Afrobeats Is More Than Just Music — It’s An Identity
Afrobeats has grown into a globally recognised genre, carried on the backs of African artists who united under a single banner to push its narrative. Today, its influence spans continents, penetrating even unlikely markets like India, dominating global charts, and earning African artists accolades, including the Grammys. The genre became so prominent that the Grammys created a category specifically for African music; it has grown so big that its impact is undeniable.
However, as much as we are the world is turning towards us for attention, a curious shift has emerged. Many African artists now reject the genre they once championed. The reason? They believe it boxes them. Afrobeats, they argue, is perceived as a catch-all label for African music, no matter how distinct or varied the sound. At the MTV Video Music Awards this year, South African artist Tyla expressed her concern, noting there is a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. “African music is so diverse; it’s more than just Afrobeats,” she said.
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