The encompassing term describes Nigerian pop music with local roots stretching from the ’50s, comprising a diverse mix of music from West Africa. These musical styles, cultures, and genres that make up Afrobeats\u2014highlife, R&B, hip hop, fuji, juju, and apala, to name a few\u2014have crossed over into the US and other major cities across the globe. Music made in Lagos has penetrated the global pop music framework, influencing the nature of how mainstream music is consumed around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afrobeats is on a successful march. Even if you\u2019ve never paid any particular attention to African music, attended any African parties, or had Nigerian friends, you\u2019ve most likely discovered Nigerian pop music within the past few months. From TikTok to Instagram, Afrobeats artists have injected themselves into global pop culture, scoring collaborations with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, Beyonc\u00e9, Madonna, FKA twigs, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, Nigeria\u2019s WizKid, CKay, and Fireboy DML were some of the most streamed artists on Spotify. They also took over summer 2021 and the year-end holiday party circuit. WizKid\u2019s “Essence”\u2014an R&B fusion collaboration with Tems, with Justin Bieber on the remix\u2014cracked the Billboard Hot 100 on its way to becoming the global song of the summer. His compatriot CKay followed suit with the viral hit “love nwantiti (ah ah ah),” while adding the distinction of being the most Shazamed song on the planet. With a platinum certification, “love nwantiti” sits on top of an increasingly recognized conveyor belt of hits originating from Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n