Afrobeats: From the Streets of Lagos to the Global Stage

By Hassan Mabweh Linus (U19MM1129)

"Afrobeats is not just music; it's a movement." — Tiwa Savage

From the crowded streets of Lagos and Accra to sold out arenas in London and New York, Afrobeats has grown from a local sound into a global cultural force. But how did a genre rooted in African rhythms become an international sensation?

Fela to a New Era

To understand Afrobeats, it is important to first distinguish it from Afrobeat, a genre pioneered in the 1970s by Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela’s music was political, raw, and rhythmic, blending jazz, funk, and traditional African percussion. His songs, like Zombie and Water No Get Enemy, were bold expressions of protest against military oppression and social injustice in Nigeria.

While Afrobeat focused on activism and social critique, Afrobeats (with an “s”) emerged in the early 2000s as a more danceable, commercially driven fusion of sounds. Artists like 2Baba and D’banj helped usher in this new wave, introducing Nigerian music to wider audiences with hits like African Queen and Oliver Twist.

The Era of Streaming and Global Breakthroughs

The 2010s marked a turning point. Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack allowed Afrobeats artists to reach fans around the world. With global collaborations, most notably Wizkid and Drake’s 2016 hit One Dance, the genre began topping international charts.

Platforms like TikTok further boosted the spread. Songs such as Unavailable by Davido and Last Last by Burna Boy sparked viral dance challenges, helping the genre gain a foothold with younger, digital-savvy audiences. Tracks like Love Nwantiti by CKay and Calm Down by Rema crossed a billion combined streams and became global anthems.

Rema captured this global appeal when he told Rolling Stone, “It’s crazy how people from countries I’ve never been to sing my song word for word.”

Beyond the Music: Culture and Economy

Afrobeats is more than sound, it influences fashion, language, dance, and beauty standards. From Shoki to Skelewu and Azonto, it has exported African culture to the world.

Economically, the genre has created jobs for producers, dancers, stylists, and digital marketers. According to a 2021 report by PwC, Nigeria’s music industry contributed over ₦28.8 billion ($72 million) to the national GDP.

Global recognition has followed. In 2019, Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift featured top Afrobeats artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage. Burna Boy, now a Grammy winner, has performed at iconic venues like Coachella, the O2 Arena, and Madison Square Garden.

Afrobeats to the World

Afrobeats has become Nigeria’s biggest cultural export. Its rise from local parties and street corners to global playlists reflects the innovation, talent, and hustle of a generation.

With more artists signing international deals and dominating global charts, it is clear Afrobeats isn’t just trending, it is here to stay.