This glossary page contains a list of music genres that start with A. From the West African Afrobeat to Ghanaian Azonto music learn more about their origins, instruments and the artists that bring the music to life.
Afrobeat Music
Afrobeat blends Nigerian Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. Known for energetic brass, percussion-driven beats, and political messages, Afrobeat emerged prominently in Nigeria in the late 1960s, becoming globally influential through its lively performances and socially conscious lyrics.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria, West Africa | Drums, Saxophone, Trumpet, Bass Guitar, Congas, Keyboard | Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Burna Boy |
Amapiano Music
Amapiano is a contemporary house music subgenre marked by deep basslines, jazzy keyboard harmonies, and smooth, laid-back rhythms. Originating in South Africa, it combines soulful melodies with electronic elements, becoming internationally popular through dance clubs and social media trends.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Piano/Keyboard, Drum Machine, Synthesizers, Percussion | Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Major League DJz |
Axé Music
Axé music originated in Brazil, blending Afro-Brazilian samba-reggae rhythms with festive melodies and high-energy performances. Frequently associated with Brazilian carnival celebrations, Axé emphasizes dance, cultural expression, and vibrant, joyous rhythms, promoting an atmosphere of celebration and community.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Surdo, Timbau, Guitar, Percussion, Keyboard | Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Claudia Leitte |
Arabesque Music
Arabesque is a popular Middle Eastern genre characterized by emotional, expressive melodies and ornamented vocal styles. It typically addresses themes of love, longing, and personal struggles, blending traditional Turkish and Arabic musical elements to create deeply resonant and passionate performances.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey, Middle East | Oud, Kanun, Darbuka, Violin, Ney | İbrahim Tatlıses, Orhan Gencebay, Fairuz |
Andalusian Classical Music
Andalusian Classical music, originating from medieval Moorish Spain, blends sophisticated poetic singing with intricate instrumental interplay. Today it remains influential across North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, preserving a heritage of refined improvisation, rhythmic complexity, and emotive musical expression.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Spain, Morocco, Algeria | Oud, Violin, Rabab, Qanun, Darbuka, Nay | Mohamed Bajeddoub, Abdessadeq Cheqara, Ziryab |
Acid Jazz Music
Acid Jazz emerged in the UK during the 1980s, combining jazz improvisation with elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop. Known for its groovy basslines, funky rhythms, and laid-back sound, Acid Jazz became popular both in clubs and mainstream music, blending vintage jazz style with contemporary beats.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom, USA | Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Drums | Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, Incognito |
Ambient Music
Ambient music emphasizes atmospheric textures and soundscapes over traditional melody or rhythm. Originating in the 1970s, this genre provides immersive, contemplative auditory experiences, often using synthesizers, environmental sounds, and subtle harmonies to foster relaxation, reflection, and deep listening.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide (Europe, USA) | Synthesizer, Keyboard, Guitar, Field Recordings | Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Stars of the Lid |
Americana Music
Americana blends traditional American music forms such as folk, country, blues, and roots rock, often featuring acoustic instruments and storytelling lyrics. It reflects cultural heritage, emotional authenticity, and nostalgia, resonating with themes of personal journeys and the American experience.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Harmonica | Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell |
Apala Music
Apala is a Yoruba musical genre from Nigeria, driven primarily by intricate percussion patterns and vocal chants. Traditionally, it addresses social issues, morality, and spirituality, often presented with rhythmic complexity and vibrant call-and-response singing.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (Yoruba) | Talking Drum, Agogo, Sekere, Bata Drum | Haruna Ishola, Ayinla Omowura |
Abhang Music
Abhang is devotional music native to Maharashtra, India, known for poetic lyrics that express spiritual devotion to the deity Vitthal. Combining passionate singing with rhythmic complexity, Abhang music uses traditional Indian instruments to enhance its emotional and spiritual depth.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| India (Maharashtra) | Harmonium, Tabla, Mridangam, Tambura | Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki |
Agbadza Music
Agbadza music originates from the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo, characterized by rhythmic percussion, expressive dance, and communal singing. Traditionally performed at social gatherings and festivals, Agbadza emphasizes community cohesion and shared cultural identity.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana, Togo (Ewe People) | Kagan, Kidi, Atsimevu Drums, Bells, Rattles | Dzodze Agbadza Group |
Alghoza Music
Alghoza music, common in regions of Punjab (India/Pakistan) and Rajasthan, highlights the double flute called the alghoza. It features vibrant melodies and rhythmic percussion accompaniment, symbolizing rural life and folk celebrations through lively, danceable performances.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| India, Pakistan | Alghoza (double flute), Dholak, Harmonium | Misri Khan Jamali, Akbar Khamiso Khan |
Aak Music
Aak is traditional Korean court music performed during ceremonies and rituals. Known for its slow tempo, solemn melodies, and historical significance, Aak utilizes traditional Korean instruments, symbolizing harmony, order, and spiritual contemplation rooted deeply in Korean royal history.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | Pyeonjong (bronze bells), Pyeongyeong (stone chimes), Gayageum, Haegeum | National Gugak Center Ensemble |
Assiko Music
Assiko is a dance-driven musical style from Cameroon, featuring rhythmic guitar melodies and energetic percussion. Originating from coastal regions, Assiko is celebrated for its lively performances and rhythmic intensity, creating joyful and communal atmospheres.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | Guitar, Percussion, Bass Drum | Jean Bikoko Aladin |
Ashiq Music
Ashiq music is a narrative folk tradition from the Caucasus and Iran, performed by poet-musicians who sing epic tales and poetic verses accompanied by traditional instruments like the saz. Ashiq music preserves oral history, expressing cultural identity, heroism, and romance.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran, Turkey | Saz (Long-necked lute), Balaban, Daf | Ashiq Veysel, Ashiq Alasgar |
Azonto Music
Azonto is a vibrant dance and music style from Ghana, known for energetic beats, playful lyrics, and electronic rhythms. Gaining international fame through catchy dance moves, Azonto embodies youthful energy and modern urban Ghanaian culture.
| Country/Region | Key Instruments | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | Drum Machine, Synthesizers, Percussion | Fuse ODG, Sarkodie, EL, Guru |
