Beyond the Vocals: The guitarists shaping Afrobeats and helping artists to score hits

You can hear it in certain tracks where the guitar is no longer just background support; it’s becoming part of the identity of the music itself, across Afrobeats, Afrofusion, soul, and alternative spaces.

This new generation of players isn’t just session musicians. They’re contributors, arrangers, and in some cases, key to how a record feels. What makes them stand out is how they move across different styles without losing their own touch.

There’s a growing number of guitarists building their names through consistency, live performances, and solid project work. These are some of the ones worth paying attention to.

Femi Leye has built a strong name for himself within Nigeria’s alternative and soul scene, not just as a guitarist but as a musical director and arranger. His playing is clean and warm, never overplayed, but always doing exactly what the song needs.

He’s worked closely with artists like Simi and Adekunle Gold, especially during their shift into more live band-driven sounds. You hear his impact more in how the music feels than in any standout moment. His work on live sessions and stripped-back performances shows how well he can take a polished studio record and make it feel natural on stage.

Nsikak David is one of those guitarists you don’t always notice immediately, but his impact is there. His strength is in groove and timing. He understands Afrobeats rhythm properly, and his guitar often sits right inside that pocket.

He has worked on a range of gospel and Afro fusion projects with artists like Tim Godfrey and Nathaniel Bassey. A lot of his work shows up in live recordings and large band settings, where discipline matters. He doesn’t overplay, and that’s exactly what keeps him in demand.

Akinwale Dayo, known as Rakin Beats, stands out because he’s not just a guitarist; he’s also a producer, and you can hear that in how he approaches music. He doesn’t try to force himself into a track. Instead, he understands where he fits and builds around it.

One of his notable works: The Room Tone Collective Project. His contribution is subtle but effective; his guitar lines added texture to each song without disrupting the flow of the project. His playing sits comfortably within the groove from track 1 to track 3, adding depth without trying to take over.

As a producer, that same mindset shows in his arrangements. Nothing feels crowded. Every element has space, and the guitar often helps tie the rhythm and melody together. It’s a simple approach, but it works, and that’s what makes it stand out.

Fiokee might be more established than some of the others here, but he still sets the standard for a lot of upcoming guitarists. His ability to move across Afrobeats, highlife, and pop has made his sound instantly recognisable.

He has worked with artists like Flavour and Yemi Alade on major records and live performances. His guitar work has played a big role in bringing live instrumentation back into mainstream Nigerian music, especially within highlife-inspired projects. What makes him stand out is how he blends traditional sounds with modern production without losing the essence.

Godwyn Guitar is part of the newer wave, building their presence through both studio work and online platforms. His style leans into expressive phrasing, combining simple melodic ideas with light rhythmic patterns.

He’s been involved in independent Afrofusion projects and live band performances across Lagos. His work with emerging artists and session recordings shows someone still growing but already understanding how to create mood through tone. He keeps things simple, and that’s where his strength lies.