Draft:Afrobeats The Backstory
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| Afrobeats The Backstory | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Developed by | R70 |
| Directed by | Ayo Shonaiya |
| Music by | Sess, Jospo, Babafemi Shonaiya |
| Country of origin | UK and Nigeria |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Ayo Shonaiya |
| Production company | R70 Media Generations |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
Afrobeats The Backstory is a documentary series that premiered on Netflix, offering an in-depth look into the birth, development, evolution and global impact of the Afrobeats music genre. It is believed[by whom?] to be the first documentary about the music genre from Nigeria. The documentary, directed by Nigerian filmmaker Ayo Shonaiya, serves as a comprehensive historical account of the genre's rise, tracing its roots and highlighting the key figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping its sound and cultural significance.
Synopsis
[edit]"Afrobeats" explores the origins and development of Afrobeats, a genre characterized by a fusion of traditional African music elements with modern pop, hip-hop, and dancehall music. The series delves into the genre's early influences, including Afrobeat, Highlife, and Fuji, and examines how these styles blended with contemporary genres to create a unique and vibrant sound. The documentary features interviews with prominent artists, producers, and industry insiders, providing personal insights and anecdotes that illuminate the genre's journey to international acclaim.
Production
[edit]The series was produced and directed by Ayo Shonaiya, a Nigerian filmmaker and music executive known for his work in promoting Nigerian music, film and culture. Shonaiya's vision for the documentary was to provide a comprehensive narrative that not only celebrates the music but also contextualizes its cultural and social impact. The production was supported by extensive archival footage (some never been seen before), interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of key contributors to the Afrobeats movement, from Nigeria, Ghana, the UK and America.[citation needed]
Episodes
[edit]Episode 1: OG Before IG & The 3 Boy Bands In the beginning. The pioneers, the foundation, the people who came together to create a platform for a new genre to develop, and the 3 boy bands that shaped the music. Featuring DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dayo 'D1' Adeneye, Tony Tetuila, 2face and Sound Sultan.
Episode 2: 1999 & The 5 Beat Pattern The importance of the year 1999. The first signs of the changing sound and the music production software, "Hip-Life" in Ghana and the 5 Beat Pattern (Clavé), featuring the producers of the new sound such as Eldee of the Trybesmen and the first female Nigerian rapper Weird MC.
Episode 3: The UK Scene & D'banj/Don Jazzy How the genre developed in the UK and the players that not only shaped the sound, but brought it to the people, from the music program Intro Live with DJ Abass on BEN TV (Sky) to radio shows on BBC 1Xtra to Capital Xtra. The birth of a superstar and the super producer. How D'banj and Don Jazzy happened... and Kanye West.
Episode 4: Music Videos & Music Stations Music Videos from Nigeria and Ghana and the impact they had on young artistes, the vixens and the video directors that made them, to the music stations. From Music Africa to Channel O, MTV Base, Trace and HipTV, and how they shaped the culture, featuring DJ Tee, Clarance Peters and TG Omori.
Episode 5: American Dream & Local Rappers American Dream to Nigerian Dream, and the Local Rappers who went from American accents to local dialect, and changed the game globally. Featuring Banky W and Sauce Kid, Olamide, Reminisce and Ill Bliss.
Episode 6: The Record Labels & The Queens The record label stories, good and bad, as big money started coming into Afrobeats. The legal wrangles, royalties, the digital revolution, plus how different it is for females in the game. Featuring Sasha P, Niyola, Chidinma, Simi and Tiwa Savage.
Episode 7: DJs, Producers & Dancehall Music The beat makers and the hit players. From DJ Jimmy Jatt to DJ Spinall in Nigeria, and DJ Edu from Kenya to DJ Abrantee in the UK. How the spread of the music touched the world at the same time. Plus Dancehall music as the "cousin" of Afrobeats, from Daddy Showkey to Stonebwoy to Shank to Burna Boy.
Episode 8: The New New Sound & The Fusion of African Music Afro-House, Afro-Fusion and the new sound already coming out of Afrobeats, featuring Niniola, producer Sarz, Adekunle Gold, Joe Boy and Oxlade. New artistes already fusing African music with the many genres across the globe to keep expanding the genre for the future.
Episode 9: Wizkid & Davido and Yoruba Language in Afrobeats The global explosion of Afrobeats with Wizkid and Davido, and how these 2 ambassadors raised the bar. The importance of Yoruba lyrics and culture in Afrobeats from its early foundations in Fuji music, to the current "street" music in Nigeria.
Episode 10: The Big Concerts The history of how big concerts developed the music industry in Nigeria and how African artistes now fill big arenas around the world. From Silverbird concerts in the 80s to Lekki Sunsplash to Afronation to Felabration to O2 Arena in London.
Episode 11: Afrobeat & Afrobeats, History & Present History recap of the naming of the genre Afrobeat with Fela Kuti and Afrobeats in the UK. Exclusive interview with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen and the debate about who added the S to Afrobeats.
Episode 12: Afrobeats to the World Afrobeats is now global, Burna Boy winning a Grammy, Beyonce and the Lion King album and Justin Bieber collaborating on a song with Wizkid and Tems. What does the future hold for the genre that has taken over the World.
World Premiere
[edit]The first two episodes of “Afrobeats: The backstory” was premiered on April 2, 2021, at the FilmHouse IMAX Cinema in Lekki Lagos in Nigeria, with a selection of the artistes and executives featured in the documentary in attendance.[citation needed]
Netflix Reception
[edit]The 12 Episode documentary premiered worldwide on the streaming platform Netflix on June 29, 2022. "Afrobeats: The Backstory" has been praised for its originality and first hand knowledge of the history of the genre, also the thorough research and engaging presentation style. Critics and audiences alike have lauded the documentary for its rich historical video content and for providing an authentic narrative that resonates with fans of the genre. The series has also been noted for highlighting the genre's cultural significance and its role in promoting African identity and heritage on a global scale.[citation needed]
Impact and legacy
[edit]The documentary not only serves as an educational resource for those unfamiliar with Afrobeats but also as a celebration of the genre's achievements. It has contributed to a greater understanding of African music's role in the global music industry and has sparked discussions about the importance of representation and cultural diversity in entertainment.[citation needed]
References
[edit]External links
[edit]- "Afrobeats: The Backstory". Netflix.