Jazz Odyssey—Nigerian Independence Day Afrobeats Tribute

Did you know that Afrobeats music has a nearly 100-year history? The genre stems from a 1920s sound called highlife, which was a mixture of West African music with American Jazz, and Caribbean Calypso. The Afrobeats sound we know today was made popular by the Legendary Nigerian musicians Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, and their Africa 70s band. 50 years later their innovative sound of the 70s has infiltrated the mainstream of the modern music industry and Afrobeat artists and influence can be heard on radio stations across the world.

To celebrate Nigerian Independence Day, Thursday Night Jazz Odyssey host and proud Nigerian-American Dele Johnson is presenting a special Afrobeats Tribute Show featuring classics from Fela’s Africa 70 and Egypt 80 bands, and modern superstars like Burna Boy, WizKid, and Yemi Alade. While splashing in some examples of how Afrobeats has influenced artists throughout Europe, and North and South America.

Stop by for a quick lesson on Afrobeats, and stick around for two hours of vibrant, thought-provoking, and hip-shaking music on the Jazz Odyssey, Thursday, September 30 at 10 pm.

Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community’s activities: Sign up for the station’s Oasis Online E-newsletter today!