Afro-R&B Pop
tagStarted 2015Peak 2020-2025Last big hit still active
African pop melded with contemporary R&B: smoky, melismatic vocals, slow-rolling Afro grooves softened with lush keys and finger-snap percussion, and intimate, sensual songwriting. Tempos drop below club pace; the focus is on velvety toplines, alté cool and atmospheric, late-night production sitting between Lagos and Atlanta.
History
Rising from Nigeria's alté scene, Afro-R&B fused Afrobeats grooves with alt-R&B and soul. Tems' husky vocals defined the sound on Wizkid's 'Essence' (2021), a Hot 100 top-10, and her own 'Free Mind.' Artists like Ayra Starr, Oxlade and Amaarae carried the blend into global R&B-pop playlists.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Wikipedia: Alté
- GRAMMY.com: African Music Trends
- Billboard: Essence chart
- Rolling Stone: Best Afropop Songs