Urhobopiano: Vwederian’s Vision for a Distinct Genre

April 20, 2023

By Yinka Olatunbosun

In the ever-revolving world of Afrobeats, innovation is key to pushing boundaries. If you don’t evolve, your sound fades off. That’s why we see artists constantly experimenting — stretching, revolving, and striving to create something refreshingly new.

And who is saddled with crafting these sounds? Producers like Vwederian. Few modern producers have demonstrated such commitment to cultural innovation as Vwederian Beats. The UK-based, Delta-born music producer, songwriter, and creative director is now the driving force behind the birth of a rising new sub-genre that blends the rhythmic energy of Afrobeats with the rich cultural nuances of Urhobo traditional sound. The genre, called Urhobopiano, is the product of his dedication to infusing his native Urhobo dialect into the global music scene.
A New Sound

The story of how Vwederian conceived the idea of Urhobopiano traces back to 2021, when he served as creative director, producer, and songwriter for the highly rated Voice Up Delta Talent Event held in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, featuring guest artists such as Teni Makanaki, Victor Thompson, Efezino, and Graham D. The event provided a platform for emerging talents in Delta State and inspired Vwederian to conceptualize a musical movement that would transcend borders and resonate globally.

“The passion to create something unique — a combination of Afrobeats with the native sounds of my Urhobo dialect — has always been burning inside me,” Vwederian recalls. “I wanted to create a sound that not only represented my heritage but also had the potential to reach the world.”
Celebrating the Urhobo Language

The essence of Urhobopiano lies in Vwederian’s desire to elevate the Urhobo language, a minority language in Nigeria, to global recognition. The genre blends the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats with the storytelling and melodic cadences of Urhobo, bringing together two seemingly distinct worlds into a harmonious sound.

“Afrobeats is a global phenomenon,” he explains, “but by infusing Urhobo into the sound, I’m not just celebrating my roots; I’m showing the world that our cultures deserve to be heard.”
A Forward-Thinking and Audacious Idea

The formation of Urhobopiano is an audacious, forward-thinking idea now gaining global attention. Collaborations with artists like Tudac, one of Delta’s rising stars, mark significant steps toward spreading this new genre to broader audiences.

“Collaborating with Tudac was a natural progression,” Vwederian says. “We’re ensuring that Urhobopiano is more than just a genre; it’s a movement that promotes multiculturalism in the global music landscape.”

The genre transcends music — it’s a statement of cultural identity. Vwederian uses his platform to encourage other artists from minority language backgrounds to embrace their heritage. Through his work, he is opening doors for a more inclusive music industry that celebrates Africa’s cultural diversity.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation

Looking ahead, Vwederian envisions collaboration as the driving force behind Urhobopiano’s growth. His ultimate goal is to unite artists from diverse cultural backgrounds to create music that speaks universally. This genre, celebrating the intersection of modern Afrobeats and traditional Urhobo music, has the potential to inspire cross-cultural collaborations that define the next generation of global music.

“Music is a universal language,” he shares, “but it should also reflect who we are and where we come from.”

The journey of Urhobopiano has just begun. As Vwederian continues to innovate through production, songwriting, and creative direction, the genre is poised to become a global force.
The Future of Urhobopiano

As Urhobopiano gains traction, Vwederian’s work will undoubtedly inspire more artists from other under-represented tribes to incorporate their native languages into modern genres. The genre’s ability to fuse global sounds with local influences demonstrates music’s power to transcend borders and foster unity.

“This is bigger than just a genre,” Vwederian concludes. “It’s about creating a space for everyone to have a voice. I’m excited to see where Urhobopiano goes and how it shapes the future of global music.”

With his unwavering commitment to cultural innovation and collaboration, Vwederian is not just producing beats — he’s creating a legacy.