Blending Afrobeats with Lo-Fi Sensibilities: A critical review of Mayolee’s Afro Station

Mayolee’s Afro Station is a bold and refreshing take on Afrobeats, infused with the mellow and atmospheric charm of lo-fi music, an increasing popular hip hop genre. Characterised by its mellow, relaxing, and often nostalgic sound, it typically features elements of hip hop, jazz, and electronic music, with a focus on calming atmospheres and soothing melodies.

The music genre originated in the 1970s and 1980s, with artistes like Brian Eno and Aphex Twin experimenting with ambient and experimental sounds. However, the modern lo-fi movement gained momentum in the 2010s, particularly on YouTube and streaming platforms.

It has become a staple of modern music culture, offering a relaxing and calming soundtrack for millions of listeners worldwide. Its influence can be heard in a range of genres, and its community continues to thrive and evolve.

At a time when Afrobeats is thriving globally, Mayolee’s Afro Station offers a quieter, more introspective side of the genre, blending its vibrant rhythms with subtle, minimalist production.

The album opens with “They’ll Never Know”, a track that sets the tone with its whisper-like vocals, mid-tempo drum patterns, and lush instrumentation. It’s an intimate and soothing introduction, drawing listeners into a sonic world designed for reflection.

The journey continues with “Vacancy”, where dancehall and hip-hop influences meet, evoking the rhythmic complexity of Nigerian Konto music. The laid-back energy of the track highlights Mayolee’s ability to integrate diverse musical elements seamlessly.

One of the standout features of the project is its wide range of influences. Tracks like “Looking Good” ground themselves in classic hip-hop with boom-bap beats and nostalgic vocal samples, while “Have Some Fun” captures the joy of Afropop with playful chords and vibrant percussions. The songs reflect Mayolee’s deep understanding of both Afrobeats and lo-fi, blending their strengths into a cohesive and innovative sound.

Mayolee also leans heavily into African percussion on tracks like “Call Me” and “Better Off”, showcasing the cultural richness and rhythmic depth of Afrobeats. The intricate drum patterns and folk-inspired arrangements root the project firmly in its African origins, while the understated production aligns beautifully with lo-fi’s textured aesthetic. This balance of authenticity and modernity is a hallmark of *Afro Station*, creating a sonic frequency that feels both grounded and globally appealing.

While the lo-fi approach is intentional and effective, it sometimes mutes the vibrancy that defines Afrobeats. Moments of restraint in the production may leave some listeners yearning for more dynamic energy. Additionally, the uniformity in vocal treatment throughout the album could benefit from more variation to emphasize the emotional range of each track.

Overall, the project is a thoughtful and daring exploration of what happens when Afrobeats meets lo-fi. By marrying rich African rhythms with soft, atmospheric production, Mayolee crafts a sound that feels fresh, introspective, and deeply authentic.

While there’s room to push the boundaries further, Afro Station is an impressive start to a new and exciting direction for the genre. Mayolee has set the stage for a promising evolution, and the possibilities for what comes next are as intriguing as the music itself.