Are Afrobeats Albums Loosing Their Quality?

In recent years, the global music landscape has witnessed what seems to be the sudden rise of Afrobeats, a genre that blends elements of West African musical styles with contemporary rhythms. With this surge in popularity, questions have recently arisen regarding the quality of Afrobeats albums. This analysis aims to establish the standard for Afrobeats albums before getting into the debate of whether they are losing their quality.

To evaluate the quality of Afrobeats albums, it’s important to establish a set of criteria that reflect the essence and expectations of the genre.

1. Musical Diversity and Innovation: Afrobeats albums are expected to display a diverse range of rhythms, melodies, and influences, showing Africa’s rich musical influences while also including innovative elements to keep the genre fresh and dynamic.
2. Lyrical Content and Message: Meaningful lyrics that resonate with listeners and convey relevant messages about love, hustle, social issues, culture, personal experiences or what has come to be known as “Lamba” are fundamental in Afrobeats albums. The lyrics should be well-crafted, engaging, and capable of connecting with audiences on a deep level.
3. Production Quality: High production standards are essential in Afrobeats albums, encompassing elements such as sound engineering, mixing, and mastering. The production should enhance the overall listening experience, ensuring that each track is sonically pleasing and well-balanced.
4. Cultural Authenticity: Authenticity is a hallmark of Afrobeats music, with artistes expected to stay true to their roots while also embracing modern influences. Albums should reflect the cultural richness and diversity of Africa, incorporating traditional instruments, languages, and musical styles in a genuine and respectful manner.

Now that the criteria for assessing Afrobeats albums has been established, let’s consider whether they are losing their quality.

While some argue that the mainstream success of Afrobeats has led to a homogenization of sound, with many artistes replicating similar formulas for commercial success, there are still notable examples of albums that push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold and a few others continue to innovate within the genre in the current decade, incorporating elements of hip-hop, dancehall, and electronic music to create fresh and exciting sounds.

The lyrical content of Afrobeats albums remains diverse, with artistes addressing a wide range of themes from romance and partying to social justice and political commentary. While there may be instances of generic or repetitive lyrics, there are also albums that stand out for their poignant storytelling and thought-provoking messages like Black Sherif’s debut ‘The Villian I Never Was,’ demonstrating that quality lyricism is still prevalent in the genre.

With advancements in technology and access to professional recording equipment, the production quality of Afrobeats albums has generally improved over time. Wizkid’s magnum opus, ‘Made In Lagos,’ has been heralded as one of the sonically pleasing projects ever released in this new decade. However, there may still be instances of poorly produced albums, particularly from emerging artists or those with limited resources. Overall, the standard for production in Afrobeats remains high, with many albums boasting polished and immersive soundscapes.

As Afrobeats continues to gain international acclaim, there is a risk of diluting its cultural authenticity in pursuit of commercial success. However, many artistes remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving African culture and heritage through their music. An artiste like Seyi Vibez always makes sure his album songs pay homage to some of the authentic African music genres like Fuji Music and Highlife. Albums that embrace traditional rhythms, languages, and storytelling techniques serve as a reminder of the genre’s roots and ensure that it remains connected to its cultural origins.

Conclusively, while there may be instances of Afrobeats albums that fall short of expectations, the overall quality of the genre remains robust. By closely following the established criteria of musical diversity, lyrical depth, production excellence, and cultural authenticity, many artistes continue to release albums that captivate audiences both locally and globally. Rather than a decline in quality, what we are witnessing is a natural evolution of Afrobeats music, with artistes navigating the balance between tradition and innovation to push the genre forward while staying true to its essence.