The albums that define
afrobeats.
Our picks for where to start with afrobeats — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top Afrobeats artists
Start with one of these.
The afrobeats essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Chris Brown
11:11
A vibrant blend of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B, pulsing with electronic rhythms and emotive vocal performances.
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Chris Brown
X
A slick blend of contemporary R&B and dance-pop infused with rhythmic Afrobeats and smooth hip-hop elements.
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Davido
5ive
An eclectic fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop that captures the vibrant pulse of contemporary African music.
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Davido
Timeless
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and pop, blending infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate love and resilience.
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D'banj
No Long Thing
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B, pulsing with infectious rhythms and catchy melodies that embody Nigerian urban culture.
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Tems
If Orange Was a Place
Ethereal melodies and lush instrumentation intertwine, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of modern Afrobeats.
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Simi
Simisola
'Simisola' encompasses a cohesive blend of Afrobeats and R&B, making it an ideal starting point for understanding Simi's musical identity. Its rich production and relatable themes will draw you in from the first listen.
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Simi
Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and R&B, layered with intimate storytelling and melodic hooks that resonate deeply.
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Tems
For Broken Ears
Tems weaves emotive vocals through lush Afrobeats, creating a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive.
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2Baba
Grass 2 Grace
'Grass 2 Grace' highlights key moments in 2Baba's career, balancing upbeat tracks with deeper themes that reflect his artistry. It's a cohesive representation of his style that invites listeners into his world.
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Headie One
Edna
A fusion of UK drill and Afrobeats, layered with introspective lyrics and vibrant production that transcends genre boundaries.
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Headie One
Music x Road
A dynamic blend of UK drill and Afrobeats that captures the pulse of urban life with sharp lyricism and infectious rhythms.
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Sarkodie
No Pressure
An invigorating blend of Afrobeats and hip-hop that radiates confidence and celebratory energy throughout its tracks.
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Dr Sid
Turning Point
A vibrant blend of infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves that captures the essence of contemporary Afrobeats.
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Runtown
Ghetto University
A vibrant blend of Afrobeats and contemporary pop, pulsating with infectious rhythms and smooth melodies that invite movement.
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AKA
MASS COUNTRY
A vibrant blend of Afrobeats and hip-hop, weaving personal stories with danceable rhythms and rich sonic textures.
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Joeboy
Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B that captures the essence of youthful romance and self-discovery.
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Odumodublvck
Eziokwu
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and drill, pulsating with rhythmic energy and sharp lyricism from Nigeria's urban landscape.
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Miri Ben-Ari
The Hip-Hop Violinist
Eclectic fusion of hip-hop beats and classical violin, creating a vibrant soundscape that bridges genres seamlessly.
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Tayc
Fleur froide
A vibrant fusion of Afrobeat rhythms and contemporary R&B melodies that encapsulate love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
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Tayc
Héritage
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Timaya
Gratitude
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9ice
Gongo Aso
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Joeboy
Body & Soul
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where Afrobeats landed in each era.