Afrobeats has made its way into the hearts of American listeners over the past year with acts like Wizkid, Davido, and Mr. Eazi gaining more visibility in The States. Some new listeners on this side of the map may assume that the music is only big in West Africa but with much of UK being filled with first generation West Africans and West Indians, the market and scene is already huge on the other side of the pond. Artists like Kwamz, Fuse ODG, and Timbo headed the UK wave and now artists like J Hus are helping evolve the genre more by adding grittier elements to it to reflect the streets of London.
Another artist contributing the evolution of the genre is Nigeria-born, North London-raised artist Mazi Chukz. Chukz often blends elements of afrobeats, R&B, rap, and dancehall in his music—usually in each song. His newest track “Gyaldem Sugar,” like all of his music, encompasses much of the African diaspora. The track, which features a verse from fellow North Londoner Tion Wayne, has production consistent with much of afrobeats most popular cuts with added gunshot sounds and a silky smooth hook. It’s produced by GA The Producer who has worked with heavyweights like Wizkid and Burna Boy in the past.
Videos by VICE
“‘Gyaldem Sugar’ takes inspiration from the era I grew up in. Coming up, I listened to a lot of 90s R&B and hip-hop generally,” Chukz said in an email conversation, “I felt like this was the perfect time to give my listeners a taste of what inspires me mixed with my sound of Afro Fusion.” Listen to “Gyaldem Sugar” below.
Photo: Cloee Photography. Follow them on Instagram.
Follow Lawrence Burney on Twitter.
