Vybz Kartel on Afrobeats: A Celebration of African and Jamaican Musical Influence
Vybz Kartel recently shared his thoughts on Afrobeats during an appearance on Drink Champs, expressing his admiration for the genre and highlighting the deep-rooted connections between African and Jamaican music.
The dancehall legend, known for his impact on global music culture, acknowledged the undeniable influence of Jamaican sound while recognizing the meteoric rise of Afrobeats worldwide.
I Love Afrobeats
@hopeworldtrend Vybz Kartel speaks on Afrobeats, saying his favorite song is "Water" by Tyla. He recognizes Tems, Burna Boy, and Shatta Wale. #tylawaterchallenge #tyladancechallenge #tylawater #tems #burnaboyofficial ♬ original sound - HOPE W🌍RLD 🕊🇬🇧🇨🇦🇩🇪🇺🇸
In a lighthearted yet profound moment, Kartel declared his love for Afrobeats, expressing admiration for its biggest stars. He specifically mentioned Nigerian sensation Tems, acknowledging her Grammy-winning success, as well as Tyla, whose song he referenced in the conversation.
The song Vybz Kartel references was Tyla’s hit single “Water” which achieved 3x Platinum Certification in the U.S.: read more.
Kartel further revealed his collaborations with African artists, noting his work with Wizkid and his admiration for Burna Boy, despite not having a song with him yet.
He also gave a shout-out to Ghana’s Shatta Wale, referring to him as his "bro," emphasizing the deep cultural exchange between Jamaica and Africa.
Shatta Wale is known for his antics and hit songs and often calls out Stonebwuoy and Sarkodie
Shatta Wale Visits Freedom Street in Jamaica
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale recently performed at Vybz Kartel's Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica, marking a major milestone in his career. The highly anticipated event, held at the National Stadium on December 31, 2024, was Vybz Kartel's grand return to the stage following his release from prison.
With over 35,000 fans in attendance, the concert featured top Jamaican artists like Popcaan, Spice, and Busta Rhymes. Shatta Wale, the only African act on the lineup, captivated the crowd with performances of his hit songs On God and Already, his collaboration with Beyoncé.
He expressed deep admiration for Vybz Kartel, calling him an "angel" to Africans and highlighting the Jamaican artist’s massive influence across the continent.
After the electrifying performance, Shatta Wale described the moment as a dream come true, equating it to winning a Grammy. The endorsement from Vybz Kartel, a dancehall legend, is a significant achievement for the Ghanaian star, solidifying his presence in the global reggae-dancehall scene.
Upon his return to Ghana, he was greeted by enthusiastic fans at the airport, celebrating his international success. He later shared plans to strengthen ties between African and Jamaican music, aiming to bridge the two cultures through collaborations and events.
The Freedom Street Concert further showcased the deep connections between African and Caribbean music, emphasizing the universal appeal of dancehall culture.
The Homage to Dancehall and Reggae
A key point Kartel raised was the respect—or lack thereof—that dancehall and reggae receive from genres influenced by them. He addressed the long-standing debate over whether Afrobeats and reggaeton give enough credit to their Jamaican roots. While some feel these genres overlook their origins, Kartel took a diplomatic stance:
"Reggaeton is called reggaeton. The homage is even in the name—reggae reggaeton. So the homage is there."
His statement reinforces the idea that the DNA of Jamaican music is embedded in these newer genres, even if explicit recognition is sometimes lacking. Reggaeton’s direct naming convention makes its connection to reggae undeniable, while Afrobeats’ dancehall-inspired rhythms and flows are evident to anyone familiar with both styles.
Afrobeats’ Global Success: A Numbers Game
Kartel acknowledged the massive population advantage African countries like Nigeria (over 230 million people) have over Jamaica (approximately 2.8 million). This demographic reality, he explained, naturally translates into greater industry support, with platforms like MTV Africa heavily promoting Afrobeats stars. However, he stressed that despite its smaller size, Jamaica’s musical influence remains undeniable:
"We still influence Nigeria. We still influence Ghana. So that just goes to show the power of the music that comes out of that song."
This statement encapsulates the pride Jamaicans feel about their contribution to global music. Although Afrobeats enjoys significant international exposure, its foundations are deeply tied to dancehall and reggae.
How Dancehall Rhythms and Sound Systems Helped Shape Modern Afrobeats Production
Dancehall rhythms and Jamaican sound system culture have played a crucial role in shaping modern Afrobeats production. The syncopated drum patterns, heavy basslines, and call-and-response vocal delivery that define dancehall music have been seamlessly integrated into the Afrobeats sound.
Early influences can be traced back to the 1990s and 2000s when artists like 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia) and P-Square incorporated dancehall-inspired beats into their music. Producers began fusing Jamaican riddims with West African percussion and melodies, creating a hybrid sound that resonated across continents.
Today, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema continue to blend dancehall elements with Afrobeats, using dancehall’s signature bounce to craft infectious rhythms that dominate global charts.
Jamaican sound system culture also influenced Afrobeats' approach to production, promotion, and live performances.
Just like the legendary dancehall selectors and DJs who would play exclusive dubplates and riddims to control the dancefloor, Nigerian and Ghanaian producers adopted a similar approach with Afrobeats, creating instrumentals that multiple artists could record on, much like Jamaican riddim culture.
This gave rise to producer-driven hits and collaborative anthems that define Afrobeats today. Additionally, the competitive and high-energy atmosphere of sound system clashes inspired the Afrobeats scene’s emphasis on live performances, freestyle sessions, and DJ-led parties, helping the genre evolve into a global movement.
Afrobeats, Dancehall, and the Future of Black Music
Vybz Kartel’s reflections highlight a larger conversation about the interconnectedness of Black music across the diaspora. Jazz, rock and roll, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeats all stem from shared cultural experiences, with each influencing and evolving the next. Kartel’s words serve as both a reminder and a celebration of this ongoing musical dialogue.
As Afrobeats continues to break new ground, its Jamaican roots remain an integral part of the story. And with icons like Vybz Kartel embracing the genre while championing dancehall’s legacy, the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean remains stronger than ever.
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