The Unsung Heroes: How Songwriters and Lyricists Are Shaping the Sound of Afrobeats By Ronny Jones
When you hear a massive Afrobeats hit blasting through the speakers at a club or trending on TikTok, the first person you usually think of is the performing artist. But behind every infectious chorus, unforgettable melody, and catchy punchline, there is often a hidden force working behind the scenes: the songwriter. For a long time, songwriting in the African music scene was an underrated craft. Many artists wrote their own lyrics on the fly, freestyling in the studio until a track came together. But today, as Afrobeats expands globally, the industry is shifting—and professional songwriters and lyricists are finally getting the recognition (and paychecks) they deserve. Here is a look at why lyric writing is becoming one of the most vital crafts in modern music, and how songwriters are quietly powering the industry. 1. The Art of the Catchy Hook In Afrobeats, the melody catches the listener's ear, but the lyrics lock them in. A great lyricist knows how to craft phrases that stick in...
