Nigerian singer Duncan Mighty has asserted that the modern Afrobeats wave heavily draws from the music culture of Port Harcourt, crediting artists from the city with laying the groundwork for today’s sound.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the music star said that elements associated with Port Harcourt’s streets, including its slang, rhythm patterns, and vocal expressions, are now woven into many Afrobeats tracks dominating the charts.
According to him, the influence is unmistakable.
He noted that listeners can hear shades of Port Harcourt culture in the genre’s language and sonic texture, especially what he described as “Ikwerre slangs,” which he believes appear in nearly every contemporary Afrobeats song.
Duncan Mighty referenced artists such as Burna Boy, Timaya, and Omah Lay as part of the collective force that shaped the genre’s direction, adding that their rise helped establish a signature sound that is now widely replicated.
However, his comments have stirred debate among music fans, with some agreeing that Port Harcourt has contributed significantly, while others argue that his claims exaggerate the city’s role in Afrobeats’ evolution.
The discussion continues to gain traction across social platforms as Nigerians weigh in on the origins and influences behind one of the world’s fastest-growing music genres.
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