As General Manager (Radio Services) of RJRGleaner groups in 2016, I witnessed first hand the initial scepticism surrounding the introduction of increased rotation of Afrobeats on Jamaican radio stations.
While dancehall and hip-hop were the dominant genres, my vision saw the potential for Afrobeats to resonate with listeners. Despite initial concerns, I strategically included more Afrobeats in our stations' rotations. Afrobeats is now firmly entrenched in the Jamaican music scene.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that Afrobeats' presence in Jamaica extends far beyond 2016. While it hadn't taken deep root yet, early "entrants" to the Jamaican soundscape had already begun paving the way for the genre's future success.
African Queeen - 2 Face Idibia
Released in 2004, he became surprisingly popular in Jamaica, even leading some music fans to believe he was Jamaican. While the song's origins lie in Nigeria and served as 2face's breakout hit after leaving the Plantashun Boiz, it resonated with Jamaican audiences for several reasons:
The song's vibrant rhythm, passionate vocals, and relatable lyrics about love and appreciation for a strong woman resonated with listeners across cultures.
Being featured in the Hollywood movie "Phat Girlz" in 2006 exposed "African Queen" to a wider global audience, including Jamaica.
Jamaican dancehall and Afrobeats share influences from genres like R&B and reggae, creating a certain familiarity for Jamaican listeners.
Adding to the song's popularity, 2 Face even performed in Jamaica on the island at the height of the song's fame. This live experience likely solidified his connection with Jamaican fans and further cemented the song's cultural impact.
Personally P Square
P-Square, the Nigerian twin duo, is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of Afrobeats. Their music played a crucial role in popularizing the genre in Africa and internationally.
The song "Personally," released in 2003, exemplifies the early evolution of Afrobeats. This period saw the genre influenced by various musical styles, including hip-hop and R&B. The music video also reflects this influence, featuring elements reminiscent of Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves. This blend of influences helped create a unique and catchy sound that resonated with audiences across continents.
Interestingly, "Personally" gained airplay in Jamaica, even though most fans were unaware of its Nigerian origin. This is a testament to the song's infectious energy and ability to transcend cultural boundaries. It showcases the early, organic spread of Afrobeats, where listeners enjoyed the music without necessarily knowing its specific roots.
Patoranking Ft Wande Coal - My Woman
Patoranking, a popular Nigerian artist, is known for his unique blend of dancehall and Afrobeats. Patoranking's dancehall-infused Afrobeats tracks, particularly songs like "Girlie O" (featuring Tiwa Savage) and "Abule," gained significant traction in Nigeria.
While his music leans more towards dancehall influences, with catchy rhythms and deejaying elements, it still falls under the umbrella of Afrobeats due to its overall vibe and roots in African music.
My "Woman" was so popular in the Caribbean that the remix featured Nigerian Wade Coal Jamaicna Busy Signal and Machel Montano of Trinidad and Tobago.
The success of "My Woman" in Jamaica can be considered a significant factor in fans becoming more accepting of African music in general and Afrobeats in particular. It bridged the gap between the familiar sounds of dancehall and the new wave of Afrobeats, making the genre more accessible and enjoyable for a Jamaican audience.
Mad Over You - Runtown
Nigerian singer Runtown's song "Mad Over You" gained immense popularity in Jamaica upon its release in 2017. The infectious Afrobeats rhythm and catchy lyrics resonated with Jamaican audiences, propelling the song to the top of the charts.
This success further fueled the growing popularity of Afrobeats in Jamaica. Local dancehall artist Ding Dong, known for his energetic performances and catchy one-liners, recognized the song's potential and created a dancehall remix in 2018. This remake, incorporating Jamaican dancehall style elements while retaining the original song's core, further solidified "Mad Over You" as a cultural phenomenon in the island nation.
Ding Dong's "Mad Over You" remake became a major hit, topping local charts and gaining international recognition. It showcased the increasing influence of Afrobeats on Jamaican music and culture, marking a significant moment in the genre's growing popularity within the Caribbean.
Fall - Davido
While P-Square and others paved the way, Davido's "Fall," released in 2017, is widely considered a pivotal moment for Afrobeats' acceptance in Jamaica. The song dominated Jamaican airwaves, becoming a staple in the party scene. This widespread popularity is often seen as the zenith of Afrobeat's acceptance in the island nation.
Interestingly, Davido's musical journey has a Jamaican connection. He reportedly credited his university roommate in the US, who was Jamaican, for sparking his interest in music. This exposure to Jamaican music culture likely influenced his artistic development.
Davido's "Fall" stands as a symbol of one of the moments Afrobeats truly captured the hearts and minds of the Jamaican people. It represented the culmination of years of groundwork by various artists, cultural connections, and shared musical enjoyment.
Drogba (Joanna) - Afro B
Following the immense success of Davido's "Fall" in Jamaica, another Afrobeats song, "Drogba (Joanna)" by Afro B, achieved similar popularity, solidifying the genre's presence in the island nation.
Similarities to "Fall":
Catchy Melody and Production: Both "Drogba (Joanna)" and "Fall" share infectious energy, captivating rhythms, and memorable hooks that resonated with Jamaican audiences.
Similar to "Fall," "Drogba (Joanna)" sparked a dance craze, further propelling its popularity and making it a staple in Jamaican parties.
Yeza, an up-and-coming Jamaican artist, further amplified the song's impact, creating a remake titled "Give It To Dem." This tribute by a well-respected local artist showcased the widespread acceptance of "Drogba (Joanna)" within the Jamaican music scene.
Afro-B is often categorized as an Afrowave artist, a subgenre of Afrobeats that incorporates influences from other genres like electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop. This distinction highlights the diverse sounds and influences within the broader Afrobeats movement.
The success of "Drogba (Joanna)" in Jamaica, alongside Yeza's remake, further cemented Afrobeats' foothold in the island nation. It demonstrates the genre's ability to transcend borders and connect with audiences through its infectious energy and cultural bridges, even with variations within the Afrobeats umbrella like Afrowave.
Following the groundbreaking success of Davido and Afro B, other Afrobeats giants like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Mr Eazi and Stonebwoy further solidified the genre's presence in Jamaica. Their unique styles and collaborations with prominent Jamaican artists like Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Chronixx, Popcaaan and Junior Gong cemented Afrobeats' position as a mainstay in the island's vibrant music scene.
Burna Boy's high-energy performances and genre-bending sound, evident in hits like "Anybody" and "Ye Ye ," resonated deeply with Jamaican audiences. Wizkid's smooth vocals and collaborations with Jamaican artists, like "Blessed" with Damian Marley, showcased the seamless blend of Afrobeats and dancehall styles. Stonebwoy's infectious energy and Ghanaian dancehall roots found common ground with Jamaican audiences, evident in his collaborations with Beenie Man like "Shuga."
These collaborations transcended geographical boundaries, operating in what I call the borderless creative cauldrons, creating a unique fusion of Afrobeats and Jamaican music that captivated audiences worldwide.
They not only solidified the popularity of afrobeats in Jamaica but also highlighted the power of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration in shaping the global music landscape.
Afrobeats' journey in Jamaica, from the early days of P-Square to the recent success stories of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Stonebwoy, is a testament to the genre's global appeal and its ability to connect with diverse audiences.
It also highlights the power of the Creative Echo Chamber in producing Afro-centered cultural production at the centre of global music production and expression. The ongoing exchange and collaboration between Afrobeats and Jamaican music continues to enrich and shape both cultures, leaving an undeniable mark on the international music scene.