Electronic Dance Music in Europe vs. Africa

A look at how Electronic Dance Music is perceived in Europe vs. Africa and the cultural differences between the two continents.

Introduction

Electronic dance music (EDM) is a genre of music that is produced electronically. It is characterized by a strong beat and is often played in nightclubs, festivals, and raves. EDM has its origins in the 1970s disco and 1980s techno scene in Europe. In the 1990s, EDM began to develop more into its own genre with the rise of electronic music production equipment and the popularity of trance and house music. In the 2000s, EDM became more mainstream with the rise of DJs like David Guetta and Tiësto. Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres of music in the world.

EDM is popular in both Europe and Africa. In Europe, it is particularly popular in countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In Africa, EDM is popular in countries like Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia.

History of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has roots in several different areas. The earliest known examples come from the 1970s, when disco and techno music began to emerge from Europe and Africa. These genres, which are still popular today, developed separately but have since converged to form the EDM we know and love.

Europe

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. It is generally produced for playback by disc jockeys who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix by segueing from one recording to another. EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA. In Europe, EDM is more commonly called ‘dance music’ or simply ‘dance’.

Most popular genres of EDM include house, techno, trance, drum and bass and hardstyle. Each of these genres has developed from the interaction of DJs, producers and ravers at warehouse parties and elsewhere. In Africa, EDM has been influenced by traditional African music and has been growing in popularity since the early 2000s.

Africa

Though the term “electronic dance music” (EDM) wasn’t coined until the 1990s, the musical genre has its roots in Afro-centric sounds and rhythms. In fact, many of the earliest electronic instruments were developed in Africa, including the kalimba (a thumb piano) and the mbira (a percussion instrument). These instruments were used in traditional African music, which often incorporated dancing and storytelling.

As electronic music evolved, Afro-centric sounds and rhythms continued to play a role in its development. In the 1970s, for example, disco music emerged from a blend of African-American soul music and Latin American rhythms. In the 1980s, house music—a style that originated in Chicago—incorporated elements of both disco and African-American gospel music. And in the 1990s, techno—a type of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit—featured elements of both house and techno.

Today, electronic dance music is popular all over the world, but it still retains its Afro-centric roots. Many EDM artists have sampled or interpolated traditional African sounds and rhythms in their songs, and some have even collaborated with African musicians.

The Different Styles of Electronic Dance Music

Though Electronic Dance Music has its roots in America, the genre has exploded in popularity all over the world. In Europe, Electronic Dance Music is often synonymous with EDM festivals like Tomorrowland, while in Africa the scene is more focused on the club experience. However, both regions boast a variety of different styles within the Electronic Dance Music genre.

Europe

There are four primary styles of electronic dance music popular in Europe – Trance, House, Drum & Bass, and Hardcore.

Trance is characterized by its use of synthesizers and often has a “build-up” section followed by a release. House is a style of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago and is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a thumping bassline, and often the use of samples. Drum & Bass is characterized by its fast tempo and often uses breakbeats. Hardcore is a style of electronic dance music that is characterized by its aggressive sound and often uses distorted drums and vocals.

Africa

The term “electronic dance music” (EDM) is a broad umbrella term that covers a wide range of genres, styles, and subcultures. EDM is typically associated with nightclubs, festivals, and rave culture. However, the music and its associated culture are also present in other contexts and settings, such as radio, television, film, and the internet.

EDM has its roots in the underground club scene of the 1980s and early 1990s. The music was originally created by DJs and producers as a way to fill the long gaps between records during their sets. Over time, EDM evolved into its own genre, with producers creating cohesive tracks that could be played from start to finish.

Today, EDM is a global phenomenon with artists from all over the world creating music that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The genre has also become increasingly commercialized in recent years, with mainstream artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga incorporating EDM elements into their pop hits.

There are many different subgenres of EDM, each with its own distinct sound and style. Some of the most popular subgenres include trance, techno, house, dubstep, Drum & Bass (D&B), and hardstyle.

The Future of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has been growing in popularity all over the world. In Africa, EDM is becoming more popular than ever before. In Europe, EDM has been popular for many years. But what does the future hold for EDM in these two continents?

Europe

EDM, or electronic dance music, is a genre of music that was born in the underground club culture of the 1980s and has since exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most popular genres in the world.

Though it has its roots in Europe, EDM has found a second home in Africa, where it has taken on a unique form and sound. In Africa, EDM is often characterized by a fusion of traditional African sounds and rhythms with modern electronic production techniques. This unique African take on EDM has begun to gain global attention and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and popular genres of music in the world.

Europe is still the home of many of the biggest names in EDM, such as Tiësto, David Guetta, and Calvin Harris. However, Africa is quickly becoming a hotbed for new and exciting talent in the genre. artists like Black Coffee, Maphorisa, and Distruction Boyz are leading the charge in bringing Afro-EDM to the masses.

With its infectious beats and uplifting sound, EDM has the power to bring people together from all walks of life. As the genre continues to grow in popularity around the world, there is no doubt that its future is bright.

Africa

While electronic dance music has been popular in Europe for several decades, it is only recently beginning to catch on in Africa. This is due in part to the fact that many African countries are only now starting to develop the infrastructure needed to support a thriving nightlife and club culture. Nevertheless, there are already a number of African DJs and producers who are making a name for themselves on the international electronic music scene.

One of the most promising markets for electronic dance music in Africa is South Africa. The country has a large and vibrant clubscene, and its capital city of Johannesburg is home to a number of world-renowned nightspots. In recent years, South Africa has also played host to a number of major international music festivals, including Ultra South Africa and Rocking the Daisies. With its growing reputation as a destination for electronic music lovers, it is likely that South Africa will continue to see an increase in both local and foreign visitors in the years to come.

Nigeria is another African country with a burgeoning electronic music scene. Although Nigeria is best known internationally as the birthplace of Afrobeat, a genre of music that combines elements of traditional Nigerian folk music with modern hip-hop and R&B, the country has also produced a number of successful EDM artists in recent years. These include DJs like Cuppy and Mobi Dixon, who have both achieved considerable popularity within Nigeria and beyond.

While the future of electronic dance music in Africa is still very much uncertain, it seems clear that the genre has considerable potential on the continent. With its growing popularity among young Africans, it is likely that we will see more and more Africans taking up DJing and production in the years to come.