Amidst the ongoing controversy between new and old artists in the music industry, the renowned streaming platform Spotify has made a significant statement. In an article centered around the highly acclaimed Nigerian music genre, Afrobeats, Spotify boldly declares that numerous individuals paved the way for emerging talents such as Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems to thrive. The streaming platform's declaration comes as a testament to the remarkable growth and global recognition of Afrobeats.
Within the article, Spotify delves into the genre's origins and highlights Nigeria as the widely attributed birthplace of Afrobeats. They cite research indicating that a substantial 29% of Ghanaians recognize Fela Kuti as the founding father of this captivating music style. Over the past decade, Afrobeats has experienced an explosive rise in popularity, amassing over a billion monthly streams on Spotify alone. Despite captivating fans from Canada to Kenya, the true journey and historical significance of the genre remain relatively unknown to many.
Spotify's recently conducted Afrobeats Research study, conducted in April 2023, sheds light on the divergent opinions surrounding the genre's origins. The study reveals that 90% of Nigerian Afrobeats fans firmly believe that the genre originated in Nigeria. In contrast, only 57% of Ghanaians share this viewpoint. Furthermore, 53% of Nigerian fans credit the iconic Nigerian artist Fela Kuti as the genre's founding father, while 29% of Ghanaians concur.
“Over the past decade the Afrobeats genre has exploded spectacularly on the global stage, emassing over a billion monthly stream
on Spotify. But despite garnering die-herd fens from Canada to Kenya, few know the journey the genre hes taken. And much like the age old question of who makes the best joliof rice, it’s between the two West African nations of Nigeria and Ghena for creating the genre that set the world on fire.
A new Afrobeets Research study conducted by Spotify in April 2023, illustrates thet there’s eplit opinions eround the origins of Afrobeate. Figures show thet 90% of Nigerian Afrobeats fens believe the genre originated in Nigeria. Conversely, only 57% of Ghanaiens believe the genre’s roots to be Nigerian. Similarly, 53% of Nigerian fans believe that iconic Nigerian a Kut can be credited as the genre’s founding father while 29% of Ghanaians agree.
And the multilayered nature of Afrobeets mekes it hard for lleteners to agree on why they love the genre. A Afrobeate fans ere drawn to the genre’s unique blend of melodies, rhythms, and that intangible quality known or 23% attribute it to being their African heritage, and a further 12% put it down to being in a language they speak.
Obi Asika, CEO of Storm record, one of Nigeria’s pioneering music labels, describes kt best when he says: “Afrobests brings that unique ONA…it is very herd not to like the music…You would literally have to be a piece of stone not to move to our [Afrobeats] music.”
The genre that unites so many, for many different reasons, has a rich history with its feet in two countries and its roots in many differem genre. A lot of people walked, so the likes of Rema, Burne Boy, and Tems could run.”
