Afrobeats has been the global rave since the mid-2010s, soundtracking a new era of African music global dominance. From Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” and Burna Boy’s “Ye” to Davido’s “Fall”, the genre’s infectious rhythms and pan-African energy reshaped global pop. Then came Amapiano. Born in South Africa’s townships and exported to the world in the 2020s through hits like “Sponono” (Kabza De Small, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, Madumane) and “Tshwala Bam” (Toss, Tyler ICU, Nandipha808). With its hypnotic log drums, soulful synths, and dance-floor pull, Amapiano became the soundtrack of a generation ready to move.

Some might argue it’s too early for a new sound to emerge, yet the African continent has always been a melting pot of evolving rhythms like Arbantone from Kenya or Altè in East Africa. Across studios and dance floors, new hybrids are already forming. Could it be Afro Rave, Arewa sound, or a refined Afro House/Afro tech?

Afro Rave, a name credited to Nigerian artist Rema, blends Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences in tracks like “Calm Down” and “Charm.” The term also doubles as a lifestyle, representing high-energy, cross-cultural expression in both music, parties, and other live events.

Meanwhile, Arewa Sound, a broad label for the rising Northern Nigerian music movement, is finding its footing. Artists like B.O.C Madaki and Di’Ja fuse Hausa lyrics with contemporary pop, hip-hop, and dance elements, carving out a distinct identity from mainstream Afrobeats.

Then there’s Afro House and Afro tech, two genres gaining renewed momentum through acts like Black Coffee, Da Capo, Shimza, and Moonchild Sanelly. With electronic textures, deep percussion, and ancestral roots, these sounds are redefining what it means to “dance African.”

So, as Afrobeats continues to dominate and Amapiano still shakes speakers worldwide, the question remains: what will be Africa’s next global sound?

Your guess is as good as ours. Let’s watch and see!

Yes! Afrobeats, Amapiano, and ... what is the next global sound evolving from Africa?

Afrobeats, Amapiano… and What Next?

Yes! Afrobeats, Amapiano, and ... what is the next global sound evolving from Africa?

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