Afroswing

Afroswing is a musical genre that originated in the UK in the early 2010s. It is a fusion of Afrobeats and UK rap, incorporating elements of R&B, dancehall, and other genres. The genre has gained popularity in recent years and has been championed by artists such as J Hus, Kojo Funds, and NSG. The origins of Afroswing can be traced back to the emergence of UK rap in the 2000s. UK rap had a raw, gritty sound that drew heavily from US gangsta rap but also incorporated elements of UK garage, grime, and dubstep. The genre was mainly associated with urban areas such as London and Birmingham and was often criticized for its violent and drug-related themes. However, in the early 2010s, a new wave of UK rap artists began to emerge who were influenced by Afrobeats, a genre that had originated in West Africa and was characterized by its upbeat rhythms and Afrocentric lyrics. Artists such as Fuse ODG, WizKid, and Davido were gaining popularity in the UK and their music was increasingly being played in clubs and on radio stations. It was against this backdrop that Afroswing emerged. The genre was initially pioneered by artists such as J Hus, who blended Afrobeats rhythms with UK rap flows and Jamaican patois. J Hus's debut mixtape, The 15th Day, was released in 2015 and featured tracks such as "Lean & Bop," which became a viral hit on social media. Other artists soon followed in J Hus's footsteps, including Kojo Funds, Yxng Bane, and Not3s. These artists all shared a similar sound characterized by melodic Afrobeats-influenced production and smooth, sing-song rap vocals. The genre quickly gained a following among British youth, particularly those from African and Caribbean backgrounds. In 2017, the group NSG released their breakout hit "Yo Darlin'," which became a massive success and further popularized the Afroswing sound. The track featured an infectious hook, sung in a mix of English and Yoruba, and a catchy beat that combined Afrobeats rhythms with dancehall sounds. Afroswing has continued to evolve in recent years, with artists such as Headie One and Fredo incorporating more trap influences into their music. However, the genre remains rooted in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora and is often associated with a sense of cultural pride and celebration. Despite its popularity, Afroswing has faced criticism from some quarters for its perceived lack of lyrical depth and substance. However, supporters of the genre argue that its emphasis on melody and feel-good vibes offers a refreshing alternative to the more aggressive and nihilistic themes often found in conventional UK rap.

J Hus: Born and raised in East London, J Hus is credited as one of the pioneers of Afroswing. His unique blend of British hip hop and dancehall, infused with African rhythms, has earned him critical acclaim and a large following. His debut album ‘Common Sense’ was released in 2017 and was named one of the best albums of the year. NSG: A collective of seven musicians, NSG are a London-based group who have been making waves in the Afroswing scene since their breakout hit ‘Yo Darlin’ in 2017. Their unique sound combines influences from Afrobeats and UK rap, and they have collaborated with artists such as Geko and Tion Wayne. M Huncho: An enigmatic figure, M Huncho is known for his balaclava-wearing persona and atmospheric sound. His music blends Afroswing with trap and drill, creating a distinctively moody and introspective sound. He has released several mixtapes and gained a large following for his distinctive style. Not3s: Hailing from Hackney, Not3s is another prominent figure in the Afroswing scene. His music is known for its catchy hooks and upbeat production, and he has collaborated with artists such as AJ Tracey and MoStack. His breakout hit ‘Addison Lee’ became a viral sensation in 2017. Hardy Caprio: Another London-based artist, Hardy Caprio has been making waves in the UK rap and Afroswing scenes with his distinctive flow and introspective lyrics. He has collaborated with artists such as One Acen and Tion Wayne, and his debut album ‘Hardy Season’ was released in 2019. Kojo Funds: A singer and rapper from East London, Kojo Funds is known for his distinctive voice and blend of British and African influences. He has collaborated with artists such as Yxng Bane, Raye, and Abra Cadabra, and his breakout hit ‘Dun Talkin’ propelled him to fame in 2016. Darkoo: A Nigerian-born artist based in London, Darkoo has gained attention for her unique sound, which combines Afroswing with dancehall and pop. Her breakout hit ‘Gangsta’ became a viral sensation in 2019, and she has since released several successful singles. B Young: A singer and rapper from Hackney, B Young is known for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks. His breakout hit ‘Jumanji’ became a viral sensation in 2017, and he has since released several successful singles. Kida Kudz: Born in Nigeria and raised in London, Kida Kudz has made a name for himself in the Afroswing and Afrobeats scenes with his distinctive sound. His music combines Afroswing with elements of hip hop, creating a unique blend. He has collaborated with artists such as Wiley and Ms Banks. Yxng Bane: A singer and rapper from East London, Yxng Bane is known for his smooth vocals and blend of Afroswing and R&B. His breakout hit ‘Fine Wine’ became a viral sensation in 2016, and he has since released several successful singles and collaborations with artists such as D-Block Europe and Headie One.

1. "Keisha & Becky" by Tion Wayne and Russ Millions 2. "Options" by NSG ft. Tion Wayne 3. "Mad About Bars" by Headie One 4. "Buss Down" by Aitch ft. ZieZie 5. "Vibe" by Odeal 6. "Daily Duppy" by Abra Cadabra 7. "Motorola" by Da Beatfreakz ft. Swarmz, Deno & Dappy 8. "My Family" by D-Block Europe 9. "Wristbands" by Unknown T 10. "Thiago Silva" by Dave ft. AJ Tracey 11. "Bally" by Swarmz ft. Tion Wayne 12. "Robbery" by Abra Cadabra ft. Krept & Konan 13. "No Dinero" by M Huncho 14. "Mans Not Hot" by Big Shaq 15. "Gun Lean" by Russ 16. "Streatham" by Dave 17. "Options" Remix by NSG ft. Tion Wayne, Dutchavelli and Stormzy 18. "Ay Caramba" by Stay Flee Get Lizzy ft. Fredo, Young T & Bugsey 19. "Pumpy" by Da Beatfreakz ft. AJ & Deno, Cadet & Swarmz 20. "Pricey" by Abra Cadabra ft. Kush 21. "What a Night" by Nasty C 22. "Unforgettable" by French Montana ft. Swae Lee (Afro B Remix) 23. "Bank Account" by 21 Savage (Yxng Bane Remix) 24. "Energy" by Skepta ft. WizKid 25. "On Fire" by Kojey Radical ft. Michaela Coel & Arlo Parks

In his book, "Future Sounds: The Story of Electronic Music from Stockhausen to Skrillex," author Mark Brend writes, "Afroswing is a fusion genre emerging from the UK’s Afrobeats scene. With its combination of rap, Afrobeats and R&B, it’s a new and exciting sound that’s growing in popularity in the UK and abroad." In an interview with The Guardian, British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith said, "I love how [Afroswing] has a lot of African influence and the beats are very uptempo. It makes you want to move and dance." In a 2019 article for i-D, writer Firdous Ali said, "Afroswing is the place where African influence comes together with hip-hop beats to create a vibrant new field that champions diversity, youth, and freedom, and that is why it's so exciting." Hip-hop producer and DJ Kenny Beats said in a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, "Afroswing [...] is the wave now. [...] I've been trying to infuse it into a lot of the stuff that I've been working on, because I think it's just the freshest sound." In his book "Subcultures: Cultural Histories and Social Practice," author Ken Gelder writes, "Afroswing is a new and distinctive synthesis of Afrobeats and UK rap, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular new musical styles in the UK. Afroswing's distinctive sound is largely defined by its amalgamation of contemporary Afrobeats rhythms and melodies, with UK rap stylings and subject matter." After the release of his song "Location" featuring Burna Boy, British rapper Dave said in an interview with GQ, "Afroswing has had a crazy impact on our music scene. I can’t put my finger on why, but I just love the vibes. And I’d love to see more people jumping on it and experimenting with the sound." In an interview with Complex, British rapper AJ Tracey said, "Afroswing is a genre that’s here to stay. The fusion of Afrobeats sounds and hip-hop is something that’s resonating with the current generation of UK music fans, and has opened doors for a lot of artists, myself included." British R&B singer Mahalia said in an interview with Apple Music, "Afroswing is such a vibe [...] It's taking something that's so African, and mixing it with the UK sound, and I think that's what's so special about it." In a review of the Afroswing collective NSG's debut album "Roots," NME writer Luke Morgan Britton said, "a more organic approach to Afrobeats and dancehall [...] filters through all 17 tracks on offer, underlining the relaxed, laid-back mood of Afroswing jugular."

To understand the context in which Afroswing has developed, it is essential to consider three main factors: the social conditions that have influenced musical trends, the cultural heritage that has shaped artistic expressions, and the technological advancements that have transformed the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. One of the most significant social factors that have contributed to Afroswing's emergence is the increasing presence of Black artists and audiences in the UK music scene. Although Black musicians have been present in the British music industry since the 1950s, it was not until the 2000s that they gained mainstream visibility and recognition. This shift was fueled by the rise of genres such as grime and hip hop, which served as platforms for Black artists to tell their stories and assert their cultural identity. Another crucial social factor that has influenced Afroswing is the impact of migration and globalization. The UK has a long history of immigration from Africa and the Caribbean, and these communities have brought their musical and cultural practices with them. Afroswing draws inspiration from Afrobeat, highlife, dancehall, and other African and Caribbean genres, which have been reinterpreted and blended with UK urban sounds to create something new. In terms of cultural heritage, it is worth noting the role of Black diasporic experiences in shaping Afroswing's themes and aesthetics. The genre often explores issues of identity, belonging, and discrimination, as well as celebrating Black excellence and resilience. Afroswing artists use their music as a way to represent their communities and challenge dominant narratives about Blackness in the UK. Finally, technology has played a significant role in enabling Afroswing's emergence and popularization. The rise of social media and streaming platforms has made it easier for independent artists to distribute and promote their music, bypassing traditional gatekeepers such as record labels and radio stations. This has allowed Afroswing to flourish outside the mainstream and build a loyal following among younger audiences. Some notable record labels and figures that have contributed to Afroswing's development include Afro B's AfroWave label, which has been instrumental in promoting Afro-inspired sounds in the UK, and DJ Malvado, who is credited with creating the first Afroswing beat. Journalists such as Hattie Collins and Olivia Rose have also played a role in documenting and championing Afroswing through their writing and photography.