Discernable western influences are visible throughout African music, often making an impression and eventually finding a permanent place in African musical heritage. This could be seen as early as the 1940s and 50s (for example) with the influence of Cuban and Latin American music. Throughout Africa people were dancing the rumba, musicians were [re] introduced to the conga drums and the popular Latin rhythms. This same cross-pollination goes on today between Latin America and Africa, for example in the Senegalese/Benin/Cuban group Africando.

Another Caribbean musical influence in Africa is Reggae. It’s to be debated if the attraction was the grooving, skanking sound, the religious & social ideology or a combination of both, but either way, Reggae has had a profound influence on African music. In Nigeria, Reggae’s influence is best seen through the music of Majek Fashek, a brilliant singer and song-writer who has gained recognition through his music both locally and abroad through his powerful music.

Although his musical stylings are clearly Jamaican, there’s something distinctly Nigerian about his music, both in theme and sound. In the song, Majek Fashek - I Come From the Getto, released on The Best of Majek Fashek - 1994/97) he touches on the misguided leadership, social injustice and growing up in the ghetto.

look around the street, tell me what you see
ajepako
look into the high places, tell me what you see
ajebota

And I think I finally know how those from NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, etc. feel when their town gets a shout-out in a hip-hop tracks… rarely if ever do you hear:

If you go to Lagos State, Nigeria, Africa…

When I hear that, it strikes a chord somewhere within me, a feeling of pride… I’m not sure what, but it’s good to hear.

Majek Fashek - I Come From the Ghetto

(media offline)