Scotland has always been a land of sound like ballads, reels, jigs, airs, and bagpipes rolling through the Highlands, which is credited as having a prominent role in traditional music originating from the country, and rock legends shaping global charts. But nowadays, the country’s musical heartbeat is shifting to a new wave of music genre called “Afro-urban music” which is rising, bringing fresh energy to Scotland’s cultural identity.
Afro-urban music is a fusion of contemporary African popular music that blends West African rhythms with global influences like pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Afro-urban music is among the world’s fastest-growing genres. With its irresistible grooves and global appeal, it has become a mainstay in festivals, nightclubs, and cultural events across Europe. In Scotland, what started within African and Caribbean communities now resonates with audiences far beyond them.
At the center of this movement stands “Ebenezer Olaolu Mabinuori” better known as “Ebonny Musik”. Ebonny Musik is a Nigerian-born musician with a natural passion for music. He relocated to the UK in 2021 to study a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management from Napier University. However, relocating to Scotland opened new possibilities for his musical passion, though not without challenges. Today, he is celebrated for blending African roots with global sounds, carving out a unique space in Scotland’s music scene.
Ebonny has become a pioneer of the Afro-urban sound with a vibrant fusion of afrobeat, hip-hop, dancehall, and contemporary rhythms. His musical work is more than entertainment, it’s a cultural bridge between Scotland and Africa, rooted in inclusivity and joy. For Ebonny Musik, this reception has been transformative. His live shows attract diverse crowds, proving Afro-urban music is not just niche, it is a powerful force in Scotland’s evolving identity.
The Scottish embrace of Afro-urban sounds reflects a larger UK’s cultural shift. African icons “Burna Boy” and “Wizkid” have blazed the trail, filling stadiums and redefining the global reach of Afrobeats. Burna Boy’s historic sell-out at London Stadium and Wizkid’s record-breaking O2 Arena shows have proven the genre’s popularity while adding millions to the UK’s cultural economy through ticket sales, tourism, and media coverage. Their success has created fertile ground for emerging voices like “Ebonny Musik”. While Burna Boy and Wizkid put Afro-urban music on the UK’s global map, Ebonny is showing how Scotland, too, has a role in this cultural and economic revolution.
Ebonny Musik is one of the best Afro-urban musician, who is emerging to become Scotland’s global Afro-urban star in the future. His catalog includes standout tracks such as ‘Drop Down’ (ft. Seriki and Stormy Zino), ‘Feelings’ (ft. D’tunes), ‘Whine 4 Me’, ‘Good Days Bad Day’. Looking at his Afro-urban music from the start and the energy he put into his music, one can easily predict that he is the most promising Afro-urban musician Scotland has ever got.
More Than Music: A Cultural Force
Ebonny’s impact extends beyond performance. His Afro-urban artistry enriches Scotland’s cultural fabric in multiple ways:
Representation: He ensures African and Afro-urban voices are part of Scotland’s creative landscape.
Unity: His shows bring together people of African, Caribbean, and Scottish backgrounds in shared celebration.
Youth Inspiration: His journey affirms that young immigrants and minorities belong at the center of Scottish creativity.
Economic Growth: From festivals to collaborations, Afro-urban music generates opportunities for DJs, dancers, and producers.
Global Positioning: His rising profile helps showcase Scotland as a home for international creativity.
The Power of Performance
Ebonny’s artistry comes alive on stage. At ‘Portable live in Glasgow’ that took place at 142B lounge in 2023, ‘Africans in the Park’ in Glasgow, he delivered an electrifying set that left the audience buzzing. His upcoming performance at the ‘Nigerian Independence Festival’ at Slay Glasgow promises to be another milestone, cementing his place among Scotland’s must-watch performers.
Challenges and Opportunities
Breaking into Scotland’s mainstream music scene has not been simple. Folk, rock, and pop dominate, leaving limited space for Afro-urban acts. Media coverage and industry investment often lag behind the growing audience demand.
Yet, these challenges are opportunities. Scotland’s cultural identity is in flux, and Afro-urban music is carving out its rightful space. With persistence and vision, Ebonny is positioned not just as an artist but as a ‘cultural ambassador’, shaping how Scotland embraces Afro-urban culture.
The Future of Afro-Urban in Scotland
Looking ahead, Afro-urban music in Scotland is set for expansion. With Afrobeats enjoying unprecedented global recognition, and Scotland becoming more culturally diverse, the conditions are ideal for growth.
For Ebonny Musik, the mission is clear: keep building bridges, inspire the next generation, and cement Scotland’s role in the Afro-urban story. “This is bigger than me,” he says. “It’s about creating a legacy for Afro-urban music in Scotland.”
Watch Ebonny Musik’s video here:
VENTS MAGAZINE 