Afrobeat Makers: The Global Sound of Modern Afrobeat
Afrobeat Makers are a Nigerian production and artist collective pivotal in shaping the 21st-century Afrobeat landscape. Formed in Lagos, the group has achieved international chart success, with their 2021 album "Lagos to London" reaching the Top 40 in several European markets.
Early career
The collective's core members, producer Tunde Adebayo and multi-instrumentalist Chidi Okonkwo, began collaborating in 2012. Their early work involved crafting beats for local Lagosian hip-hop and highlife artists, developing a signature blend of traditional rhythms and digital production. Their first official release as Afrobeat Makers was the 2015 EP "Foundations," which caught the attention of the independent label Pan African Sounds.
Breakthrough
The collective's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the single "Sunrise," featuring vocalist Yemi Alade. Released via Pan African Sounds in partnership with Universal Music Group's Africa division, the track became a continental summer anthem. "Sunrise" charted in over 15 countries and was certified gold in South Africa and France, selling over 200,000 units combined.
Key tracks
Sunrise — This 2019 collaboration with Yemi Alade served as the group's international breakthrough, defining their polished, crossover-ready sound.
Lagos Groove — An instrumental track from their debut album that highlights their intricate, percussion-driven production style.
No Delay featuring Burna Boy — This 2022 collaboration connected them with a fellow Afrobeat giant, amplifying their profile globally.
Echoes — A deeper cut celebrated for its fusion of classic Fela Kuti-style horns with modern synth layers.
Together featuring Tiwa Savage — A charting single that demonstrated their hit-making prowess within the Nigerian pop mainstream.
Following their breakthrough, Afrobeat Makers focused on their 2021 full-length album "Lagos to London." The project featured a roster of guest artists from across the African diaspora and peaked at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart. Their work as producers expanded, with credits on tracks for Wizkid and Grammy-nominated British rapper Dave, solidifying their role as architects of the modern Afrobeat sound.
Listeners who enjoy Afrobeat Makers often explore similar artists featured on our platform. Discover Burna Boy for his politically charged lyrics and expansive sonic projects. The production style of Wizkid shares a similar focus on smooth, melodic Afro-fusion. For a different take on the genre, try Tiwa Savage and her blend of Afrobeat with R&B influences.
The music of Afrobeat Makers is a staple on contemporary African music radio stations and global online radio streams dedicated to world music. Their infectious rhythms and polished productions make them a frequent feature on playlists from independent music radio stations focusing on international sounds.
You can hear the vibrant music of Afrobeat Makers on radio stations featured right here. Explore and listen to their catalog through the various radio stations available on onairium.com.
