There's a crew of young musicians and singers from Africa living in the region. They’re part of the world-wide diaspora, and they've created elements of electronic and dance music set to African percussion with touches of western soul, hip-hop, R&B and dancehall.
It’s defined as Afrobeats, a term that describes some of the most popular and influential music on the charts today. Often characterized as jovial and digitally produced, Afrobeats are sung in English, West African or a pidgin language.
Two new regional artists reshaping the sound are Zimbabwean singer Aurah Aniko and Nigerian singer-producer Gibson Wali, professionally known as The Real Vntge. They are singing at the Arden Theatre’s Plaza Series on Thursday, Aug. 24.
Aurah Aniko
Aniko is an Afrobeat R&B singer mixing elements of jazz, soul and pop. Her rich, satiny voice is matched to a deep palate of mature emotions. But it’s taken a series of intense personal experiences to reach this heightened level.
Back home, she was introduced to dance, music and drama classes as a young student. However, Aniko’s parents encouraged her to set aside artistic expressions in favour of pursuing a more practical education in Canada.
“Art was secondary in our household. I was the only one interested in it. Everyone else was serious about school and their career. I was the odd duck,” said Aniko.
When her parents divorced, Aniko’s mother downsized and sent the singer photos of her youth performing.
“When I looked at the photos, they led me back to my true self,” Aniko said.
Writing songs was second nature to the aspiring artist and she never stopped taking pen to paper. In 2015 she rented session time at a studio and recorded Summer Love, her first single. A couple of artists on the studio roster came early and heard her sing.
“They were blown away. They listened to it and encouraged me to post it. I uploaded a video and got 3,000 hits.”
Working with Vialy Studios, she has since recorded Life, Love, Lessons, a 16-track Afro-fusion album centered on African roots music spiced with modern sounds.
“I wanted the album to be relatable. I wanted the topics to be surrounded by three things — my life lessons, what I learned in love and what I’ve observed. My biggest goal was to be relatable, but still meaningful.”
The Real Vntge
The power of love and Afrobeats’ most compelling traits are heard in The Real Vntge’s music. He spins intoxicating rhythms with seductive percussive beats and tells his story in Pidgin English.
His debut five-song solo EP, Afro Seduction, rolled out this past February sparking attention across western Canada.
“It’s an expression of emotions, deep thoughts and an expression of feelings. I was involved with a person, and these are my feelings. If you listen in chronological order there is a story,” said the singer.
Originally raised at Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria, he attended boarding school, and in Grade 7 bonded with schoolmates interested in writing music. By Grade 9 he received his first laptop and began researching music online.
“I kept busy making beats. I kept practicing and grew to love it.”
After promising his parents to obtain an education, curiosity brought him to Canada where he enrolled at Norquest College in the nursing program.
“But I was spinning beats to support myself as a student. A friend recorded a song over my beats, and it got good reviews. It motivated me to do more.”
The Real Vntge’s initial beats blended R&B, soul, dance music and club beats. But after college graduation in 2020, his focus switched to a soulful Afro-fusion.
Working as a travelling nurse across the province in long-term care, his down time is spent recording music, shooting videos and booking tours. Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver are major hotspots he’s performed at.
“It’s been a long ride. But I’m blessed to come to St. Albert and spread my music to a different crowd.”
