Tag: Afrobeats

No one would argue with Miriam Makeba’s assertion that “African music, though very old, is always being rediscovered in the West.”

This truth is reflected in the remarkable rise of Afrobeats, a genre that is capturing the world’s imagination like never before, amassing 5.9 billion streams in 2020, 8.4 billion in 2021, and a staggering 13.5 billion in 2022.

Afrobeats’ rapid rise to international acclaim has been the subject of much discussion.

In July 2024, Divine Ikubor aka Rema, joined a lineup of global stars at the grand wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Rema, alongside artists like Justin Bieber and Rihanna, showcased Afrobeats’ universal appeal, proving once again that this genre is one of the most loved worldwide. Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix, a collaboration with Selena Gomez, is now the most streamed Afrobeats song on Spotify.

The genre’s global appeal has only grown, with artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Asake, Tems, Tiwa Savage, and more, gaining accolades far beyond Africa.

According to Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Managing Director for Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa, “Afrobeats is probably one of Africa’s biggest cultural exports right now, influencing the music being made both on the continent and elsewhere in the world.”

Nigerian artists, known for their creativity and innovation, continue to push the boundaries of Afrobeats. Qing Madi, at just 18, is already making waves by blending Afrobeats with Soul and R&B. Her recent collaboration with Chloe Bailey is a testament to her potential.

Read Also: Amirror’s “Run It” on track for afrobeats success

Similarly, Ayra Starr’s recent affiliation with Rihanna is yet another example of Afrobeats’ growing influence.

The future of Afrobeats looks even brighter with its growing influence worldwide.

The genre is making significant strides, including the recent establishment of the first Afrobeats radio station in the United States, Wahala FM. As platforms like this continue to arise, Afrobeats is set to reach new heights, further cementing its place in the global music scene and capturing the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

Rammy Award winner, Burna Boy, Tems, Wizkid, his partner Jada Pollock, Adekunle Gold, Rema,  and Tobe Nwigwe presented themselves as fashion models at this year’s Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer.

The artistes flocked to the streets of France, flaunting different designs from Louis Vuitton’s collection.

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Rather than casting professional models to showcase his newest designs, the American rapper Pharrell Williams, who is the menswear creative director of the brand, decided to promote Afrobeats by hosting Nigerian stars on the evening. The artistes were seen sitting in the front row alongside other celebrities at the UNESCO courtyard in Paris, where the show was held. 

Other African celebs in attendance were Didier Drogba, Stormzy, Uncle Waffles, Baloji, and Omar Sy.

Here are some the musicians who have touched down in Paris for Men’s Fashion Week.

Afrobeats musician FMFSoke has explained why he left engineering for music. 

The Abia-born musician, whose real name is Joshua Akunaesiobike, is a burgeoning musical talent whose story is as compelling as his music. 

Completing his primary education in 2011 and earning an engineering degree in 2017, Soke’s foray into music took his family by surprise. Despite their initial lack of support, his journey into the music world began at the age of 12, driven by an unwavering passion and the backing of his friends.

Reflecting on his early years, FMFSoke recounts how his love for music flourished despite attending a boarding school. His parents did not support his musical dreams, urging him to pursue a career in engineering instead. 

However, Soke’s determination to follow his heart led him to prioritise music, a decision he stands by, believing it will pay off one day. “Nobody in my family did music, and when I started, it came as a shock to everyone,” says the multi-talented artist.

The path to success was fraught with challenges. FMFSoke faced a significant struggle between choosing engineering, his father’s wish, and his true passion for music. Yet, his conviction in his talent and the desire to achieve financial success fueled his decision to pursue music. The battle for acceptance within his family continues, but Soke remains steadfast, allowing his music to speak for itself. “I do not really care who supports me at the beginning, but I am sure the music will do the talking, and everyone will eventually come around to appreciating my music,” he asserts.

Read Also: Tiwa Savage: My trajectory from backup singer to Afrobeats queen

FMFSoke’s musical journey took a brief hiatus in 2021, but his love for the art brought him back to the studio. His resilience and dedication are mirrored in his debut project, ‘AKUNAESIOBIKE,’ which translates to ‘Wealth is Confidence’—a title that also reflects his real name. The EP, consisting of six tracks, including the lead single ‘Upper Cut,’ is a testament to his versatility and originality. Other notable songs in the project are ‘Bragado,’ a dancehall track infused with Afro sounds, ‘Friday,’ ‘Option,’ and a party anthem featuring a major act.

FMFSoke’s musical style is diverse, reflecting his ability to adapt to different genres based on his mood and circumstances. He refuses to be boxed into a single category, drawing inspiration from life rather than other artists. “I am not inspired by any artiste because I want to maintain originality and not copy anyone. Being unique is a major ingredient in going far in life,” he states emphatically.

The aspiring artiste looks up to Burna Boy’s electrifying stage performances as a benchmark for his own live shows. He aims to replicate that level of energy and connection with his audience, believing that consistency and staying true to his roots will set him apart in the crowded music industry. Soke’s ultimate dream is to take his music global, proudly putting Abia State on the map.

Beyond his personal aspirations, FMFSoke acknowledges the importance of mentorship in the music industry. He applauds artistes like Olamide, Davido, Wizkid, and Don Jazzy for giving younger talents a platform to shine. Soke himself hopes to work with Odumodublvck, an artiste he deeply respects and admires.

For now, FMFSoke finds solace and strength in his community of fans, FMF (For My Family), who are dedicated to promoting his brand. With their support, and through the authenticity and dynamism of his debut EP, Soke is poised to make a significant impact on the African music scene and beyond.

As he continues to navigate the complexities of his musical journey, FMFSoke remains confident in his vision. “I’d take Odumodublvck,” he reveals, expressing his desire to collaborate with the new school artiste. With ‘AKUNAESIOBIKE,’ Soke is set to announce himself to the world, showcasing his unique sound and unwavering determination to succeed. The future looks promising for this talented artist, who is determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest to inspire and create a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Nigeria’s oldest music label, Premier Records Limited has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Josplay, an Africa-focused music streaming platform powered by AI.

 The collaboration will offer a unique opportunity for music lovers across Africa to rediscover timeless classics from the 60s to 2000s while fostering exciting new possibilities for collaborations between established and emerging creatives.

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COO of Josplay, Jideofor Okoro said: “Partnering with Premier Records allows us to introduce a

whole new generation to the iconic sounds that shaped Afrobeats, while simultaneously creating a platform for fresh collaborations that bridge the generational gap. This endeavour can only be possible with advanced music.  intelligence Josplay possesses.”

Through this partnership, Josplay users will gain access to Premier Records’ expansive library, featuring the unforgettable hits of the 60s to 2000s alongside the vibrant sounds of today’s hottest artists.

Explaining further, CEO, Premier Records, Michael  Odiong said:  “Premier Records has always been at the forefront of discovering and nurturing talents. This partnership with Josplay allows us to share our legacy with a wider audience while providing a platform for our artists to connect and collaborate with the next wave of African music stars.”

Grammy award-winning producer, Kel-P has teamed up with PG Records prodigy, Prince Chibuike Okafor aka Sugarbana ahead of an upcoming project slated for 2024.

Sugarbana, an emerging Afrobeats act, excited fans with news that he will be collaborating with Kel-P on this new project.

After years of working in the background and collaborating with top music acts like Davido, Fire Boy, Teni, Ycee, Bella Shmurda, Pretty Boy Do & Barry Jay. Sugarbana is ready to take the spotlight with his first official project. The team at PG Records has worked tirelessly to ensure that this new project revolutionises the Afrobeats scene in 2024.

Read Also: I brought Afrobeat to international stage – Rotimi

With Kel-P, a top Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter, who is no stranger to the global music stage, Sugarbana is set to rule the airwaves.

Kel-P’s work on groundbreaking projects like African Giant by Burna Boy, Made in Lagos (Deluxe Version) by Wizkid, Timeless by Davido, and Mother Nature by Angélique Kidjo speaks volumes of his talent and credibility as a relevant voice in the Afrobeats scene. This brings even more weight to Kel P’s decision to collaborate with and cosign the yet-to-be-discovered talent in Sugarbana.

Though the extent of this collaboration is still unknown, it is fair to say that Kel-P will be playing a major part in the execution of this project.

Sugarbana is a dancehall and Afro-fusion artist, he has made a name for himself in the music industry and has become a regular collaborator with some of the biggest Afrobeats stars.

American R&B superstar Usher Raymond has expressed admiration for the afrobeats genre and how he desires to be a part of the said music scene.

He claimed that he collaborated with Nigerian artists, Burna Boy and Pheelz, on his latest album because he wants to be part of the Afrobeats surge.

Recall that Usher had featured Pheelz in ‘Ruin,’ the lead single from his current album, and Burna Boy in the album’s title tune, ‘Homecoming’.

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Usher claimed in a recent interview with Apple Music that Pheelz had influenced his working with Burna Boy.

He said: “I am all about collaboration and bringing African, you know, Nigerian culture to my own world. Their music is really popular now. I wanted to be part of it [Afrobeats], that’s why I went to Africa to make this album.

“I picked up things when I was in Ghana. I picked up things when I was in Nigeria. And working with Pheelz, he created the record [‘Homecoming’]. I just felt that Burna Boy would take it to a different level of credibility. I really do enjoy him as an artist. I just felt that this song would only be lifted better if he was part of it.”