>So I've reflected on my own perception a bit here. I'd
>definitely say that's it easier for western ears to latch onto
>Afrobeat in comparison to Hilife. And perhaps that's because
>there's more American-styled blues in the guitars and bass.
>

What is it you find "american blues" in his music?

The tonal language?
The rhythm/picking-pattern?
The form?

I personally never got a strong blues vibe at all from his music. My own guess why "western ears" prefer Afrobeat to Hi-life is mainly because it sounds darker and more "edgy", not as happy and gay (no homo). Serious music-fans in the west tend to view happy-sounding music as "cheesy" or pop. More happy-sounding "world music" has done well in world music circles but that's a different scene IMO...