The stage is set for a first ever Afrobeats performance at the 2024 Grammys. This is no surprise! With its infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and lyrics that speak to the soul, Afrobeats has become the ultimate party soundtrack. Artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr are at the forefront of this musical revolution, blending traditional African sounds with modern influences to create a sound that’s undeniably fresh and irresistible.
One reason for Afrobeats’ meteoric rise is its ability to bridge cultures and bring people together on the dance floor. Whether you’re vibing to Davido’s smooth vocals or getting down to Asake’s infectious beats, Afrobeats transcends borders, uniting listeners from Lagos to London, and beyond. Additionally, the genre’s authenticity and unapologetic celebration of African culture resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a global phenomenon.
While some see it as a wave, I believe it to be the start of something bigger. According to Obi Asika, a record executive who was just appointed director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, “soft power has kind of evolved on its own.” “Afrobeats culture, which I refer to as the driving force behind the music, is what gives rise to the fashion, dance, and attitude that accompany it.”
This year Burna Boy, who has already won a Grammy, is nominated for four categories with his unique blend of Yoruba lyrics and Nigerian pidgin. Artists Asake and Olamide are up for the South African popular genre “Amapiano” award.
Davido has received three nominations, one for his African award, “Unavailable.” Singer Ayra Starr is vying for the title of “Rush.” Since African music has dominated for so long, do you think we should have received more attention at this point? Without a doubt,” Davido said to France24.
“I always knew that if we were given the opportunity to be heard, I always knew people would love it. The culture as a whole. Not only music, food, fashion, and the list goes on.” Said Davido
“A long time in coming”
The Grammy category, according to Nigerian music entrepreneur Motolani Alake, has been “long time coming,” not just for Nigeria but for all of Africa. He declared, “It can only be a blessing for Africa.”
Although afrobeats has been around for more than ten years, foreign interest in the genre has grown dramatically in recent years.
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According to music historian and documentary filmmaker Ed Keazor, Nigeria’s sizable diaspora in Britain and the US has also contributed significantly to the country’s increased prominence.
With Nigeria’s 200 million population and 20 million sharing the space in the city of Lagos, the majority of whom are under 30, demographics also play a role in the explosion of Afrobeats.
According to Siya Metane of the South African music newspaper SlikourOnLife, Nigeria’s closeness to London, sizeable diaspora, and particularly the labour, investment, and partnerships with international talents have all paid off.
“All of those things are ingredients for a genre to really start spreading out and reaching the whole world,” Metane said.
Ayra Starr, the Afrobeats nominee, is already getting ready for the best.
“My speech is ready. According to local media, she said, “I have everything done already,” on the Cool FM Lagos radio station. “I already know my walk and my outfit.”
Although the Grammy category is a “acknowledgement,” Abuchi Ugwu, the CEO of one of Nigeria’s biggest companies, Chocolate City, contended that African musicians ought to be up against other celebrities. He declared, “Africa is not just Afrobeats.”
Nigerian inventiveness is becoming more visible not only in music but also in its thriving movie industry, Nollywood, which is expanding into new international markets.
A number of Nollywood filmmakers, writers, and actors were invited to join the Oscars Academy last year. Among them was CJ Obasi, whose film “Mami Wata” took home a prize at Sundance.
