What is Afrobeat? The hybrid music genre hits Athens with downtown events and music fest

In a town that has been identified as a music hub for decades, it's almost unthinkable that there might be underrepresented genres in the Athens scene, but some local venues and promoters have taken steps this year to bring in new sounds.

Locally-based Aquemini 28 Entertainment held its inaugural Afro-Caribbean First Fridays show last month at The Soundtrack, and the event is set to take place monthly at the downtown bar with Afrobeat vibes by Anthony "DJ Charger" Johnson.

The next First Fridays is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday at The Soundtrack.

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On Sept. 4, Southern Brewing Co. will host the Aquemini Music Festival, a celebration of urban music which will offer bands on two stages, DJs, cultural food vendors, a fashion showcase, an art gallery and a Fun Zone operated by Rucker Family Amusements.

"There's definitely a void for Afrobeat, reggae and soca music in Athens," Aquemini 28 director and organizer Knowa D. Johnson told the Banner-Herald. "We are trying to have a space space for people to gather and enjoy those cultures."

Afrobeat combines West African highlife and Yoruba musical styles with American funk, jazz and soul to create a breezy and melodic sound set against driving percussion with intricate rhythmic patterns. The Afrobeat genre was first developed in the late 1960s by Fela Kuti and Tony Allen and has continued with contemporary artists such as Burna Boy and Mr Eazi. 

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Performers scheduled for the Aquemini Music Festival will range in styles from reggae and reggaeton to R&B, hip-hop and Latin music. Along with local groups like Aquatic Soul, Misnomer and Splitz, the lineup includes Atlanta's Diamond Elyse and M Lewis, Kanela & the GSG band from Aiken, S.C., Candy Morgan & Charlie Beatz and Tenn.-based Natty Lovejoy Band.

For more information on First Fridays and Aquemini Music Fest, call (678) 740-3884.