For those familiar with these two genres, sometimes it might be difficult to tell the difference between both if you ever attend any Afro/Caribbean event.
Know the difference:
Afrobeat is a West African influenced music genre founded in the 1970s by the late Fela Kuti, a sound that incorporates percussion, call-and-response of memorable chants, and multiplexing rhythms. Some of the frequent instruments you will hear in most Afrobeat sounds are classical/bass guitar, congas, and saxophone, shekere, vocals, and drums. Below is a good example of the latest Afrobeat Hit by RUDEBONE & DJ KUNSEPT.
Soca is a Trinidadian influenced music genre also founded in the 1970s. The genre was first developed in the mid-’70s through the music of calypsonian Lord Shorty (later known as Ras Shorty I), creating a Trinidadian sound he called “the soul of calypso.” Abbreviated to soca, the genre crystallized in the ’80s, with synthesizers and drum machines approximating the sounds of brass bands and rhythm sections. Find below a song from one of the biggest Soca Artist Olantunji from Trinidad.
Similarities:
Both have a similar tempo (110 to 135 BPM), often with West African-influenced melodies. The instruments are almost the same as you can find synthesizers, drum set, drum machines, bass/guitar and horns. Both beats encapsulate the movement, spirit and culture of the black race.
Difference:
The only difference is the accents of the artists because both genres originate from a different part of the world. Afrobeat from Nigeria and Soca from Trinidad and Tobago:
Join our music expert DJ MIND D GAP at 7 pm on Sunday the 17th of MAY ON FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM LIVE as he takes you through a blend of both genres back to back in preparation for the upcoming 2020 SOCA FETE ON SUNDAY THE 24TH OF MAY brought to you by GEMZ MASS INTERNATIONAL.
