He spoke at the Afrobeats Celebration event. Jocelyn Muftu-RemySpotify's Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Spotify's commitment to connecting people with the music they love is at the heart of everything we do. We are excited to strengthen our efforts to grow the music ecosystem across the country.”
for the record We sat down with Joey Akan to discuss the popularity of Afrobeats, its evolution, and how it differs from other music genres.
How has the genre evolved since you started Afrobeats Intelligence?
The music we make now is markedly different and progressive than what we made ten years ago. Every day we continue to relearn and update what it means to be a Nigerian artist and make Nigerian music.
Before afrobeat intelligence Often focused on the United States, we now exchange stories and sounds in every culture, every market, and every climate. It's beautiful to see the never-ending growth.
What are the key milestones in the origins of Afrobeats' global rise?
2 Babaof””african queen” has led many Millennials to believe that the world wants what we create here in Nigeria. Divangeof””oliver twist” That belief was later reinforced, Wizkidof””Ojuelegba” helped make it a new reality.
today, david, burna boyand Rema carry the torch.
Why do you think Afrobeats has become so popular in recent years?
Since we've made it available to music centers around the world, a lot of our music has become so familiar that people have found an access point to it. Afrobeats incorporates cultures from all over the world, and people love the familiar with a touch of newness.
I think it's because the music is so beautiful. We express words and melodies in unique ways that often bring us pure joy.
How do you think Afrobeats music will evolve in the next ten years and what role do you think it will play in shaping global music trends?
Afrobeats has the potential to become a lens through which the world can view musical escapism. As we continue to expand our horizons, we also change our sounds and discover new ways to access the world.
In 10 years, what we call a hit song will be far from what gets young people dancing in clubs. What heals us now may not be recognizable to 15-year-olds.
Why are you excited to be part of Spotify’s Afrobeats education campaign?
Spotify has supported that culture and enabled the market to grow. It's great to see them combining education with the foundational work of Afrobeats, and it's an honor to be a part of it. I'm happy to do my part to educate people about the ecosystem and music.
What makes Afrobeats music unique compared to other genres?
Afrobeats is a very fluid genre, changing across time and space and can include every type of music on the planet. It is a product of fusion. It's an endless combination of global genres and local interpretations. That's why it can take any market shape. In Afrobeats, everything is welcome as long as you add drums and rhythm to move and energize people. Afrobeats is unique because that's what it's all about.
Join us in tracking the global rise of Afrobeats. Afrobeats: A Journey of 1 Billion Streams
