Ghanaian writer and author of A Quick Ting On: Afrobeats, Christian Adofo, had to sink into various forms of culture to get inspiration and build context for his book: ‘My writing process ranged from watching dormant YouTube channels archiving nightlife in the UK and the wider West African diaspora. I also had to go through past interviews looking for themes on identity and heritage that influenced creativity in song or instrumental form.’
Editor’s note: This essay is available in our print issue, The Age of Afrobeats. Buy the issue here.
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
I grew up reading a plethora of non-fiction from Doring Kindersley’s encyclopaedias to classics such as Voltaire’s Candide to Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart but the most influential prose for me was reading The Biography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley.
Which African songs immediately takes you back to your childhood?
That will be the classic by Pat Thomas, ‘Sika Ye Mogya’; Nakorex’s ‘Kpanlogo’ and Jewel Ackah’s ‘Asomdwe Hene’.
What song is the soundtrack of your life so far?
‘Sacrifice’ by American hip hop band, The Roots.
For A Quick Ting on Afrobeats, I had to sink into various forms of culture to get inspiration and challenge any preconceived stereotypes or notions to help build context of the topics I was exploring.
What’s the last thing you read that changed your mind about something?
Rollie Pemberton’s recent essay, ‘The Human Pinterest’. The essay examines Travis Scott’s artistry.
What is your writing process: edit as you write or draft first, then edit?
Definitely draft first and then edit. I need to compartmentalize and let things marinate for a few days before I return afresh to the subject.
What was your process for writing your book, A Quick Ting on Afrobeats?
For A Quick Ting on Afrobeats, I had to sink into various forms of culture for inspiration and challenge any preconceived stereotypes or notions to help build context for the topics I was exploring. My writing process ranged from watching dormant YouTube channels archiving nightlife in the UK and the wider West African diaspora. I also had to go through past interviews from my own journalistic archive looking for themes on identity and heritage that influenced creativity in song or instrumental form. Also sifting through academic journals and digital digging on the online music database, Discogs, looking through liner notes and album covers as source material to catch a vibe of different eras especially the soundtracks our elders were getting down to in a past life.
What’s the most interesting reaction/feedback you’ve had about your book?
The global appetite to learn, have positive conversations and engage in real life dialogue about Afrobeats has been the most interesting feedback. It has also been heartening to receive compliments on how well-researched the book is. I really tried to be robust in the sources I referenced and create a continuity between the past and present of popular West African music.
What books did you read while you were working on A Quick Ting on Afrobeats?
Francis Bebey’s African Music: A People’s Art; West African Pop Roots by John Collins; The African Imagination In Music by Kofi Agawu; Black London by Marc Matera; The Hiplife In Ghana by Halifu Osumare; and The Music Of Africa by J. H. Kwabena Nketia.
The global appetite to learn, have positive conversation and engage in real life dialogue about Afrobeats has been the most interesting feedback.
A Quick Ting on Afrobeats examines the complexities of modern Afrobeats. What’s one thing you discovered about Afrobeats that didn’t make it to the book?
That cult Ghanaian group, V.I.P, toured across Nigeria so extensively aided by Kennis Music that they were assumed to be from the country. I think it speaks to the subconscious unity of both countries in supporting homegrown artists regardless of geographical borders and banter around jollof rice preference.
Who’s your favourite Afrobeats artiste of all time?
I think from a personal growth and showmanship perspective as a live musician, Burna Boy is my favourite Afrobeats artiste at present.
Who are the Afrobeats musicians you are most excited about and why?
The Cavemen for their sonic storytelling with purpose and their instrumentation, which has a hypnotic rockstar quality. Most importantly they’re bringing real musicianship back to the forefront underneath the umbrella term.
From a personal growth and showmanship perspective as a live musician, Burna Boy is my favourite Afrobeats artiste at present.
You’re creating a playlist, what three Afrobeats songs must be on it?
‘So Mi So’ by Wande Coal, ‘Adonai’ (remix) by Sarkodie, and ‘Anybody’ by Burna Boy.
What’s the last great book you read about music?
Liberation Through Hearing by Richard Russell.
What’s a common misconception about Afrobeats?
A common misconception about Afrobeats is that the US has catapulted the movement to the global stage, and it only truly arrived in the last few years.
You’re organizing a mini concert. Which three African artistes, dead or alive, are headlining?
Alhaji K. Frimpong, Lijadu Sisters and Nkono Teles.
What is the most meaningful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
K.I.S.S aka Keep It Simple Stupid.
What’s one word, line or quote that captures how this year has gone for you?
Forward ever, backward never.
A common misconception about Afrobeats is that the US has catapulted the movement to the global stage, and it only truly arrived in the last few years.
What are you currently working on?
I am curating a music event in London and working on some original essays for an anthology book on Black British music coming out soon.
Question from Ernest Nweke: Don’t say why but what piece of published writing do you wish you had done yourself?
Ta-Nehishi Coates’ Between the World and Me.
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft
How do you respond when people ask ‘when your next book is coming out’ during the promo tour for your existing book?⎈
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