African creatives are intrigued as to why Nigerian music thrives more than other African music. We look at the Nigerian music scene on the global stage and some of the reasons why it’s doing so well and having an impact in Africa. Many people attributed Nigerian music’s success to the country’s population. Others say that Nigerian musicians are more developed than their African contemporaries. Though there may be some truth to this, it is not accurate.
The difficulties surrounding Nigerian music’s global prominence have been present for some time. For many years, the expression “Africa rising” referred to the continent’s expanding economies and thriving economic situation. However, it’s becoming clear that the statement may also apply to Africa’s music scene. Meanwhile, social media has increased African artists’ potential to capture the attention of the world.
The virility of songs by Nigerian performers like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, and Tiwa Savage, among others, are recent instances. Many African countries’ substantial diaspora communities in key sectors such as the United Kingdom and the United States are also helping to spread the continent’s music abroad. When combined with the existing talent that has made a significant impact, this implies that foreign listeners will continue to see Africa as a source for fresh music talent for some time to come.
This impact may be observed in the fact that people in the United States make up a higher percentage of Spotify listeners to the Nigerian music pop star, and that the United States and United Kingdom make up a similar fraction of the billions of plays of Afro Dancehall tracks over the previous year.
Africans listening to Africans: It is apparent that African artists have a bright future on a global scale. However, Africans are listening to more artists from across the continent than ever before, particularly Nigerian music. A number of other African artists have reached comparable levels of intra-continental success, and this trend is expected to continue, especially as connectivity becomes more affordable and widespread across the continent.
Bringing talent to light: Growing global and African audiences have a rising selection of African content to pick from. However, in order for that evolution to continue and for new artists to emerge, they must be encouraged. No surprise that many African artists are partnering with Nigerian artists to provide listeners with a very distinctive melody on a larger scale.
Leveraging Nigeria Musical Superpower
Nigeria’s music scene is unquestionably one of the most flourishing in Africa. In fact, it is similar to what the American music industry is to the rest of the world and the key stakeholders are thrilled. Indeed, optimism is a new and emerging source of power that Nigeria may and should use to greatly rebuild its global image and renown. This level is music, specifically Afrobeats and Nigerian music in general. The continued ascent and global acceptance of the Afrobeats genre present Nigeria with a tool that, when properly used, can have a substantial impact on the country’s public appearance.
To be clear, Nigeria has always had an abundance of great musicians. Musicians around the country have thrilled audiences and served to preserve historical cultures since colonial times. To name a few, Osita Osadebey, Oliver de Coque, and Bobby Benson came from highlife music. With the achievements of Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, and Shina Peters, Juju music gave its fair share. Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Kollington, and Ayinde Marshall are all products of Fuji music. Some of them went on to attain some sort of global recognition, the most notable of whom was Fela Kuti.
His ability to blend African and Western instruments with revolutionary lyrics garnered him international acclaim. Despite their diverse and varying triumphs, there has never been a period when Nigerian music could be said to have arrived and taken over the global music industry as we are currently witnessing. Today, the songs of rising Nigerian superstars like Davido, Wizkid, as well as Burna Boy can be heard on American and European radio stations. Radio stations, TV stations, and even sports stadiums, to name a few, can’t get enough of them.
As Nigerian singers continue to sell out shows in a way that only true global superstars can, world-famous artists such as Beyonce, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran have actively sought collaborations with our Afrobeats stars. To top it all off, the global accolades have begun to arrive. At one point in time, Nigerians rejoiced when their musicians were nominated for some minor Grammy award category; now, winning major categories is the norm. Many Nigerian musicians received accolades in the previous edition. They will not be the last, based on present trends.
So, how will Nigeria use its newfound power? First and foremost, Nigeria should consider developing a national music strategy that is integrated into other aspects of government, such as foreign affairs, information & culture, youth development, education, as well as finance. With this in place, many initiatives for leveraging our emerging music value both locally and abroad can be implemented. The nomination of some of our global superstars as cultural ambassadors is one scheme that may be readily and quickly implemented.
Right now, they reflect the best of us in the eyes of the whole world and ought to be recognized not only for their accomplishments, but also involved in our global image revitalization efforts. These appointments should be preceded by specific preparations for getting them to be on the front of both national and international communication campaigns, as this will position the Nigeria music industry on a larger global scale for everybody to resonate with. Nevertheless, Nigeria has a unique opportunity due to the rising popularity of its youthful and dynamic musicians who are taking the world by surprise.
Do you ever listen to a particular music and find yourself literally in tears? Have you ever seen a live performance that flipped your worst day into your best? Have you ever heard a music that inspired you? Music has the ability to move and influence us. The correct lyrics, rhythm, and instruments can help to shape a group’s identity, elicit powerful emotions, captivate audiences, and mobilize people to action. Music is a crucial aspect of popular culture; it entertains us, and it is thus an excellent medium for debating critical problems.
Over the last decade, there has been a growing discord between Nigerian musicians and their colleagues from other regions of Africa over the former’s perceived international success and music. While Nigerian musicians appear to have the world at their feet with their music, which continues to break records and geographical borders, others appear to be playing catch up, giving rise to some resentment.
It is worth noting, however, that in order for African music to traverse boundaries, African musicians and music stakeholders must set aside their differences and collaborate. The goal should not be to denigrate the success of other acts or African countries, but to create a method for such chances to be mutually beneficial.