Morell and Adam A. Zango Pioneer a New Music Genre: Afro Kalangu

Morell and Adam A. Zango Pioneer a New Music Genre: Afro Kalangu

Veteran Northern Nigerian musicians, Morell and Adam A. Zango, has unveiled a new music genre called Afro Kalangu, aiming to place Northern sound on the global music map alongside renowned genres like R&B, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop.

According to findings by North Book Blog, Adam A. Zango has been experimenting with this unique fusion of traditional Hausa rhythm and contemporary beats for over two decades, dating back to his classic albums such as Bahaushiya and Wazobia. Though he consistently delivered this sound, it remained unnamed for years. Similarly, Morell incorporated the same style in popular tracks like Ganga da Garaya, Aure, and many others.

Now, the duo have decided to give the genre its identity, Afro Kalangu.

The genre is already gaining traction. Northern-based platforms like North Book and a wide range of Arewa music fans have begun celebrating the innovation, calling it a much-needed cultural evolution. Many are hopeful that other talented Northern artists will embrace the genre and bring their creativity to it.

The genre received an official stamp of recognition in 2025, when Morell dropped a new album titled Afro Kalangu, followed by a concert-style launch event called the Afro Kalangu Experience, a spectacle that marked a new chapter for Northern music.

As Afro Kalangu continues to make waves, music lovers and industry stakeholders are asking: Could this be the next global sound out of Nigeria, much like Afrobeats? Time will tell, but one thing is clear, the North is rising musically, and it’s doing so in its own unique rhythm.