Afro B celebrates his Ivorian roots on 'Mapouka'
In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with British Afrobeats superstar Afro B. He is the brains behind the smash hit "Drogba (Joanna)", one of first Afrobeats songs to br
In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with British Afrobeats superstar Afro B. He is the brains behind the smash hit "Dr
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
Afro B's embrace of the Mapouka rhythm on his latest work isn't just a musical choice—it's a cultural statement that underscores the rising influence of Ivorian rhythms in the global Afrobeats movement. By elevating this traditional dance style, he bridges generational and regional divides, proving that authenticity can be a powerful tool for cross-border musical collaboration.
Background Context
The Mapouka rhythm, rooted in southern Côte d'Ivoire, has long been a staple of Ivorian musical heritage but remained largely confined to local celebrations. Its integration into mainstream Afrobeats signals a shift toward celebrating Africa's diverse rhythmic traditions rather than homogenizing sounds under a single dominant style.
What Happens Next
If Afro B's track gains traction, it could inspire other artists to revisit and reinterpret regional African rhythms, potentially creating a domino effect across the continent. Meanwhile, the evolution of Afrobeats may force industry gatekeepers to reconsider how they classify and market "African" music beyond the current West African-centric lens.
Bigger Picture
This moment reflects a broader trend where African artists are reclaiming ownership of their cultural narratives, moving beyond the "Afrobeats as a monolith" narrative. It also highlights the genre's adaptability, proving that innovation doesn't require sacrificing identity for global appeal.
