Which term describes the fusion of West African music with Black American music?

The fusion of West African music with Black American music is best described by the term Afrobeat. This genre emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily popularized by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Afrobeat is characterized by its blend of traditional African rhythms, jazz, funk, and highlife, along with socially and politically charged lyrics.

This musical style not only encompasses the vibrant and polyrhythmic elements of West African music but also incorporates influences from Black American jazz and funk, showcasing a rich cultural exchange. The rhythmic complexity, use of percussion, and instrumental layering in Afrobeat reflect the deep roots of both West African musical traditions and the improvisational style of American jazz, resulting in a distinct and innovative sound.

The other terms do not accurately capture this specific fusion. Axe is a genre from Brazil that combines samba with other musical forms. Jive is a style of dance music originating from America in the 1930s that reflects its own cultural contributors. Kwassa Kwassa refers to a dance style and music genre from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which, while vibrant, does not emphasize the same fusion found in Afrobeat.