The meteoric rise of African music over the past seven years has sparked an intense debate: is the genre’s rapid growth truly innovative, or are we witnessing a relentless cycle of hype and imitation?
The rise of African music over the last seven years has been nothing short of remarkable. From 2017 to 2024, several key moments have propelled African artists to the forefront of the global music scene, making them some of the most talked-about creators worldwide.
Various contributors have shaped and nurtured the Afrobeats genre, pushing it beyond its borders to international recognition. Each year has marked a distinct phase in this evolution, highlighting both consistency and intentionality in the growth of African music.
2017: The Breakthrough
2017 marked a pivotal turning point, where the movement to take Afrobeats global began in earnest. Before this, artists like Dbanj with “Oliver Twist” in 2012 and Wizkid’s collaborations with international stars had already laid the groundwork. But in 2017, the momentum became undeniable. Davido’s hit “Fia” gained traction in the U.S., while Wizkid’s “Come Closer” featuring Drake performed well globally despite lacking the Canadian star in its videos. Tracks like Ycee’s “Juice” with Maleek Berry also made waves, particularly in the UK market. Locally, 2017 produced several hits, but it was clear that this was the year Nigerian artists started getting noticed internationally.
2018: Burna Boy’s Revival
2018 was the year Burna Boy began his rise to superstardom with the release of “Ye,” which would catapult him into global fame. It was also a significant year for AfroB’s “Joanna,” which made an impact in the UK. Wizkid maintained his global influence, especially in France, with hits like “Bella” and collaborations with stars like Skepta and Chris Brown. On the local scene, Wizkid dominated with tracks like “Soco” and “Fake Love,” making 2018 a banner year for the star.
2019: The Rise of the New Generation
2019 saw the emergence of new stars like Rema, Fireboy, Joeboy, and Oxlade, all of whom made significant contributions to the genre. Naira Marley stirred up the local scene, while Burna Boy took his global standing to new heights with the release of his “African Giant” album. Davido also enjoyed success with “A Good Time,” and tracks like “Blow My Mind” resonated well internationally. Burna Boy was the standout star of 2019, with Rema and Naira Marley not far behind.
2020: The Lockdown Reset
The global lockdown shaped 2020. It slowed the pace of music production but didn’t stop the Afrobeats movement. With parties and performances on hold, digital music consumption soared. This was when Omah Lay rose to prominence with his soulful sound, becoming the breakout star of the year. His ability to captivate a homebound audience set him apart in 2020.
2021: A Year of Hits
2021 was a year of resurgence for the genre, with everyone eager to make their mark. Fireboy’s “Peru” and Wizkid’s “Essence,” a track praised by Kanye West as one of the best songs ever, became major global hits. Ayra Starr also made her mark as one of Nigeria’s biggest exports. However, Buju (Bnxn) was the undeniable star of 2021, dominating the airwaves with multiple hits and collaborations.
2022: Asake’s Year
2022 was marked by a growing sense of pride in Afrobeats’ global presence. Hits like Rema’s “Calm Down” became global sensations, while Burna Boy’s “Last Last” and Omah Lay’s “Boy Alone” cemented their places in the industry. But it was Asake who truly owned 2022, with a string of hits that made it seem as though he was on a personal mission to dominate the year.
2023: Individuality Shines
In 2023, the global stage was wide open for Nigerian artists. Stars like Ayra Starr, Asake, and Burna Boy continued to shine, while Davido made a major comeback with his album “Timeless.” Newcomers like Odumodu and Shallipopi added fresh energy to the scene, while Seyi Vibez sparked conversations with his unique sound and approach.
2024: A Year of Albums
While 2024 is still unfolding, it’s already clear that this will be the year of albums. Established names like Tems, Fireboy, Rema, and Ayra Starr have already released fire albums, while artists like Omah Lay and Oxlade are expected to join the mix. The competitiveness of the year is palpable, with artists seemingly more focused on outdoing each other than ever before. As Afrobeats continues its meteoric rise, the big question is: who will come out on top, and what does this fierce competition mean for the genre’s future?
Conclusion
The journey of African music from 2017 to 2024 has been a story of consistent growth, individual brilliance, and global recognition. Each year has added something new, and as 2024 unfolds, it’s clear that Afrobeats is here to stay, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the genre.
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