Samklef And His Claim Of Birthing Afrobeats With Wizkid

 WizkidSamklef/Bella Naija]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

Veteran Nigerian producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, better known as Samklef, has made a bold assertion that he and his former collaborator, Wizkid, are the trailblazers who gave birth to the genre now known as "afrobeats." This proclamation has ignited discussions within the music industry and among fans, shedding light on the intricate evolution of Nigerian contemporary music.

Samklef's journey into the music world began as a passionate and creative artist. He made a name for himself with hits like "Molowo Noni" and became recognized for his distinctive production style. However, it was his collaboration with a young and talented artist named Wizkid that would set the stage for a genre-defining moment in Nigerian music history.

The year was 2010, and Nigerian contemporary music was in a state of flux. It was a time when genre classifications were fluid, and artists were experimenting with various sounds and influences. According to Samklef, there was no specific genre that encapsulated the diverse sounds emerging from Nigeria's music scene.

In a throwback video shared on his social media platform, Samklef reminisced about the pivotal role he and Wizkid played in shaping the contemporary music landscape. He asserted that it was in that year, 2010, that they gave a distinct identity to Nigerian music by coining the term "afrobeats." He stated, "Meet the Nigerian two kids that created the afrobeats sound of today. As of 2009, Nigerian music had no title! Until these two created magic! 2010! Even the award categories in Nigeria were Best Hip Hop, Best R and B, Best Alternative Music, and Best Reggae! There was nothing like Best Afrobeats! It was Wizkidayo who named it afrobeats! Know this and know peace! Fela created afrobeat!"

Samklef's assertion touches on the essence of musical innovation—how artists and producers can shape and define genres. While acknowledging the monumental contribution of Fela Kuti, the legendary creator of "afrobeat," Samklef emphasized the distinction between "afrobeats" and "afrobeat." He credited Fela with the creation of the latter, while he and Wizkid claimed the naming rights for the former, thereby establishing a unique genre label for contemporary Nigerian music.

The impact of this assertion extends beyond semantics. It underscores the dynamic nature of music, its ability to evolve, and the influence of visionary artists and producers. Samklef's statement has sparked conversations within the music community, prompting a reflection on the evolution of Nigerian music over the past decade.

Wizkid, often referred to as "Wizkidayo," has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping the global perception of Nigerian music. His unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop has garnered international acclaim, earning him a Grammy Award and a dedicated global fan base. His early collaboration with Samklef, along with his subsequent solo career, helped pave the way for the genre's recognition on a global scale.

As discussions surrounding the birth of "afrobeats" continue, one thing remains clear: the music landscape is a dynamic tapestry woven by the creativity and innovation of artists like Samklef and Wizkid. Whether one attributes the genre's creation to their collaboration or sees it as a collective effort within the music community, the impact of "afrobeats" transcends labels and definitions. It serves as a testament to the power of music to unite cultures, inspire artists, and captivate the world.

Samklef's bold claim opens the door to a broader conversation about the ever-changing nature of music genres and the role artists and producers play in shaping the musical landscape.