Afrobeat – by Henry Adesanya
Afrobeat is a music style that is made of West African musical styles and American funk and jazz influences. There is a focus on chanted vocals, difficult rhythms, and percussion.
The style was formed in the 1960s by Nigerian bandleader Fela Kuti, who is responsible for leading and popularizing the style both within and outside Nigeria.
Here is a song so you can have a listen:
This is another example of an Afro-beat song.
Instrumentation
Marimba
Conga
Synth
Snare
Classic Electric Keyboard/Piano
Bells
Boutique 78 GB Kick
Claps With Hi-Hats
Big bands
In big bands you might see:
- Lead vocals
- Chorus vocals
- Rhythm guitar
- Bass guitar
- Drums
- Saxophone(s)
- Trumpet(s)
- Trombone(s)
- Organ/keyboards
- Sticks/claves
- Shekere
Melody
Like in jazz you have repeated melodies. There is a lot of improvising in afrobeat. The melodies are often repeated. The vocals sing the melodies and are supported by backing vocals
Check out this Ghanian singer
Rhythm
In afrobeat there are crossrhythms and poly rhythms. The rhythms are complex and difficult to play.
Harmony
They use jazzy chords in Afrobeat. They use major/minor chords and seventh chords. These are often played on organs and guitars.
Music technology in afrobeat
Music technology in afrobeat is used to record live bands. Guitar wah -wah pedals are often used.
Synthesisers are often used in afrobeat which is music technology.
Sources of information
wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrobeat
Youtube research – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=afrobeat
Internet – https://www.theguardian.com/music/fela-kuti
This is how i built the piece.
First i had a marimba idea
I used the marimba because it is an african instrument.
These are my marimba chords
I used these after trying stuff out beacuse they sound good/
This is my bass part.
Then i added the drums.
Then i added the synth melody which really cuts through.
This is my Afro-beat song.
I used a Marimba to give it that Afro-swing upbeat to make people vibe with the song as well as the beat which was a hip hop type. I also added a bit of tremolo to the marimba and synth/reverb to make it more funky and make people enjoy it more, so it wont be plain.
Unit 2 review
I am pleased with my piece. I think it sounds good. I like the instruments i used. I like the way it is balanced. I am pleased with the drums. I think it is a bit repeating at times. I think i could of added a new part or section to make it more interesting. The piece meets the brief because it has 4 instrments and some audio claps. it is also 2:48 so the right time.