Connect with us

Entertainment

Is Rap Really Dead?

Published

on

 

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

Olajumoke Onibread Accuses Ex-Husband Of Assault, Career Sabotage

Published

on

Model Olajumoke Orisaguna, popularly known as Olajumoke Onibread, has opened up about her traumatic experiences in her marriage, accusing her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna, of domestic violence and ruining her career.

In an interview with City FM, Olajumoke shared harrowing details of her past, highlighting the abuse she endured during her time in her ex-husband’s family home in Ire, Osun State.

“We stayed in my husband’s family house at Ire in Osun State, and there is no way you stay in such a place that you would not encounter problems,” she recounted.

Olajumoke revealed that her mother-in-law’s hostility exacerbated the situation, as her ex-husband often sided with his mother without hearing her perspective.

“He would not hear my own side of the story before beating me. Whenever I had a misunderstanding with his mother, he would beat me to the extent that my face and body would be swollen. Sometimes he would even use a belt,” she said.

READ MORE: N1.7trn Loan: Atiku Blames NASS For Worsening Nigeria’s Debt Burden

She further explained how she kept the abuse hidden to avoid upsetting her mother, who also lived nearby. Despite the hardships, Olajumoke continued to support the family financially, as her husband was unemployed.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in January 2016, Olajumoke described the day she decided to leave:
“We were frying akara for his dad’s remembrance when I had an issue with his elder sister. As usual, he beat me up, and I decided that I was going to leave, move to Lagos, and start working at the bakery because I had been there before.”

Three days later, she relocated to Lagos with her two children. According to Olajumoke, the separation led to further challenges as her ex-husband began tarnishing her reputation, contributing to her career’s decline.

“Everything started going down the drain after separation because he started spoiling my name. Since then, things started going down,” she lamented.

Olajumoke, who rose to fame in 2016 after a chance encounter during a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah and photographer TY Bello, is now using her platform to shed light on the struggles she endured.

The model’s story has reignited conversations about domestic abuse and the societal pressures faced by women in similar situations.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Fans Celebrate Davido As Nigerian Superstar Turns 32

Published

on

Nigerian music icon Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.

Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.

In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’

Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:

READ MORE: Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles

@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”

@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”

@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”

In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”

Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”

Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

JUST IN: Nigerian Beauty Queen, Chidimma Adetshina Quits Peageantry

Published

on

Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.

Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”

READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up

Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.

Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.

Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.

Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.

As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.