Bankulli Premieres First Look of Chronicles of Afrobeats at Entertainment Week Africa

By Salami Adeyinka

Renowned artist and cultural curator, Adisagboola John, also known as Bankulli has premiered his documentary series, Chronicles of Afrobeats that appraises the roots of Afrobeats.

The event, held on November 20, featured an abridged screening of the series’ debut episode titled “The Sound” year’s Entertainment Week Africa.

The documentary is also traces evolution of Afrobeat from traditional and contemporary influences that shaped the genre’s early identity. The episode explores how Fuji, Juju, Highlife, and Afrobeat formed the early soundbed, later merging with electronic music trends of the 1980s and the reggae and dancehall rhythms of the 1990s eventually giving rise to the modern Afrobeats movement that gained global traction in the 2000s.

Attendees also viewed rare archival footage and interviews that illustrate Afrobeats’ development as both a sonic and cultural force. Bankulli leads viewers through a historical timeline that highlights the creativity, resilience, and cultural pride that propelled the genre from local innovation to international influence.

The screening featured commentary and appearances from notable artists and industry figures, including Don Jazzy, ID Cabassa, Zlatan Ibile, Mayorkun, KK Ogungbe, Tiwa Savage, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, and others, each reflecting on their role in shaping the genre’s trajectory.

In addition to the episode preview, the event included the premiere of an exclusive trailer for the full Chronicles of Afrobeats series, followed by a conversation with Bankulli on the past, present, and future of Afrobeats.

The gathering brought together artists, producers, media executives, and other key contributors to Africa’s creative economy, underscoring the industry-wide interest in preserving and documenting Afrobeats’ legacy.