The African music industry, the continent’s diverse genres and talents are not only conquering global charts but also earning a place on the prestigious Grammy stage.
From electrifying performances at the FIFA World Cup to the introduction of a new Grammy category, African music is experiencing a transformative breakthrough, overcoming longstanding structural challenges.
The new Grammy category, “Best African Music Performance,” set to be awarded this Sunday, symbolizes a significant acknowledgment of regional musical traditions. This recognition encompasses “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent,” reflecting the richness and diversity of African music.
Sub-Saharan Africa emerges as the fastest-growing region for recorded music revenues in 2022, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s Global Music Report 2023. This surge is fueled by newer genres like Afrobeats and amapiano, which blend distinct West African styles and South African kwaito, respectively.
The Grammy category highlights various African music genres, including Afrobeat, Afropop, soukous, shaabi, chaabi, benga, bongo flava, fuji, and high life. These genres, deeply rooted in cultural expressions, reverberate across dance floors not only on the continent but worldwide.
Streaming platforms play a pivotal role in pushing African music beyond borders. Afrobeats streaming on Spotify alone has witnessed a remarkable growth of over 500% since 2017. Hit tracks like Nigerian artist Rema’s “Calm Down” and South African sensation Tyla’s “Water” exemplify the global success and impact of African artists.
LeriQ, a Nigerian producer influential in Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album “Twice As Tall,” emphasizes the uniqueness of the African sound, emphasizing rhythm and feelings over technicalities. This distinctive approach to music resonates with the continent’s young and culturally vibrant population, which is set to comprise a quarter of the world’s population by 2050.
Despite the global appeal, challenges persist, such as limited purchasing power and infrastructure constraints. However, with increasing attention from major record labels and a commitment to developing local talents, the industry is poised for further growth.
African music is not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool against repression and injustice. Songs from the continent have become megaphones amplifying voices against repressive governments and societal injustices.
As the industry gains global recognition, there is optimism among industry insiders like Efe Omorogbe, a music executive, who sees the vast potential of African music. The continent’s music, from Cape Town to Cairo and even in the diaspora, has become a cultural force impossible to ignore, and the introduction of a Grammy category affirms its undeniable significance on the world stage.