Afrobeats has exploded from its roots in West Africa to become a global phenomenon, filling dance floors and playlists around the world. But as big as Afrobeats has become, it feels like it could grow even further—especially when it comes to storytelling and visual representation. And that's where Afrosurrealism might come into play.
Understanding Afrosurrealism
Afrosurrealism is an art movement that combines the real and the surreal to highlight the experiences of Black people. Unlike traditional surrealism, which often focuses on dreams and the subconscious, Afrosurrealismis grounded in everyday life. It shines a light on the strange and sometimes absurd aspects of these experiences. The term was made popular by writer D. Scot Miller in his "Afro-surreal Manifesto" describing it as a way to uncover hidden truths in Black culture. With mystical and metaphorical elements, Afrosurrealism tells stories that are both real and otherworldly.
The Current State of Afrobeats: Identity and Reality
Afrobeats artists have always explored themes of identity, culture, and reality in their music. The pioneer of Afrobeats, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, being a prime example, his songs often touched on personal experiences, societal issues, the complexities of African life and struggle for freedom.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find artists like Falz doing something similar. His track "This Is Nigeria," a powerful take on Childish Gambino's "This Is America," calls out corruption, religious hypocrisy, and other pressing issues in Nigeria. The song’s music video is just as impactful, giving a raw, unfiltered look at the Nigeria’s reality.
The Need for Enhanced Storytelling and Visuals
While we have some great examples, there’s room for more Afrobeats artists to take this approach. Music alone can be powerful, but visuals add a whole new dimension. A picture speaks a thousand words, a 3 min track speaks an average of 450 words. As visual beings; images resonate with us, they stay in our minds, and they can evoke emotions that words alone sometimes can't.
Through powerful visuals and storytelling, artists can immerse audiences in their world. It's about more than just feel-good beats; it's about sharing stories that shed light on real-life issues and help foster understanding across cultures. By blending Afrosurrealism into their music and visuals, Afrobeats artists can bring out the paradoxes of modern African life, challenge stereotypes, and invite listeners to think more deeply.
So, how can Afrobeats artists effectively blend Afrosurrealism into their music and visuals?
Bold Storytelling: Artists can create narratives that mix reality with surreal elements. This might mean weaving in folklore, myths, or fantastical scenes that represent real-world issues. It’s a way to make the stories both engaging and thought-provoking.
Innovative Music Videos: Visual representation is key. Music videos that utilize Afrosurrealistic techniques—such as symbolic imagery, unconventional settings, and dreamlike sequences—can enhance the song's message. These visuals push viewers to look beyond the surface and think more about the content.
Address Societal Issues: Artists have a platform, and they can make a difference by spotlighting important topics. By framing these issues with an Afrosurrealistic lens, they can reveal complexities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why Combine Afrosurrealism with Afrobeats?
Mixing Afrosurrealism with Afrobeats could add new layers of meaning to the music. It invites listeners to go beyond just enjoying the beats and engage with the messages on a deeper level. This fusion also helps break down stereotypes about African music and shows that African artists can create art that’s not only entertaining but thought-provoking.
The time could not be more ripe for Afrobeats artists to push the envelope. The world is watching, we have the stage and there's a hunger for authentic stories and fresh perspectives. By bringing Afrosurrealism into their work, Afrobeats artists have a chance to offer something unique—art that entertains, yes, but also enlightens. We need music that challenges us, that makes us reflect on our own realities and the realities of others. Afrobeats has the platform and influence to make that happen.
In embracing Afrosurrealism, we invite the world to see beyond the surface, to understand our realities, and to connect with us on a deeper level. It's time for Afrobeats to not only make us dance but also make us think, feel, and truly see.
