Are you a new listener of African music? If yes, it’s important to know that African music isn’t limited to Afrobeats and Amapiano; the continent has a lot of genres that are rich and deserve a place on your playlist. You might have come across some songs in these genres but may not know their specific name.
In this article we will explore some African music genres and recommend a song in each genre so you can listen and have a feel of what it sounds like. Let’s get into it:
1. Afrobeats
Afrobeats is one of Africa’s most popular contemporary music styles, with Nigerian and Ghanaian artists helping to take its sound to audiences around the world. It blends West African musical influences with elements of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and pop. Artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Ayra Starr have helped globalize Afrobeats.
Recommended song: “B4 B4” by Davido featuring Mayorkun and FOLA.
2. Afrobeat
People often confuse this with Afrobeat(s). Although the names sound similar, Afrobeat and Afrobeats are two different genres. Afrobeat emerged in Nigeria in the late 1960s and 1970s, pioneered by the legendary Fela Kuti alongside influential people such as drummer Tony Allen. The genre combines West African musical traditions with jazz, funk, and highlife, often featuring extended instrumental sections, powerful horns, layered percussion, and socially conscious lyrics.
Recommended song: “Na Dem” by Seun Kuti featuring Tom Morello
3. Amapiano
Amapiano is a South African music genre that has become a favorite among dance music lovers around the world. Emerging in South Africa in the early 2010s, Amapiano combines elements of house music, jazz, and soulful sounds with deep basslines and distinctive percussion. One of its signature features is the log drum, which gives many Amapiano tracks their bouncing rhythm. The genre has produced international stars and dance-floor favourites, with artists and producers such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, and Focalistic helping to expand its reach.
Recommended song: “Izospana” by Sam Deep
4. Highlife
Highlife is one of the foundational genres of West African pop music, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria. The genre developed through a blend of local musical traditions, guitar styles, brass-band music, and influences from other parts of the world. It is known for its bright guitar melodies, lively rhythms, and rich instrumental arrangements. Highlife became especially popular during the 20th century and influenced the development of other African genres, including Afrobeat and contemporary West African pop.
Recommended song: Levels by Flavour.
5. Fuji
If you’re interested in Nigerian music beyond Afrobeats, Fuji is a genre you should know. Fuji was developed in southwest Nigeria, drawing on Yoruba Muslim “were music” traditions and other percussion-based musical styles. It grew into a major popular genre through the work of musicians such as the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who helped define its sound and establish its identity. Artists such as K1 De Ultimate, Pasuma, and Saheed Osupa have continued to develop and popularize Fuji across different generations.
Recommended song: Fuji by Pasuma.
6. Bongo Flava
Bongo Flava emerged in Tanzania during the 1990s, drawing on hip-hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and local musical influences. The genre developed as Tanzanian musicians adapted global sounds to their experiences, often incorporating Swahili lyrics and local cultural references. Over the years, Bongo Flava has grown into a diverse music scene, with artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Ali Kiba, and Zuchu reaching audiences beyond Tanzania.
Recommended song: “BamBam” by D Voice ft. Zuchu
7. Gengetone
Gengetone is a contemporary Kenyan music genre that emerged in the late 2010s. Developing from Kenya’s genge and other urban music styles, Gengetone incorporates elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and electronic production. Its sound is often energetic, bass-heavy, and driven by punchy vocals. One of the genre’s defining features is its use of Sheng, an urban slang that blends Swahili, English, and other linguistic influences. Artists and groups such as Ethic Entertainment, Sailors, and Boondocks Gang helped popularize the genre.
Recommended song: Lamba Lolo by Ethic Entertainment.
8. Congolese Rumba
Congolese rumba originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. The genre is known for its melodic guitar lines, expressive vocals, and flowing rhythms. Many songs gradually build from gentle passages into lively, danceable sections. Franco Luambo and his band TPOK Jazz were among the genre’s most influential figures, while Tabu Ley Rochereau and Papa Wemba helped shape its evolution across generations. Congolese rumba has also influenced other African music styles, including soukous, which developed a more energetic, dance-oriented approach to Congolese pop music.
Recommended song: Mario by Franco Luambo.
9. Gqom
Amapiano isn’t the only dance genre from South Africa. Gqom offers a different, harder-edged sound. It developed in Durban during the early 2010s. It’s a form of electronic dance music characterized by heavy bass, sparse arrangements, repetitive percussion, and a raw, club-focused energy. Unlike Amapiano, which often features warm melodies and log drum, gqom frequently relies on stripped-back production and intense rhythmic patterns. DJ Lag is one of the artists who helped introduce the genre to international audiences.
Recommended song: “Ice Drop” by DJ Lag
10. Mbalax
Mbalax is one of Senegal’s most popular music genres. It developed through a combination of Senegalese musical traditions, particularly sabar drumming, and influences from jazz, funk, Afro-Cuban music, and international pop. Youssou N’Dour is the genre’s most internationally recognized ambassador. Mbalax can take a little time to appreciate if you’re unfamiliar with its rhythms. The interplay between the drums and vocals creates a sound that feels different from many of the African pop styles you might already know.
Recommended song: BAOL by Bass Thioung featuring Nafi and Alassane.
African music genres are still more than what we listed above. There’s Kuduro, Zilin, Chimurenga, Taarab, Gnawa, Majika, Benga, and Kizomba, just to mention a few. We hope this article encourages you to look beyond Afrobeats and Amapiano and discover other African music genres.
