Ghanaian singer, Amaarae has shared her thoughts on the influence of the Alté movement on Afrobeat music, shedding light on its significance within the African music landscape.
Speaking in an interview that surfaced online on Friday, April 5, 2024, Amaarae expressed her perspective on the evolution of Afrobeat, particularly highlighting industry heavyweight, Wizkid‘s acclaimed album Made In Lagos as emblematic of the Alté sound. According to her, the entire album embodies the Alté ethos, indicating a shift in the Afrobeat genre towards a fusion of alternative elements.
In her insightful commentary, Amaarae emphasized the pivotal role of Alté artists in shaping the contemporary Afrobeat sound. She asserted that without the presence of Alté artists, mainstream Afrobeat musicians would lack the innovation and creativity necessary to resonate with audiences, both locally and globally.
In her words, “The whole Wizkid’s Made In Lagos album is like all Alté. Afrobeat sound now is what Alté was in 2015. If alté artist didn’t exist, Afrobeat artist wouldn’t have known how to make their music. They wouldn’t have known how to create that synergy like people in the western world will connect and relate to. I really think alté opened that up. She confirmed that alté means alternative to what the mainstream in Africa was. Twitter artists believe alté artist have an air of arrogance.”
Furthermore, Amaarae buttressed on the meaning of Alté, affirming its status as an alternative to the conventional mainstream music prevalent in Africa. She emphasized that the Alté movement has facilitated the development of a unique musical synergy that resonates with diverse audiences, transcending geographical boundaries.
Despite the positive impact of the Alté movement, Amaarae acknowledged the perception among some X artists who view Alté artists as displaying arrogance. Nevertheless, she emphasized the importance of recognizing Alté as a legitimate alternative expression within the African music industry.
“Wizkid’s Made In Lagos is Alté music, he worked with alté guys like Tay Iwar and Juls on the album.“
– Amaarae pic.twitter.com/Gvp6nnkCXd
— BASITO (@itzbasito) April 5, 2024
