving utmost attention to Afrobeat and rap music in Nigeria. Can we say that Afrobeat is doing much better than rap in Nigeria? Is rap dead? Which of the two is gaining prominence in Nigeria today? Of course, all these questions will be answered.

 

Nigerian Rap, Afrobeat

 

Afrobeat and rap music are two distinct genres that have gained widespread popularity over the years. While both styles have their roots in African and African-American culture, they have evolved in different ways and have been influenced by various musical and cultural influences.

 

Afrobeat originated in Nigeria in the 1970s and was created by the legendary musician Fela Kuti. It is a fusion of traditional West African music, jazz, and funk, and is characterized by its heavy use of percussion, complex polyrhythms, and politically charged lyrics.

 

Afrobeat has had a significant influence on other genres of music, including hip-hop and dancehall, and has become popular around the world, particularly in Africa and Europe.

 

Rap, on the other hand, is a genre of music that originated in the United States in the 1970s. It is characterized by its use of spoken or shouted lyrics over a beat and is often associated with urban culture and the hip-hop movement.

 

Rap music has evolved significantly over the years, and has been influenced by a wide variety of styles, including funk, jazz, soul, and rock.

 

Today, rap music is one of the most popular genres in the world, with a huge following in the United States and around the globe.

 

One of the most notable similarities between Afrobeat and rap music is their use of politically charged lyrics. Both genres have been used as a way for artists to speak out about social and political issues, and to promote positive change.

 

Fela Kuti, for example, used his music to speak out against corruption and injustice in Nigeria, and his music became an important tool for political activism in Africa.

 

Similarly, many rap artists have used their music to address issues such as racism, police brutality, and poverty, and have used their platform to inspire social change.

 

Afrobeat and rap music have both had a major impact on popular culture and have contributed significantly to the evolution of modern music in Nigeria.

 

Both genres have been used as a platform for artists to express their political views and to address social and cultural issues.

 

Afrobeat and rap have also been instrumental in shaping the way people think about and interact with music, and have influenced the development of other genres of music.

 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigerian rap music gained popularity, with artists like Tony Allen, Plantashun Boiz, and Majek Fashek leading the way. These artists brought a more political and socially conscious message to their music, using it as a platform to address issues like corruption, poverty, and social injustice.

 

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new generation of Nigerian rappers and Afrobeat artists emerged, including the likes of M.I., WizKid, Olamide, and Burna Boy. These artists brought a more modern and contemporary sound to their genre, incorporating elements of hip-hop and electronic music into their music.

 

Despite their similarities, Afrobeat and rap music are also distinct in many ways.

 

Afrobeat, for example, is more heavily influenced by traditional West African music and incorporates a wide variety of instruments, including horns, percussion, and vocals.

 

Rap music, on the other hand, is primarily centered around spoken or shouted lyrics, and is often accompanied by a DJ or producer who creates the beat. Rap music also tends to be more focused on individual performance and lyrical prowess, while Afrobeat is more collaborative and emphasizes group performance.

 

There are many Afrobeat and rap singers in Nigeria who have gained prominence and made significant contributions to the music industry.

 

WizKid is an Afrobeat singer who has gained international recognition for his catchy and energetic music. He has released several successful albums and singles and has won numerous awards for his work.

 

Davido is another prominent Afrobeat singer in Nigeria. He is known for his energetic stage presence and catchy songs and has gained a large following both in Nigeria and internationally.

 

Olamide is a rapper who is known for his hard-hitting lyrics and energetic delivery. He has released several successful albums and singles and is widely considered one of the most influential rappers in Nigeria.

 

Phyno is another notable rapper in Nigeria. He is known for his unique style, combining traditional Igbo music with modern hip-hop elements.

 

Falz is a rapper and actor who is known for his socially conscious lyrics and humorous style. He has released several successful albums and singles and has won numerous awards for his work.

 

Naira Marley is a rapper who has gained a large following for his controversial lyrics and energetic performances. He has released several successful singles and albums and is known for his unique blend of Afrobeat and rap.

 

The list goes on and on, there are many artists who are successfully doing either Afrobeat or rap music.

 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR RAP?

 

As I wrote earlier, rap is a vibrant and popular genre that continues to evolve and influence other forms of music. Rap music has a long history and has had a significant impact on popular culture around the world.

 

Many famous and successful rap artists continue to make music and tour, and new artists are constantly emerging on the scene.

 

Rap music has a devoted and passionate fan base, and it continues to be a popular and influential genre in the music industry.

An example of this is Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, popularly known as PsychoYP, a Nigerian alternative hip-hop rapper, singer, and songwriter who is a member of the music collective Apex Village. He broke into the music scene with a critically acclaimed mixtape YPSZN, which earned him a nomination at the SAMAs, and Headies for his second mixtape studio album YPSZN2. He has over 2 million streams on audio Mack alone. Dubbed the “The Fresh Prince of Nigerian Rap”, he is regarded as one of Nigeria’s rap music pioneers in the Alté music scene.

 

Shokoya Oluwasegunfunmi is another notable young, up-and-coming rap artist, popularly known as Davolee, who is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Since his debut in the Nigerian music scene, he has become a mainstay. His latest song “Earning wish” has over 23 million streams.

 

Although at the moment, Nigerian rap is not as popular or successful on the global stage as its Afrobeat counterpart, the genre is far from dead and is instead receiving new life from new, talented young artists who will keep the torch burning in the Nigerian music space for a long time to come.

Entertainment

BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape

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Eloswag, a former contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 7, has broken his silence following the release of his private video online.

The reality star reportedly uploaded a clip featuring himself and an unidentified woman on his Snapchat account at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday.

Though Eloswag swiftly deleted the video, it had already caught the attention of the internet.

The explicit content quickly gained traction after being reposted by the controversial gossip blog, Gistlover, sparking widespread conversations across social media platforms.

In response to the incident, Eloswag took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration and consider possible legal action.

In a now-deleted post, he wrote, “I mistakenly posted a video on my Snapchat by 3am and deleted it immediately, guess who has the video? GISTLOVER? How? Please, can I sue? Because it doesn’t make sense.”

READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa

The reality star’s reaction highlights the challenges celebrities face when intimate content finds its way online.

While some supporters have shown empathy, others have engaged in heated debates about the responsibility of public figures in handling their digital content.

Eloswag’s predicament places him alongside other Nigerian celebrities who have dealt with similar scandals, such as Moyo Lawal, Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, and James Brown, whose private videos have previously surfaced online.

Legal experts have weighed in on Eloswag’s potential case, noting that while pursuing legal action against individuals or platforms that share such content can be complex, it is not impossible.

The development has reignited discussions on digital privacy and the ethical responsibilities of content-sharing platforms.

As Eloswag’s fans and critics await further updates, the incident underscores the precarious nature of online privacy and the far-reaching consequences of a single momentary lapse.

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Entertainment

Nigerian Contender, Chidimma Adetshina Makes Top 2 On Miss Universe Hot Picks List

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Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has claimed the No. 2 spot on the Miss Universe Pre-Arrival Hot Picks, solidifying her position as a top contender in the upcoming November 16, 2024, pageant.

As excitement builds for Miss Universe 2024, Adetshina’s ranking has sparked national pride and optimism in Nigeria, with many hopeful she could secure the title.

READ ALSO: Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air CEO In N1.3bn Fraud Case

Adetshina arrived in Mexico last month to prepare for the competition and has since captured widespread attention.

However, her path to Miss Universe has been marked by challenges.

Initially competing as Miss Taraba in Miss Universe Nigeria, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following online backlash regarding her nationality and accusations of fraud by the South African Home Office.

This setback, however, did not deter her ambitions.

Her current standing as a top pick underscores her growing international recognition and support, positioning her as a formidable contender ahead of the competition.

Many have taken to social media to voice their support, with some declaring her Nigeria’s best chance yet to secure the Miss Universe crown.

 

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Entertainment

FULL LIST: Nigeria Ranks 5th Worldwide For Daily Social Media Usage

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Nigerians have been ranked among the top social media users globally, with 2024 data positioning the country fifth in the world for average daily time spent online.

According to figures from Cable.co.uk and We Are Social, shared by World of Statistics on X, Nigerians spend an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.

Leading the global list is Kenya, where users spend the most time on social media at 3 hours and 43 minutes daily. South Africa follows closely with 3 hours and 37 minutes, Brazil with 3 hours and 34 minutes, and the Philippines at 3 hours and 33 minutes.

READ MORE: Prayers Won’t Build Roads, Fund Children’s Education – Jesse Jagz To Nigerians

With an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes, Nigeria ranks just behind these top four countries in social media engagement.

Other nations with notable social media usage include Colombia at 3 hours and 22 minutes, Chile and Indonesia both at 3 hours and 11 minutes. Completing the top ten are Saudi Arabia and Argentina, with daily averages of 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 8 minutes, respectively.

By comparison, some countries report lower social media usage. Ghana averages 2 hours and 43 minutes, Egypt 2 hours and 41 minutes, and Thailand 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Among European countries, social media engagement is generally lower, with Portugal averaging 2 hours and 23 minutes, Romania 2 hours and 20 minutes, and Italy 2 hours and 17 minutes, highlighting significant regional variations in social media usage.

Full list:
Kenya – 03:43
South Africa – 03:37
Brazil – 03:34
Philippines – 03:33
Nigeria – 03:23
Colombia – 03:22
Chile – 03:11
Indonesia – 03:11
Saudi Arabia – 03:10
Argentina – 03:08
Mexico – 03:04
Malaysia – 02:48
Ghana – 02:43
Egypt – 02:41
Thailand – 02:30
Bulgaria – 02:26
Vietnam – 02:23
Portugal – 02:23
Romania – 02:20
Italy – 02:17

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