What comes to mind when you think of African music in the Diaspora? We immediately think of genres of music that originated in Africa that are created and experimented with by diasporan Africans. Some of these African genres include afrobeat, amapiano, afrobeats, highlife, juju, Congolese rumba, makossa, kizomba, and more.
Taking our exploration of diasporan African music further, these new genres of African music have been born from the influences of both home and abroad. Two such genres are African Lofi and Eko Electronic.
Eko Electronic
Started by Canadian-Nigerian DJ and music producer, Razaq El Toro, it is a blend of afrobeats and alternative electronic dance music. The fusion of indie dance, underground elements, and funk with all-round West African music is for people who are searching for something outside the norm.
Listen to Razaq EP titled “EKO ELECTRONIC IS A GENRE” to explore this style of music.
African Lofi
Lofi music has no agreed upon origin but no one can dispute the relaxing vibe this genre of music constitutes. Some describe it as ambient house music. The immaculate blend of rhythmic African sounds and chill lofi melodies produces African Lofi. You can find many artists and DJs across the internet with great productions.
One person worth checking out goes by the name ‘lofiafrobeats’ aka The Shaman on various platforms. He recently collaborated with music producer, L.Dre, on an African Lofi song called ‘Ma Sunshine.’
Are there other African music genres in the diaspora we should be listening to? We would love to know.
Ediri is a multidisciplinary creative who enjoys storytelling through various mediums. She is passionate about writing, photography, and music. When she’s not at school, you will find her creating content for her blog, dancing, or reading an African novel
