Fela Kuti the revolutionary music legend who cofounded the Afrobeat genre is no stranger to giving out “aspire to inspire to acquire your musical desire before you expire” in large folds. So many artists all over the world have sampled Fela’s revolutionary afrobeat music, locally and internationally; most notably Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Beyoncé, Common, amongst many others.
As it’s widely said, “music is a universal language” and there’s absolutely no barrier to enjoying good music even if the music is sung in a foreign language; whenever the gbedu enter body you just need feel am or make you dance.
Fela’s afrobeat has traveled far and wide throughout the world, even to corners of the world where Yoruba, Pidgin English and English language are relatively alien, and it has inspired so many people to make music; either by sampling or making Afrobeat music. In South America, a continent with diverse cultures and traditions, diverse languages and dialects, Fela’s afrobeat found a place to call home.
A couple of bands and artistes have sprung up over time, out of love and admiration for Fela’s work, to play and perform Afrobeat. Though unique on its own, it’s certainly one to enjoy. Afrobeat in South America is something to adore and enjoy because there’s often an element of Latino influence in some of their afrobeat songs, which makes them unique.
Here’s a list of some of the Afrobeat bands rocking South America;
Abayomy Afrobeat Orquestra
The band met through something you might call coincidence. They met out of love. The band was formed in 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by a group of about 12 to 13 musicians that met at the inaugural Fela Day in Rio de Janeiro, a yearly event, organised to honour Fela. Their name “Abayomy’ which means “meeting by chance” is a testament to their meeting. Abayomy mixes afrobeat with local Brazillian folk rhythms and funk, and a bit of jazz. They sing primarily in Portuguese, with a little blend of Yourba. Tony Allen worked with Abayomy and BNegao on the Afrobeat rework of the song “Meus Filhos.”
In 2012 Abayomy released a self-titled, debut album, Abayomy. In 2016, they released their second album, Abra Sua Cabeça.
Newen Afrobeat
Newen Afrobeat was founded in 2010 in Chile. Newen Afrobeat songs are heavily inspired by Fela’s songs. They often revisit some of Fela’s work, remaking them—and naming some of their songs after Fela’s songs. Newen means “strength.” They are the first Afrobeat band in Chile. Newen Afrobeat makes Afrobeat with a fusion of their aboriginal root and they sing in Spanish. They worked with Seun Kuti on the remake of Fela’s Opposite People. In 2013, they released their self-titled, debut album, Newen Afrobeat. They have three albums under their belt; Newen Afrobeat, 2013; Newen plays Fela, 2017; and their third album, Curiche, released in 2019.
Tragavenao Afrobeat Orquesta
Tragavenao Afrobeat Orquesta, is a Venezuelan band formed in 2010, that plays Afrobeat with a blend of Funk, Jazz and some native Venezuelan vibes. They often revisit and remake some of Fela’s works. They are the first Afrobeat band in Venezuela. In 2014, the released their first album titled Tragavenao Afrobeat Orquesta.
LA BOA (BOGOTÁ ORQUESTA AFROBEAT)
LA BOA is a Columbian band that plays Afrobeat with a blend of percussion, brass, jazz combo and salsa. LA BOA sings in Spanish. In 2015, they released their first album titled Animal.
The world is a “Global Village.” This term is not limited to just technology or fostering peace among nations, it also includes the exchange of culture and traditions amongst communities/ nations. South Americans playing afrobeat might be a surprise to many, but it’s a testament to the term that the world is a global village; there’s a free flow of exchange of culture and tradition between different communities around the world. Fela didn’t just make rebel music to fight the Nigerian Military Government, he made music that has inspired a whole new generation of artists—not just in Nigeria or Africa—but around the world. While you might be wondering, “what does South American Afrobeat sound like?”, it’s total bliss that’s easy on the ears. Listen to it with an open mind.