10 Popular Afro-pop Slangs You Should Know
Afro-pop slangs have become a familiar aspect of contemporary language, highlighting the influence of the entertainment industry in shaping everyday expressions. While the world has always been exposed to various forms of expression from diverse sources, both formal and informal, we may not always be aware of the common usage of words that have evolved into slang, particularly those that originate from the entertainment industry.
Neologisms are newly coined words while slang words are words and phrases coined and used in a particular context. The Afro-pop genre of music has lent itself as a premium, ever-inventing source of slang and neologisms. It has brought a collective understanding to the listeners and the immediate society the song was produced.
This unified understanding of the song and slang it generated is noted as a form of identity unification in African societies, especially among the youth and teenagers who are major listeners of this genre, “Afro-pop. In documenting this communal musical identity, here are some popular Afro-pop slangs from African songs.
Here are 10 Afro-Pop slangs you should know:
‘So pé Otilo‘ is a Yorùbá phrase that means ‘it is gone.’ In context, it means the subject of discussion has escaped or vanished. It is mostly used to depict that a matter or situation no longer exists and the case is closed. By disappearing, it may mean that something has been stolen. This is one of the famous Afro-Pop slangs you should know.
‘Ogbón‘ is a Yorùbá word that translates as ‘wisdom’. Asake emphasized how being wise is good and being ‘over-wise’ can lead to foolishness. Hence, when Nigerians say ‘Ogbon’, they sarcastically refer to someone or something on an occasion that tries to prove to be wise but ends up being a foolish act or person. This simply calls for humility instead of glorying in self-wisdom.
This phrase has replaced the word ‘breakup‘ in the romantic relationship niche. ‘Chop breakfast’ means someone is jilted. Outside love issues, it may also imply disappointment.
A trench according to the English dictionary means a long, narrow hole that is dug in the ground. In Nigerian parlance, it means a ghetto area. Many people use the ‘trenches’ when alluding to coming from a humble background and desiring a better life.
E choke is a pidgin phrase that means ‘it is killing’. It is mostly used to describe a state of exhaustion or the end of wit. Coined by Davido, ‘E Choke’ was a popular slang in the African music space in 2021. In 2021, following Davido’s link up with Drake, it became a global slang as the Canadian rapper couldn’t help but tap into the trend.
‘Mafo’ implies don’t dull or don’t get carried away. It also means don’t be surprised at what you see or what is happening. Here is another famous Afro-Pop slangs you should know.
Africa Magic delivers a three-part Alex From Oil and Gas movie that dives into the life of Tonye, a woman…
In a Nigerian pop scene crying out for innovators, Magixx's debut album, I Dream in Colours arrives with frustratingly understated…
Wizkid albums have played a pivotal role in shaping Afrobeats, showcasing his evolution from a breakout star to a global…
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing music production, offering tools that enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and make professional-quality results accessible to everyone.…
Losing a mother is one of the most profound experiences in life, and delivering a tribute to her at her…
Words can spark romance like nothing else. While gifts have their charm, sweet words to make her fall in love…
This website uses cookies.