The African music industry is currently enjoying a spectacular rise, with its diverse genres and talents not only conquering the global charts, but also earning a place on the prestigious Grammy stage.
From electrifying performances at the FIFA World Cup to the creation of a new Grammy category, African music is undergoing a true transformation, overcoming long-standing structural challenges.
The new Grammy category, entitled “Best African Musical Performance”, which will be awarded this Sunday, represents a significant recognition 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 is revealed to be the fastest growing region in terms of recorded music revenue in 2022, according to the World Music Report 2023 from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. This growth is fueled by newer genres such as afrobeats and amapiano, which blend distinct West African styles and South African kwaito, respectively.
The Grammy category highlights different genres of African music, such as afrobeat, afropop, soukous, shaabi, chaabi, benga, bongo flava, fuji and high life. These genres, deeply rooted in cultural expressions, resonate on dance floors not only on the continent, but also around the world.
Streaming platforms play a crucial role in spreading African music across borders. Afrobeats streaming on Spotify alone has seen remarkable growth of over 500% since 2017. Hits such as “Calm Down” by Nigerian artist Rema and “Water” by South African sensation Tyla illustrate the global success and the 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 emotion rather than aspects techniques. This distinct approach to music resonates with the continent’s young, culturally dynamic population, which is expected to represent a quarter of the world’s population by 2050.
Despite its global appeal, the African music industry faces challenges such as limited purchasing power and infrastructural constraints. However, with increased attention from major labels and a commitment to developing local talent, the industry is poised for continued growth.
African music is not only a source of entertainment, but also a powerful tool against repression and injustice. The continent’s songs have become megaphones amplifying voices against repressive governments and social injustices.
As the industry gains global recognition, industry figures like Efe Omorogbe, a music industry executive, see the vast potential in African music. The music of the continent, from Cape Town to Cairo and even the diaspora, has become a cultural force impossible to ignore, and the introduction of a Grammy category confirms its undeniable importance on the world stage.