Ric Hassani is a Nigerian songwriter and singer who has his debut album called “The African Gentleman.” He gained is popularity from his single word titled songs ‘Gentleman’, ‘Police’, ‘Sing’ and ‘Believe’. His album offers an array of flavor and beats. From his heavy incorporation of West African polyrhythms to his western style of dress Hassani is a crowd pleaser, catering to a variety of … Continue reading Afro-Pop: Ric Hassani

J.Cole is a rapper and producer, producer who became the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and topped the Billboard 200 with his first four albums.      “ATM” which is on J.Cole’s 5th studio album, “KOD”(Kids on Drugs) is not the automated teller machine that every use, it stands for “addicted to money”. He points out the ways in which people are controlled by … Continue reading Hip-Hop: J.Cole

H.E.R. (which stands for “Having Everything Revealed”) is currently a 5X Grammy nominated artist. She has made her rise out of the shadows with her self titled album “H.E.R.: Vol. 1 & 2”. She has mentioned numerous times that having her identity hidden was for her fans to appreciate her music only and not to focus on her appearance.   The first two songs that I … Continue reading R&B/Soul: H.E.R.

Tamela Mann is a very popular gospel singer. She is a Grammy award-winning singer and multi-awards recipient from different award shows such as BET, Billboard, and NAACP.   “Change me” is a gospel song from her 2016 “One Way”. This song is about a person wanting God to come in his or her life and wanting God to make him or her more like him. In … Continue reading Gospel: Tamela Mann

Tamar Braxton is the sister of the R&B legend Toni Braxton. She is currently a force to be reckoned with in the R&B music industry. Tamar Braxton is a four-time Grammy-nominated singer and places her heart and soul in the music she makes. Her song “Circles” has different forms of Africanisms such as polyrhythms (drums & piano), group participation and pitch inflection. In addition, her … Continue reading R&B /Soul: Tamar Braxton

Billie Holiday is famously known for being an amazing jazz artist. She is currently in many hall of fames, including the Grammy Hall of Fame and other jazz-related hall of fames. There has been many tributes and honors to her for all her musical impacts. Her song “Strange Fruit” has different forms of africanism like polyrhythms( sax & piano) and pitch inflection. This song is … Continue reading Jazz: Billie Holiday

Korede Bello is a Nigerian artist who is relatively new to the world of music, but has still won a couple of musical awards in Nigeria. In his song “Godwin” the africanisms present are polyrhythms (percussions & horns), group participation, and pitch inflection. This song is about how about every victory that is won is a win of God. Including small things like waking up … Continue reading Afro-beat: Korede Bello

Sade Adu is a British-Nigerian artist. She has won many musical awards from all over the world as well as being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for all of her hard work in music. In her song “Smooth Operator” from her album “Diamond Life” the africanisms present are polyrhythms (sax, … Continue reading Soul: Sade Adu

Asa is a French-Nigerian artist most popularly known for her music which can be categorized as jazz. She is big in France and has won musical awards there. From her song “Jailer” from her album “Asa” the africanism themes present are polyrhythm (piano & guitar) and group participation (back up singer, adding to the beat with sounds like “ahhh”). This song is about comparing the … Continue reading Jazz: Asa

Lara George is a Nigerian gospel artist. She has won many musical awards throughout Africa, the UK, and the US. Including her Dove Award at the GMAs. In her song “Ijoba Orun”, from her album “Forever in my Heart” the forms of africanisms are polyrhythms (drums, violin, piano, chimes), functional (spiritual: a prayer to God), group participation (back up singers), pitch inflection, and repetition of … Continue reading Gospel: Lara George