Music, like life, is always subject to change and evolution. Over the years, music has worn different faces and continues to be peculiar to time, as it is to cultures and social realities of the world. And the same has been the case for Gospel music.
As time has passed, faith-based music has worn several sonic and cultural forms. Even what is defined as gospel music has evolved into housing songs with certain melodies and rhythms that feel inspirational, as opposed to exclusively being music about God and a higher being.
Today, we have Gospel fusions with Afropop, rock and even R&B. This list will introduce you to five Gospel afro-R&B gems, first out of Africa, and then to other parts of the globe.
Dive – Marizu
Son of popular Nigerian legendary musician and songwriter Buchi, Marizu’s obvious superpower is songwriting. In Dive, he paints a picture of relationship with God in light of love. The writer expresses obsession over a new energy he has witnessed and how he plans to further bask in it.
Joy To The World – Annatoria
With assistance from the delectable David Dvnks, Annatoria delivers this yuletide anthem that infuses RnB, afrobeats and gospel in a seamless symphony. Annatoria would be a good name to check out on DSPs for more gospel fusions like the aforementioned.
My Time – Limoblaze
Off his “Young & Chosen” album, My Time slows the listener down in an unnecessarily allegro vivace world. Laced with afropop and heavy on the synths, the song gets your head to bop to its rhythm, while the chords draw you closer to themselves, as in a hug.
All in All – CalledOut Music
As is typical with CalledOut, this song sways the listener, employing nostalgia and RnB flow. All in All is the artist’s praise to his higher power, even as a lover.
Freedom – Justin Beiber
Off his 2021 Freedom EP, this record features BEAM who brings on afrobeats and patwah flavours, sonically blending with Justin’s R&B energy. It talks about freedom from religious and cultural methods, and a pure, genuine relationship with God.
These songs make afrobeats sound like it was made for R&B. The rhythm, the blues, the afro – all centered around a faith message.
Itty can be caught studying African pop culture, writing about it or hosting a relationship podcast. When he's not doing any of these, then he's definitely at a bar, getting mocktail.
