The instruments used for Afrobeat music like those found in Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat band are not that different from those used for other types of music, the only difference being that some instruments are used more than others. But generally many instruments are played in Afrobeat music.

First of all, Afrobeat music is similar to rock music due to the concept of a band. Like rock music, this music genre uses the concept of a band, which is usually made up of different instrumentalists who play together.

The different instruments and instrumentalists that make up a band and that are needed to form an Afrobeat band:

Battery

This instrument is used for Afrobeat music like many other types of music genres. There are many types of drums that are used for this type of music. An example is the conga drum. A drummer plays the drums as a member of the band.

Piano

The piano is a very important instrument used for Afrobeat music. It is a prominent sound heard in many Afrobeat tunes. Fela was a good pianist as seen in some of his live concerts. There are different types of pianos that you can buy.

saxophone

This would have been without a doubt the first instrument because it is correct to say that without having a saxophone or a saxophonist you do not have Afrobeat music or an Afrobeat band. Playing this genre of music without a saxophone is like rap music without a rapper. The sax is the king instrument in any afrobeat band that is usually played by the leader of the band. Fela Kuti was a prolific saxophonist. The same goes for his children, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti. The saxophone is also an important instrument played in jazz music.