My Opinion on African music and culture

African music and culture have always held a special place in my heart. There’s something about the way our artists manage to keep their roots deeply embedded in Africa, even as they experiment with new sounds and styles. The beauty of African music lies not just in the rhythm and beats but in how it tells the story of our heritage, our traditions, and our identities.

Recently, I came across a song called “Ogechi” that completely blew me away. It wasn’t just the music that struck me, but the whole package—the clothing, the mixing of English with the native language, and let’s not forget the dancing! It was such a memorable performance. Everything about it screamed “Africa,” yet it also felt fresh, modern, and new. It's moments like these that remind me of how proud I am of our culture.

African music has evolved over the years, no doubt about that. We’ve seen new genres emerge, like Afrobeats, Gqom, and Amapiano, each bringing something different to the table. But what stands out to me is how, no matter how much our music evolves, our culture stays the same. Artists might adopt new styles or mix in global influences, but at the core, their music still feels deeply African.

I think of that saying, “You can take a man out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of him.” For me, it’s a metaphor for African artists and culture. No matter how successful they become, no matter how far they travel or how global their music becomes, they can’t get rid of their roots. It’s in their DNA, in every drumbeat, every lyric, and every dance move.

When I watched the “Ogechi” music video, I couldn’t stop thinking about how the artist balanced tradition and modernity so perfectly. The man’s clothing was traditional, representing his heritage, yet he wasn’t stuck in the past. The music mixed English with his native language, creating a bridge between cultures, making it accessible to a global audience without losing its authenticity. And let’s talk about the dancing—it was raw, passionate, and so deeply connected to our African spirit.

We need more of this. More artists who aren’t afraid to show where they come from. Who evolve and innovate, but never forget their origins. It’s the best of both worlds—being proud of our African identity while growing in ways that make our music and culture relevant to every generation.

The thing I love most about African music is that, even as it evolves, it never becomes unrecognizable. You can hear the drum beats that echo our ancestors, see the colorful clothing that reflects our tribes, and feel the energy in the dancing that is so uniquely African.

We evolve, sure. Every generation adds its own twist, its own flavor. But there’s always something that makes you go, “Yes, that’s Africa.” Whether it’s in the lyrics, the melodies, or even the visuals, African culture shines through. I believe that’s how we should all evolve as individuals too—grow, adapt, and achieve new heights, but never forget where we came from.

As I see more and more African artists gaining global recognition, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. Our music is taking over the world, but it’s doing so on our terms, with our stories, our languages, and our traditions front and center. There’s no watering down of culture here—just pure, unapologetic African excellence.

So here’s to more songs like “Ogechi,” more artists who aren’t afraid to embrace their roots, and more of us celebrating the beauty of African culture, whether it’s through music, art, or dance. We’re evolving, but the heart of Africa will always beat strong in everything we create. And that’s something worth celebrating.