Hilarious quips and ‘100,000-volt’ energy: the hypemen (and women) redefining Afrobeats music
Summary
Hypemen and women are becoming popular figures in Afrobeats music by adding exciting, ad-libbed vocals to songs during live performances. This style, called Afrohype or lamba, has roots in traditional African praise-singing and call-and-response music. One well-known figure is Toby Shang from Nigeria, who has helped start careers through his energy and workshops.Key Facts
- Toby Shang gained fame at the University of Lagos for his lively presentations and catchphrases.
- Hypemen use spontaneous speech and sounds over music to engage audiences, encouraging them to celebrate by giving money.
- The hype style is common at weddings, raves, and corporate parties in West and Central Africa.
- Few women have become known hype artists, including Lady Ponce from Cameroon and Deborah Francis from Nigeria.
- The tradition comes from African oral historians called griots and call-and-response singing styles.
- This music style expanded from the atalaku tradition, popular in 1980s Kinshasa, DR Congo.
- Notable related artists include American gospel singer Kirk Franklin and Congolese musicians Koffi Olomide and Awilo Longomba.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
