Afrobeat has been in a place of fusion and openness to multiple influences lately. A lot of African households are Christian, and that is beginning to show in the music.
More Afrobeats artists are vocalising their religious beliefs even amidst bats and burning Churches.
Here’s a list of Five religious Afrobeats songs that we love by African artists who weren’t previously known as Gospel artists.
- Libianca – Jah:
The Cameroonian singer is most known for her multiple chart-topping platinum single, People, which was followed by Jah.
Although the verses of Jah seem to be describing an imperfect relationship with a man, Libianca sings the Rastafarian name for God as she gives God credit for her life.
Traces of Libianca’s faith are found throughout her other music and her fans who share similar upbringing love this about her.
Here’s a comment left by her fan on the official video for Jah.
‘I just admire the fact you didn’t forget God who took you up. HE is worth appreciating.
May God continue to bless you, HE will take you higher than you expected
Always given us perfect hits’
- Eugy – Winner’s Side:
The Ghanaian descent UK rapper is among the new school pioneers of London’s Afrobeats space with collaborations like Mr Eazi, Not3s, Ycee and Juls.
Although he released a “worldly” EP called Sweet Boy Savage in May 2023, he followed it up with a 13- track Gospel Album titled The Prodigal Son in November of the same year.
Eugy tells the story about his lifestyle change on his 2024 single Gospel rap song called Winner’s Side.
With over 2 million views on the Instagram Reel, Eugy narrates his repentance amidst friends & family outside of Church.
The Gospel drill song continues to grow, giving Eugy a viral moment.
- Tiwa Savage – Somebody’s Son
Afrobeat Queen, Tiwa Savage stunned Social Media when she said through tears during her performance of Somebody’s Son that the song is about Jesus Christ.
The song has since become an anthem on Tiktok and the lyrics really do depict deep hurt as she calls out for greater love.
Some fans are still not convinced by this and cannot wrap their heads around lifestyles that contradict religious beliefs.
Tiwa Savage has since released a remix to her hit song with American R&B star, Brandy. The Official Music video now has over 32 million views on Youtube.
- Tems – Me & U
Tems who has collaborated with artists such as Justin Bieber, Drake and Wizkid released the track Me & U in October 2023.
The multiple award winning songstress who has been vocal about her faith has now begun to include this in her music. The Music Video was faced with some questions on Social media as the visuals were likened to the Yoruba water goddess, Yemoja, an accusation that Beyoncé has also faced.
Tems refutes naysayers, as she boldly proclaims Jesus.
The song lyrics talk about needing faith and perhaps the fans could use some of that.
- Davido – Stand Strong
Predicted to go home with an award at the next Grammys, Afrobeat sensation Davido has become a symbol of resilience and talent.
The artist who has gone through tremendous loss in recent times featured Kanye West’s Sunday Servive Choir on his single titled Stand Strong.
Davido has also done gospel collaborations in the past such as his feature on Thankful by Queen Kel. Over Dem, the first track of his Grammy Nominated Album is also filled with Biblical references.
We’ve seen artistes who aren’t known for Gospel music make deep impact when they wade into the genre. Nicki Minaj’s verse on Tasha Cobb Leonard’s I’m Getting Ready went viral on Tiktok last year and artists like H.E.R have similarly showcased their talents of Gospel songs.
Although it is often criticised as syncretism, we support the free expression of beliefs by Afrobeats artistes in their art.