Influence of Social Media on Afrobeats
Afrobeats is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria and Ghana in the late {2000s}. It is characterized by catchy melodies, rhythmic beats, and influences from various African musical traditions. Afrobeats has become popular worldwide, thanks to the exposure and promotion of social media platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram.
Social media has played a crucial role in the growth and development of Afrobeats. It has enabled artists to reach a global audience, collaborate with other musicians across borders, and showcase their creativity and talent. Social media has also helped to create a sense of community and identity among Afrobeats fans, who can share their opinions, preferences, and experiences online.
Some of the benefits of social media for Afrobeats are:
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
- It provides a platform for discovery and exposure. Social media allows Afrobeats artists to upload their songs, videos, and performances online, where they can be accessed by millions of users around the world. This helps to increase their visibility, popularity, and fan base. For example, Nigerian singer Davido became an international sensation after his song "Fall" went viral on YouTube in {2017}, garnering over 200 million views.
- It facilitates collaboration and networking. Social media enables Afrobeats artists to connect with other musicians, producers, and influencers who can help them expand their reach and influence. Social media also allows them to collaborate with artists from different genres and cultures, creating new and innovative sounds and styles. For instance, Nigerian rapper Wizkid collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on the hit song "One Dance" in 2016, which topped the charts in several countries.
- It enhances creativity and innovation. Social media encourages Afrobeats artists to experiment with new ideas, techniques, and trends. Social media also provides them with feedback and inspiration from their fans and peers, who can comment, like, and share their content. This helps them to improve their skills, refine their craft, and produce original and quality music. For example, Nigerian singer Burna Boy incorporated elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip hop into his Afrobeats music, creating a unique and distinctive sound that earned him a Grammy nomination in {2019}.
