It’s Friday night in Newark, and the bass is vibrating through the floor. But the sound pumping through the speakers isn’t the familiar 808 of trap or the lyrical flow of drill rap. It’s something smoother, more rhythmic, a sound that feels both new and ancient at the same time. It’s the sound of Afrobeats, and for Black Gen Z across New Jersey, it’s the undisputed soundtrack of our generation. From sold-out arenas for artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid to viral TikTok dance challenges, the rhythm of West Africa isn’t just a trend; it’s a cultural homecoming.

The Youth Perspective: More Than Just a Vibe 🎶

For us, Afrobeats is way more than just party music. It’s a connection. For generations, many African Americans have felt a sense of cultural disconnect from Africa, a void left by the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade. We were taught to identify as Black, but the direct lines to our specific ancestral homes were often blurred or broken. Afrobeats is helping to rebuild that bridge, one beat at a time.

When we hear the pidgin English in a Tems song or see the vibrant colors and patterns of Ankara fabric in a music video, it sparks a curiosity and a sense of pride. It’s a global movement, born from the rich musical traditions of Nigeria, that says our culture is beautiful, it’s powerful, and it deserves to be on the world stage. We’re not just passively listening; we’re actively participating. We’re learning the dances, trying the fashion, and exploring the food. It’s a full-on cultural immersion, and it feels like we’re finally getting to know a part of ourselves that was missing.

The Long & Short-Term Impact: A Global Connection

The immediate impact is clear: Afrobeats is dominating the culture. It’s the go-to genre for everything from backyard cookouts in Paterson to late-night drives down the Garden State Parkway. This musical dominance is fostering a sense of shared identity among Black youth, whether their family has been in America for centuries or they are first-generation Nigerian-Americans. The music provides a common language and a shared cultural touchstone.

The long-term impact is even more profound. This embrace of Afrobeats is part of a larger movement among Black American youth to connect with and celebrate our African heritage. It’s breaking down old stereotypes and building a new, more nuanced understanding of the continent. We’re seeing a surge in interest in African history, languages, and travel. This isn’t just about consuming culture; it’s about claiming it. By vibing to the Motherland’s beat, we are sending a powerful message that our roots are a source of strength and inspiration, creating a legacy of cultural pride that will resonate for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Afrobeats is a Global Force: Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have made this Nigerian-born genre a worldwide phenomenon.
• It’s a Cultural Bridge: For many Black American Gen Zers, Afrobeats is a powerful tool for reconnecting with African ancestral roots.
• More Than Music: The movement encompasses fashion, dance, food, and a broader celebration of African culture.
• Unity Through Rhythm: The genre is fostering a shared sense of identity and pride among Black youth across the diaspora.
• The Vibe is Here to Stay: This isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a fundamental shift in the cultural landscape, led by a generation eager to explore its heritage.

Next Steps

• Expand Your Playlist: If you’re only listening to the big names, dive deeper! Check out artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Asake to explore the full range of the genre. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have great curated Afrobeats playlists.
• Catch a Live Show: There’s nothing like experiencing the energy of Afrobeats live. Look out for concerts and festivals coming to New Jersey and the surrounding areas.
• Learn the Moves: Don’t just nod your head! Check out YouTube and TikTok for tutorials on popular Afrobeats dance moves like the “Zanku” or “Shaku Shaku.” It’s a fun way to connect with the music on a different level.
• Support African Creatives: Follow and support the fashion designers, visual artists, and creators who are part of the culture. Many have online shops or are active on social media.
• Start a Conversation: Talk to your friends and family about what the music means to you. Share songs, watch documentaries (like Burna Boy’s on YouTube), and explore the rich history behind the rhythm.

Your Afrobeat(s) Playlist

1. Today’s Top 10 Afrobeats Artists

This list reflects artists who are currently dominating charts, selling out international arenas, and pushing the genre’s boundaries as of late 2024 and into 2025.

1. Burna Boy – The self-proclaimed “African Giant,” his unique blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip-hop, combined with masterful stage presence, has made him a global stadium-level superstar.
2. Asake – Known for his infectious “crowd vocals” and fusion of Amapiano with Fuji-inspired melodies, Asake has had a meteoric rise, delivering an unprecedented string of back-to-back hits.
3. Rema – With a genre-bending style he calls “Afrorave,” Rema achieved monumental global success with “Calm Down,” becoming one of the faces of the genre for a new generation worldwide.
4. Davido – A king of consistency for over a decade, Davido’s knack for creating powerful, continent-sweeping anthems and his recent Grammy-nominated album Timeless have solidified his legendary status.
5. Tems – Her soul-stirring vocals and songwriting prowess have brought a new dimension to the scene. Her feature on “Essence” and her solo work have earned her global acclaim, including Grammy awards.
6. Wizkid – A pioneer of the modern global movement, Wizkid continues to be a major force. His smooth, star-powered sound has influenced a generation of artists.
7. Ayra Starr – The leading voice of the new-gen female artists, her confident delivery, sharp songwriting, and hits like “Rush” have made her a celestial talent and a global fashion icon.
8. Omah Lay – Known for his introspective lyrics and moody, melodic sound, Omah Lay has carved a unique and immensely popular niche within the genre.
9. Seyi Vibez – Championing a street-pop sound infused with indigenous and spiritual elements, his raw and authentic style has garnered a massive and loyal following, particularly in Nigeria.
10. Odumodublvck – Blending UK drill, highlife, and Nigerian pidgin with incredible energy, he represents a new wave of artists who have created a distinct, aggressive, and highly successful sub-genre.

2. Today’s Top 10 Afrobeats Songs

This list features tracks that have defined the soundscape of the past 12-18 months, dominating playlists, social media, and airwaves globally.

1. “Calm Down” – Rema & Selena Gomez – An undisputed global behemoth, this song shattered records, topped charts worldwide, and became one of the most successful African songs of all time.
2. “Unavailable” – Davido ft. Musa Keys – The lead single from the Timeless album, its infectious Amapiano rhythm and viral dance challenge made it the anthem of 2023/2024 across the continent.
3. “Lonely At The Top” – Asake – A reflective and massively popular track that showcased a different side of Asake, proving his versatility and dominating Nigerian charts for a record-breaking period.
4. “City Boys” – Burna Boy – A swaggering anthem built on a clever sample, this track became an instant hit, showcasing Burna Boy’s effortless charisma and command.
5. “Rush” – Ayra Starr – A confident and melodic hit that became a global viral sensation, cementing Ayra Starr’s position as a leading force in the genre.
6. “Me & U” – Tems – A soulful and visually stunning comeback single that was met with critical and commercial acclaim, reminding everyone of Tems’ unique artistic power.
7. “Soso” – Omah Lay – A hauntingly beautiful track that resonated deeply with listeners for its vulnerability and melodic depth, enjoying immense and sustained popularity.
8. “Buga (Lo Lo Lo)” – Kizz Daniel & Tekno – A simple, joyous, and incredibly effective song that sparked a viral dance craze across Africa and the diaspora, becoming a celebratory anthem for all ages.
9. “Elon Musk” – Shallipopi – Representing the rise of “street-pop,” this uniquely catchy and slang-filled track dominated social media and local charts, highlighting a new wave of sound.
10. “Who Is Your Guy? (Remix)” – Spyro ft. Tiwa Savage – An uplifting song about friendship that became an inescapable, feel-good hit across Nigeria and beyond.

3. Historical Top 10 Afrobeats Artists

This list honors the artists who either laid the groundwork for, pioneered, or defined the eras of the modern Afrobeats movement. Their influence is undeniable.

1. Fela Kuti – The creator of Afrobeat. While his genre is distinct, his musical philosophy, activism, and use of pidgin English created the cultural foundation upon which modern Afrobeats was built.
2. 2Baba (formerly 2face Idibia) – The crucial bridge between the old guard and the new school. His 2004 hit “African Queen” was a watershed moment, proving a contemporary Nigerian pop song could conquer the continent and beyond.
3. P-Square – The twin duo of Peter and Paul Okoye defined the 2000s and early 2010s with their high-energy performances, cinematic music videos, and a catalogue of pan-African mega-hits.
4. D’banj & Don Jazzy (as Mo’Hits) – Together, they injected an irresistible blend of swagger, showmanship, and infectious production into the scene. They were instrumental in taking the sound to the UK and US, culminating in the hit “Oliver Twist.”
5. Wizkid – From his 2011 debut, he set a new standard for what a young African artist could achieve. His collaborations with Drake and the success of “Ojuelegba” kicked the door open for the genre’s global explosion.
6. Davido – A relentless hitmaker since his arrival with “Dami Duro,” his influence lies in his consistency, pan-African collaborations, and bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora, particularly in the US.
7. Tiwa Savage – The undisputed “Queen of Afrobeats,” she broke down barriers for female artists in a male-dominated industry with exceptional talent, hard work, and a string of enduring hits.
8. Olamide – A titan of Nigerian music, he has remained relevant for over a decade by mastering street-pop and hip-hop. His label, YBNL, has been instrumental in launching the careers of modern stars like Asake and Fireboy DML.
9. Burna Boy – While also a current top artist, his journey and eventual global conquest are historic. His fusion of genres and unapologetic African identity redefined the ambitions of an Afrobeats artist.
10. King Sunny Adé – A master of Jùjú music, his intricate guitar work and international success in the 1980s proved that Nigerian music had a global audience, paving the way for future generations.

4. Historical Top 10 Afrobeats Songs

These are the timeless anthems and game-changing tracks that represent pivotal moments in the history and evolution of Afrobeats.

1. “African Queen” – 2Baba – The song that started it all for the modern era. Its simple, heartfelt message and acoustic feel made it a continental love anthem and a global breakthrough hit.
2. “Oliver Twist” – D’banj – A cultural phenomenon. This track’s success in the UK charts in 2012 was a landmark achievement, signaling the genre’s commercial viability in the West.
3. “Fall” – Davido – This song had incredible longevity and became one of the most-viewed Afrobeats music videos ever. It dominated the airwaves across Africa and the diaspora for years.
4. “Ojuelegba” – Wizkid – A cultural reset. This introspective, street-level track was a departure from the club bangers of the time. Its remix featuring Drake and Skepta was a critical turning point for the genre’s international acceptance.
5. “Ye” – Burna Boy – The spiritual anthem of Burna Boy’s ascent. The song’s serendipitous discovery by fans searching for Kanye West’s album of the same name introduced his profound talent to a massive new audience.
6. “Essence” – Wizkid ft. Tems – Dubbed the “song of the summer” in the US in 2021, its global chart success, Justin Bieber remix, and Grammy nomination marked a new peak for the genre’s mainstream penetration.
7. “Pana” – Tekno – For a period in 2016-2017, this song was the undisputed sound of the continent. Its simple, hypnotic beat and catchy melody defined the sound of that era.
8. “Chop My Money” – P-Square ft. Akon & May D – This track epitomized the high-flying ambition of the era, featuring a major US artist (Akon) and a lavish video that set a new standard for the industry.
9. “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” – CKay – A historic track that demonstrated the power of social media (TikTok). Its viral, genre-defying success across the globe created a new blueprint for how an Afrobeats song could achieve world domination.
10. “Water No Get Enemy” – Fela Kuti – An essential inclusion from the genre’s originator. This classic Afrobeat track showcases the irresistible groove and profound musicality that is the bedrock of all modern Nigerian popular music.