Afrobeats is vibrant music that draws on West African sounds with mixes from jazz, funk, hip-hop and dancehall. The genre is not to be confused with Nigeria’s late, Fela Kuti‘s Afrobeat, which was prevalent throughout the 1970s-80s. The Afrobeats that we know and love today did not shy away from Fela’s upbeat and lively essence.

The genre’s popularity has much to credit for its cultural influence within the diaspora – across the globe and online. African immigrant communities in London have helped to build the genre, which has encouraged American artists to collaborate with various Afrobeats artists. As for online, platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram and Twitter have made it easier to access content. All of these connections have aided in the widespread appreciation and interest in Afrobeats, especially within the United States.

Nigerian artist Wizkid was featured on Drake’s 2016 hit, “One Dance” which was a major move, helping to infiltrate American airwaves. The track topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. Drake is multifaceted and isn’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to his sound and cultural influence. The collaborations don’t stop there, Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift featured artists from the likes of Burna Boy, Tekno, Shatta Wale and Moonchild Senelly to name a few. Tyga is featured on Mr Eazi’s “Tony Montana,” an addictive Scarface inspired track and we can’t forget the Chris Brown and DaVido collab for “Blow My Mind.”

America is late to the Afrobeats party, but now that listeners have joined the wave, the sound is in high demand. Here are twenty Afrobeats artists that you should be listening to:

Nigeria

Burna Boy – African Giant

Fireboy DML – Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps

DaVido – A Good Time

Oxlade – Craze

Joeboy – Love & Light

Rema – Bad Commando

Teni – Billionaire

Mr Eazi – Life Is Eazi, Vol 2 – Lagos To London

Zlatan – Zanku

Yemi Alade – Woman Of Steel

Maleek Berry – Somebody Falling

Alpha P – King Of The Wolves

Reekado Banks – Rora (remix)

WurlD – I Love Girls With Trobul

Kizz Daniel – Jaho

Ghana

King Promise – As Promised

DarkoVibes – Come My Way

KiDi – Sugar

England/UK

Tiwa Savage – Owo Mi Da

Afro B – Afrowave 3