Today’s musical landscape is ablaze with new genres and influences merging to create a captivating and mesmerizing sonic experience. One of the most exciting fusions of recent times is that of Amapiano and Afrobeats, two genres that are very popular in urban Africa. This dynamic fusion takes the essential elements of the street genre called “Mara,” popularized by talents such as DJ YK Mule, to new heights.
The influence of Mara can be felt in recent projects such as Rema’s album “HEIS,” where tracks like “Ozeba” and “Azaman” capture the fast-paced energy of this urban musical style. In the song “Order,” Shallopopi adds her own twist by including Beninese Pidgin English slang, while Olamide delivers a confident verse that perfectly complements the song’s uptempo arrangement.
This year has been particularly fruitful for Shallopopi and Olamide, who have both released solo projects, as well as collaborated on several tracks. In January, Shallopopi unveiled his sophomore album titled “Shakespopi,” led by the hit single “ASAP.” For his part, Olamide released his tenth project titled “Ikigai,” on which he featured artists like Asake, Fireboy, Lil Kesh, Pheelz, and Young Jonn.
The year 2024 promises to be rich with new sounds and innovative collaborations, as visionary artists like Shallopopi and Olamide continue to push the boundaries of urban music. The fusion of Amapiano and Afrobeats promises to continue to amaze listeners around the world, while celebrating the diversity and creativity of the contemporary music landscape.