Afrobeat

noun

Af·​ro·​beat ˈa-frō-ˌbēt 

: urban popular music originating in Nigeria in the late 1960s that emphasizes percussion rhythms and features elements of jazz and funk and lyrics which are often strongly political

Examples of Afrobeat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This July, Davido’s performing at Essence Festival of Culture 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, which is a major milestone achievement for any artist, but especially for someone who basically bet his entire future on Afrobeats. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 June 2025

Fusing traditional styles such as bomba, plena and salsa with cumbia and Afrobeat, Swingkete is an album that easily cements Alicea’s role as a leading force among the new generation of salsa hitmakers. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 June 2025

Nearby music venue Soul Mama serves up jerk chicken and Trini Doubles from noon—and live Motown, reggae, and Afrobeats in the evenings. —Emma John, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025

Founded by Jonathan Blanchard, JB’s Record Lounge offers a deep collection of jazz, soul, Afrobeat, and rare finds—plus turntables and gear for budding collectors. —Okla Jones, Essence, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

afro- + beat entry 2

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Afrobeat

• bittersweet
• celestite
• incomplete
• indiscreet
• marguerite
• obsolete
• overeat
• overheat
• parakeet
• stillingfleet
• superheat
• amit