In recent years, we have seen a rise in African influence within the global cultural conversation. In the vast realm of music specifically, it is imperative to note the reign that African popular music has enjoyed within the sphere of culture. From such a juggernaut co-sign as Drake including Nigerian artist Wizkid on his song “One Dance”, to the most Shazamed song in the world being Jerusalema by South African artist Master KG featuring Singer Nomcebo, with the worldwide dance sensation to accompany it, it is undeniable that the African sound is in high-demand worldwide.

Through the lens of social media, the rise in the worldwide notoriety of African pop music may appear instantaneous; however, the climb has been a gradual one. One of the originating genres, Afrobeat became popularized across Africa between the late 1960s and early 1970s. The popularity was based on artists from West Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo gaining reference and influence from Jazz and Funk music. Their ability to combine these infectious sounds and create a unique blend that incorporates local languages and rhythmic familiarity allowed for early supporters of the music to feel heard and represented in these new liberties in post-colonial Africa. This growing appreciation allowed for global attention to be turned towards genres predating Afrobeat such as, Ghanaian Highlife, Congolese Ndombolo, and East African Chakacha.

As the African diaspora spread and the world demanded more of these sounds, artists such as Fela Kuti used this momentum to introduce Afrobeat to artists in the USA , Europe, and beyond. Fast forward to the early 2000s, as social media created a free-for-all platform: young people began to sample the formative melodies and rhythms from Afrobeat with popular Hip-hop, R&B and House beats to create a new blend that we find today called Afrobeats (not to be confused with Afrobeat—no s), which can also be referred to as Afro-pop or Afro-fusion. This synergy has created a strong connection between the diaspora and locals which has given global admiration to artists such as Grammy-nominated Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Mr. Eazi. The global appreciation is reciprocated, an example being when Burna Boy’s mother accepted his BET Award win on his behalf, giving a sincere and unapologetic speech dedicated to his diasporic fanbase, admonishing them to “please remember that you were Africans before you were anything else”, a statement which was received by the audience with a standing ovation.

This alignment has allowed for our modern and progressive society to now demand more authentic African representation in all facets of culture, fashion, and music working in tandem. It is quite a empowering moment when visuals for musicians correlate with their heritage, such as Nigerian Afrobeats artist Runtown creating a fictitious lookbook for his ‘Mad Over You’ music video (for which he partnered with stylist and designer Ifeanyi Nwune to showcase local artisans and prints), Tiwa Savage’s recent spread in The New York Times where she is featured wearing a Kenneth Ize Suit, and Sho Madjozi wearing her traditional Tsonga attire with Nike Airmax sneakers and bright athleisure staples.

From these examples, it is quite easy to draw parallels between the admiration for both the latest fashion and music coming out of the continent. Here is a curated list of new musical releases from some of Africa's notable artists across a variety of regions, paired with looks inspired by the mood each song expresses.

1

Mood: NEW BEGINNINGS

play: Woza by Sha Sha