THEME: AFROBEATS / CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN MUSIC

DEADLINE: 28 FEBRUARY 2026

Wetin be “Afrobeats”? How does Afrobeatsmusic compare to other African (sub)genres such as “Amapiano”, “Rhumba”, “Genge”, and “Bongo Flava”? For a Special Edition of The African Griot Review, we want to capture the essence of contemporary African music and present it to the world in a coherent manner. Towards this end, we are accepting contributions from all over the world on the topic of “contemporary African music” in general and “Afrobeats” in particular. Submissions may be in the form of articles, photos, reviews, fiction, artworks, interviews, or press releases.

The African Griot Review is an avant-garde arts-and-culture magazine. Imagine if Fela Kutiwere a magazine: that’s how out-of-the-box we are!We want all the smoke.And speaking of the Kalakuta Republic, who was the real founder of Afrobeats – Fela Kuti, Akon, D’Banj, or others? Who be the oga of the genre – the King of Afrobeats? Who be Her Majesty the Queen? Which songs best represent the genre? (What music industry types call “standards”.) What makes a song qualify as “Afrobeats” especially when some of the biggest names are rarely in Africa these days? Word reaching the editor’s desk is that some Afrobeats stars are actually “industry plants”, magically racking up awards, views, and streams while the real musicians – thegriots – go hungry and unappreciated. Is this true? We don’t want peace, we want problems! Give us the sensational stuff; stories as hot and juicy aspepe soup!

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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

1. ARTICLES / ESSAYS

- Between 800 and 1,500 words long.
- Times New Roman font, 12-points, double-spaced.
- Type ‘Afrobeats Issue’ and the title of your piece in the subject line of your email. Attach article as Microsoft Word document.
- Include short author bio: 300 words or less.
- Send to submissions(at)theafricangriot.com

2. REVIEWS
-  Between 800 and 1,500 words long.
- Times New Roman font, 12-points, double-spaced.
- Include short bio: 300 words or less.
- In case of a book, include a pic of the album arts/front cover
- Type ‘Review Submission’ and the title of your piece in the subject line of your email. Attach work as Microsoft Word document.
- Send to submissions(at)theafricangriot.com

3. POETRY
Doesn't have to relate to music but acceptance will be more likely if it does.
- 1 – 3 poems only.
- 40 lines maximum per poem.
- Times New Roman font, 12-points, double-spaced.
- Preferably unpublished but may be considered if you hold the publishing rights.
- Type ‘Poetry Submission’ in the subject line of your email. Attach work as Microsoft Word document.
- Include short author bio: 300 words or less.
- Include 1 – 3 photos of the theatrical production on stage or the front cover (in case of a book.)
- Send to submissions(at)theafricangriot.com

4. PHOTOS / ARTWORKS
These could be photos of musicians, fans, concerts, red carpet shoots etc or drawings, paintings, cartoons etc. You must own the copyright.
- Include short bio: 300 words or less.
- In case of photos, include a caption (and date/place where possible)
- Type ‘Photo/Art Submission’ and the subject line of your email.
- Send to submissions(at)theafricangriot.com

Works featured in The African Griot Review may also appear on the parent website, TheAfricanGriot.com

For further information or clarification e-mail: editorial(at)theafricangriot.com

Deadline for all submissions is 28 February 2025.

Previous issue of The African Griot Review available here: theafricangriotreview3.html