Seyi Vibez: King Of Underground Yoruba Afrobeat music

Afolabi Oluwaloseyi Balogun AKA Seyi Vibez is the king of underground Yoruba afrobeat music now gone mainstream. A couple of years ago, many doubted if Seyi vibez could match up to the popularity and talent of numerous mainstream artists. Today nobody dares question his undeniable talent. 

 

Currently, Seyi Vibez is the rave of the moment and it is no shocker that everybody wants a piece of him. 

 

His recent project “Billion dollar baby” is currently the top album in Nigeria at the moment. Garnering about 6.08M in streams. Some people find this quite surprising as over half of this project is in Yoruba. But we all know it takes a true master to have people from all over the world vibing to a song filled with lyrics they can’t properly pronounce or understand. 

 

Right now fans are ecstatic as the singer plans to host a concert in the UK this April. 

 

Another project of his that’s proven he is ‘that’ guy is his EP- Memory card which peaked at number 10 on the Apple Top 100 US Charts. 

 

Although Seyi may be all the hype right now the 32-year-old has had to deal with comparison with fellow Yoruba Afrobeat singer, Asake. But this is no surprise to anyone because Nigerians have shown over time that they cannot enjoy good music without sprinkling in a bit of comparison here and there. 

 

Some say the singer sounds just like Asake but Seyi Vibez has certainly proven that he is in a league of his own. He kick-started his music career in 2019 with the song, “Dia Fada”. 

 

 

As per tradition, there is always one song that contributed significantly to the rise of every underground artist to mainstream media. And for Seyi Vibez that song is God Sent, a single released in 2021. 

 

After then the singer has gone on to release numerous other songs like; Bad type, C-major, the 90s, etc. Some of his other albums besides the two already-breaking records are – NSNV, billion dollar baby 2.0, and Vibez Tracks. 

 

It would be fair to call Seyi the king of street music and as many Nigerians would say a win for his music is a win for the streets. 

 

It would be safe to say, so far the singer has had a good run in his career and we are sure there’s more to come. Seyi Vibez worked with other mainstream artists like Simi, Balloranking, Bella Smurda, and Ice Prince. 

 

Like many other musicians who were inspired to go into music by older musicians, Seyi Vibez was inspired by musical legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. 

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Apart from his music, the artist is currently chasing a Sociology degree from Lagos State University. Also worthy of mention is his hilarious and heartwarming banter with his fans on Twitter. 

 

The internet was recently astir as pictures of him with iconic singer WizKid found their way to the internet. Rumors have surfaced that both singers are going to drop a song together soon. However, there is no concrete evidence to back that claim. 

 

In the meantime, let’s talk a bit more about Afrobeats.

When trying to define afrobeat music, one quickly realizes that it’s not a genre with strict boundaries. Instead, afrobeat is a vibrant tapestry woven from various musical threads. Some argue that afrobeat evolved from highlife, a genre with deep roots in West Africa, particularly Ghana. Ghanaians often emphasize that highlife laid the groundwork for afrobeat, especially since famed musician Fela Kuti started with a highlife band before branching into what we now recognize as afrobeat.

Conversely, many Nigerians attribute afrobeat’s origins to their own cultural innovations, emphasizing the genre’s distinct rhythms, beats, and styles that set it apart. The influence of James Brown is undeniable, with many noting that afrobeat shares elements with funk, particularly in its energetic delivery and rhythmic patterns akin to Brown’s legendary style.

Therefore, rather than a single defining characteristic, afrobeat’s essence is its blend of high-energy funk, African rhythms, and diverse influences, resulting in a unique sound that feels both familiar and fresh. The debate about its precise origins continues, making it a living, evolving genre rather than a static definition.

Nigerian and Ghanaian Views on Afrobeat’s Origins

The origins of afrobeat are a delightful yet spirited topic of discussion between Nigerians and Ghanaians. Each side brings its cultural pride to the table, resulting in a lively debate.

The Nigerian Perspective

Nigerians often assert their contributions to the genre, suggesting that they played a significant role in shaping afrobeat. They may argue that their music scene’s vibrant energy and innovation laid the foundation for its development.

The Ghanaian Perspective

Conversely, Ghanaians typically highlight the influence of highlife music as a precursor to afrobeat. They emphasize the historical context by pointing out that Fela Kuti, the renowned pioneer of afrobeat, had a highlife band before evolving the sound into what became known as afrobeat.

The Debate

This difference in perspectives brings about passionate discussions on whether afrobeat was a natural evolution of highlife or a creative breakthrough by Nigerian artists. The debate is less about gaining consensus and more about celebrating cultural storytelling, with each nation cherishing its role in the rich tapestry of Afro music history.