Afrobeats music from Nigeria has a significant influence on language and culture, creating a constant stream of new words and phrases. Staying updated on the latest trends in communication can be challenging but exciting.
For the Reader
Explore this list of over 50 Afrobeats terms, both old and new, to enhance your understanding of the culture. You can navigate through the vocabulary independently without any external guidance. Feel free to explore the units in any sequence you prefer.
People Terminology
Alaye: An honorific for influential individuals, or a generic term for someone whose name is unknown.
Aza: Refers to your bank account.
Azaman: Describes a lavish spender.
Bankulli: A significant figure in the Afrobeats industry, equivalent to having strong connections.
Folake: Commonly used in songs to refer to a group of attractive female friends.
Maradona: Not related to the footballer; denotes a charming and charismatic person.
Omo ope: Someone who is always financially capable and generous.
Omotena: A term praising the physical beauty of a woman.
Food, Beverages, and Substances
Azul: A popular and expensive liquor often consumed by Afrobeats artists.
Cana: Slang for a premium cannabis strain known as Canadian Loud.
Coco: Another term for codeine, a painkiller sometimes misused as a recreational drug.
Eja nla: Describing a wealthy and high-maintenance individual.
Turkey nla: Slang for a person with a prominent derriere.
Jollof: A West African rice dish, with the debate on whether Nigerian Jollof is the best.
Shack: To consume alcoholic beverages.
Shekpe: A locally brewed gin for drinking.
Everyday Actions
Ginger: To motivate or maintain motivation, sometimes spelled as “Jinja.”
Gbera: Moving swiftly, likened to a dog’s agility.
Gbe body e: Get ready to dance.
Japa: To escape or travel abroad.
Ji masun: Wake up and be alert.
Jogor: Being intoxicated.
Jonze: To be intoxicated or under the influence.
Soapy: Slang for self-pleasure, popularized by a song from Naira Marley.
Tesojue: A directive to place something in a particular spot, explained in Reminisce’s music.
Trabaye: Referring to being intoxicated or elevated in status.
Whine: To sensually move the hips in a rhythmic manner.
Wire-wire: Sending a large sum of money, usually through fraudulent means.
Expressions and Terminology
Shey normal: Encouraging someone to act appropriately.
Penkelemesi: A term popularized by a Nigerian figure, meaning a unique mess.
Kapaichumarimarichukpako: A nonsensical term coined by a rapper, used after completing a task.
Yawa: Denotes a problematic situation.
Ayii: Expressing contentment or satisfaction.
Arararara: A call-and-response phrase to engage a crowd at a party.
Long thing: Refers to a situation that is time-consuming or wasteful.
Dey play: Sarcasm towards indifferent individuals.
KPK: Abbreviation for “Ko Po Ke,” expressing surprise.
Lamba: Flowery language or extravagant lies for emphasis.
OPP: Indicates abundance or excess.
No Lele: Informal way of saying “No problem.”
STMS: Short form for “She Tell Me Say,” often used by Wizkid.
Queries
How far?: Commonly used to inquire about someone’s well-being or progress.
Who dey?: A question posed upon noticing someone’s presence or actions.
Locations
Gwagwalada: A favored spot among Nigerian artists when in Abuja.
Insta: Abbreviation for Instagram, a platform for showcasing a luxurious lifestyle.
Lekki: Describes an affluent area in Lagos known for its distinctive brown water.
Lungu: A term representing the streets, particularly anticipating an upcoming album.
Southy: Refers to South Africa, often chosen as a backdrop for music videos.
Objects
Evian: A versatile term, popularized to reference anything, including a surname.
Kaluba: Slang for money.
Little Money: Modest earnings pretending to be wealthier than they are.
Vibes: Engaging in activities purely for enjoyment and excitement.
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