Ehen! Can we just talk about how far Afrobeats has come? From the hoods of West Africa to the clubs of London and beyond, Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with. And it’s no wonder, with its mad energy and beats that can get anybody grooving.
So, what has put Afrobeats on the map? Well, social media is a big part of the story. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, music can spread like wildfire, and Afrobeats is no exception. In a matter of seconds, people all over the world are being exposed to the sick rhythms and beats of Afrobeats, and it’s no surprise that it’s become the sound of the moment.
But the rise of Afrobeats isn’t just down to social media. The commercialization of the genre has also been a big driver of its growth. Record labels and music streaming services have been investing heavily in Afrobeats artists, leading to a boom in production and more collaborations with international artists. This has only served to further push Afrobeats into the limelight.
But with all this success, some people have started to worry that Afrobeats is becoming too commercial and losing its edge. As the genre becomes more mainstream, there’s a risk that it will become homogenized and lose its unique character and cultural significance.
However, we must remember that Afrobeats has always been a genre that’s constantly evolving. From its roots in highlife and traditional West African music, Afrobeats has always incorporated elements of other genres and cultures, and that’s what makes it so special.