Why Everyone Wants To Feature An Afrobeat Artist - Editorial

Forum 3 years ago

Why Everyone Wants To Feature An Afrobeat Artist - Editorial

Afrobeat which originated in the 1960s has grown to become one of the popular music genres in the world today. The genre which started off as an infusion of jazz and highlife merging Ghanaian and Nigerian cultures is today a global product.

The music genre that was pioneered by Nigerian Fela Kuti was used to narrate the effects of colonization in Africa and bad leadership. Fela was a voice against corrupt policies and bad governance.

Today, Afrobeat isn't only used to expose the atrocities of corrupt leaders, it's equally used to sell our language, culture, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty.

The 21st century Afrobeat pioneered by Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, and a host of other artiste is more or less the newest genre to gain unimaginable attention in the global market. Nigerians, Ghanaians, Tanzanians, and other artistes from other African countries have been privileged to collaborate with international stars of late.

1. Attention

Due to the fact, Afrobeat is finally getting recognized, up to the extent of different digital platforms curating official playlists for the music genre, many international stars see it as a quick way to penetrate the market and gain attention. It's more like joining the trend for these artists.

2. Audience

Africa being the most populated continent in the world after Asia is an added advantage to Afrobeat. The continent boasts of over a billion people and hence have a wide audience for international artists to sell their music. This is equally why Nigerians seem to be enjoying a large part of this privilege being the most populous nation on the continent.

3. Clout

The third reason why these artists feature Afrobeat artistes is for clout. Africans, mostly Nigerians tend to value an artist based on how many international collaborations he or she has recorded. This has now been exploited by many international artists. Once an international act jumps on an Afrobeat tune or collaborates with an afrobeat artist, he or she get's so much organic promotion from the fans of the afrobeat star.

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