It’s AFRI-TUNES WEEK 1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣, my name ojochegbesammie and it’s been a really long time here, I’m glad I’m back
So yeah, African music is all about rhythm, soul, and storytelling. Every musical note produced by Afrobeat and highlife showcases cultural artifacts that represent historical components. The Afri-tunes week's prompt made me consider how much I value combining music elements to develop unique new kinds of sound.
I’ve been posting music covers but this time around I want to do something different.
I’m a music producer and not just a singer 😂
I’ve been working on this beat for a while now for an artist ( I just wanted to do it for free though), and it just feels so Afrobeat, so alive, which is why I finally decided to call it "Fresh." Even though it’s not mixed and mastered yet, I wanted to share the journey behind it and celebrate the beauty of African music through sound.
How I made the beat!!!
No Afrobeat track is complete without a solid groove. So, I started with a lo-fi guitar at the start of the beat then came the percussion, shakers and then gradually rimshots and the likes, congas, and woodblocks, all adding to that danceable feel.
Once the groove was locked in, I moved on to the melodies. I layered warm synth pads to create an atmospheric feel, something that fills the space without overpowering the groove. Then, I played around with warm piano chords.
Afrobeat and 808 actually go hand in hand, this is where the beat really shines, so I knew I had to bring in some inside the song so it’ll be a banger. The result? An 808 and a trumpet section that cuts through the mix and gives the beat its signature energy.
Although, the track is still raw, i haven’t mixed and mastered it yet.
African music is about evolution, expression, and feeling the vibe. Even in its unfinished state, this beat already speaks volumes.
African music is a gift to the world, and I’m excited to contribute my little piece to the world. What do you think of the process so far?
Let’s celebrate African music together
Thank you for reading and watching too