Afrobeats has witnessed a remarkable and rapid ascent to prominence on the international music scene.

Initially a genre that flourished predominantly in Nigerian and select Ghanaian communities, Afrobeats has now risen to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Prominent Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage have spearheaded this remarkable success, engaging in collaborations with international icons and showcasing their talents on some of the world's most prestigious platforms.

For many aspiring Nigerian musicians, the prospect of partnering with global stars is not only appealing but also a primary objective.

Such collaborations frequently provide a rapid pathway to fame and recognition, capitalizing on the established fan base and industry clout of their more famous collaborators.

The achievements of artists like Wizkid, who collaborated with Drake on the worldwide hit "One Dance," Burna Boy, who has partnered with renowned figures like Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, and Tems, who gained international acclaim through her work on Wizkid's "Essence," serve as significant sources of inspiration.

These partnerships have undoubtedly created opportunities, solidifying Afrobeats' presence on the international music scene.

Nevertheless, Afrobeats superstar Davido underscored the importance of emerging artists approaching these opportunities with caution and prioritizing the development of their craft.

The singer made these remarks during an event organized by the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE) on Monday.

The global rise of Afrobeats has undoubtedly presented Nigerian artists with significant opportunities. However, it also poses a substantial risk to the genre’s authenticity.

The pursuit of international recognition can lead artists to prioritize commercial appeal at the expense of their unique artistic expression. This dilution of creative artistry is evident in the increasing number of songs that heavily rely on popular trends rather than exploring novel and innovative sounds.

Davido emphasizes these concerns, noting that the eagerness for international collaborations sometimes overshadows the importance of building a robust and independent identity within the music industry.

“Initially, working with international artistes was exciting because it brought together two worlds. However, I don’t think it’s essential for new artistes to prioritise collaborations from the start because of what we represent as Africans in this age,’’ Davido said.

The current trend of international collaboration in music production may inadvertently lead to the homogenization of Afrobeats, resulting in a loss of its distinctive characteristics.

Musicians may modify their sound to appeal to a broader global audience, potentially compromising the cultural richness and originality that define the genre.

The "Away" singer contrasts this trend with the triumph of Rema’s “Calm Down,” which he presents as an illustration of a song that achieved substantial success on its own merits.

“Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ earned him significant success. He was paid 100 million dollars to perform; that’s just him in the song.” Davido stated.

This underscores the potential for artists to attain remarkable achievements by embracing their genuine musical style, rather than resorting to conventional production methods solely focused on rapid commercial success.

Davido has consistently produced successful musical compositions that have had a significant and positive impact on both his professional trajectory and the broader music industry.

The single "Fall," which was released in 2017, achieved remarkable global success, resonating with audiences far beyond Africa and accumulating millions of streams across various digital platforms. Another notable track, "FIA," also from 2017, further enhanced Davido's musical appeal.

These songs not only topped charts throughout Africa but also attracted considerable international interest, highlighting Davido's ability to craft music that connects with listeners worldwide.

Similarly, Burna Boy's singles, including "Ye," "Anybody," and "On the Low," have garnered international recognition due to his unique Afro-fusion style.

His contributions to music have earned him Grammy nominations and opportunities to perform on prestigious global stages.

Wizkid has also made a significant impact with hits like "Ojuelegba," "Come Closer," and "Soco," which have catapulted him to international stardom, including collaborations with global superstars such as Drake and Beyoncé.

Tiwa Savage showcases her versatility through songs like "All Over," "Ma Lo," and "49-99," further establishing her presence in the global music arena.

Collectively, these artists have successfully utilized their music to transcend cultural barriers, captivating audiences around the world and enhancing the global influence of Nigerian music.

In light of these accomplishments, Davido cautions aspiring musicians against hastily chasing after similar successes. The Afrobeats icon emphasizes that the foremost objective for new artists should be to hone their skills and create genuine music.

He said: “One song can change an artiste’s life, giving them opportunities to tour in America and Europe. Rema had a hit that made him good money. I don’t think your first motive should be, ‘I want to feature other artistes.’ Eventually, it will come, but don’t rush it,” he says.

The artist emphasizes that musicians can establish a solid foundation that naturally draws attention and fosters long-term success by giving their art and cultural heritage top priority.

This viewpoint underscores the importance of producing high-caliber, impactful music that resonates with listeners.

It is apparent in the contemporary music industry that musicians actively seek to establish connections across different continents. These relationships provide several benefits, including the potential for expanding their global reach, incorporating diverse musical influences, and facilitating cultural exchange. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to the elevation of their careers to an international level.

In this context, Davido emphasizes the significance of authentic relationships within the music industry.

He noted: “It’s not just about the music but the friendship. My collaboration with Chris Brown works well because we are friends. Collaborating with friends means everyone puts their all into it. He is my friend, and we love working together. It’s not like I collaborate on a song, shoot the video, then call for another feature, and I don’t see you.

“No matter the race in friendship, whether he’s from Congo or America or anywhere else, as long as the music is working, I don’t think you should be that hard on yourself and to say I want to be hard on yourself, saying ‘I want to be recognised here and there’ I feel like it will come and happen naturally.”

This approach contrasts with the transactional nature of some collaborations, where artistes might work together without any real connection, potentially diluting the music’s authenticity.

Nigerian music has risen to prominence, significantly altering global views of Africa.

Artists such as Davido serve as prime examples of this cultural transformation, highlighting that Nigerian music transcends mere entertainment; it embodies a blend of deep-rooted traditions and modern creativity. The assertion that "Nigerian music is indeed changing the narrative" underscores its cultural significance.

This shift is increasingly apparent as a growing number of individuals around the world appreciate Nigerian music, cuisine, and fashion, thereby celebrating the richness of African heritage.

 

“If you’re asked where you are from, you say, ‘I am from Naija’, and they say, ‘Oh, I watch Nigerian movies; I watch the food and the clothes.’ It’s just so beautiful to see Americans singing our Naija songs. I had to come back to Naija to be expanded abroad. The African soil and the Nigerian blood are important to build a change in the music scene,” Davido said.

Recounting his music journey, Davido said, “It’s funny how I left Atlanta, came to Nigeria to start the music, and now it’s taking me back to America. Now, we’re being played on their radio, selling tickets like Drake and Chris Brown,” he shares.

He emphasizes that this "full-circle moment" underscores the significance of remaining connected to "one's origins while achieving global success."

Davido's reflections provide important guidance for emerging artists, encouraging them to hone their skills, remain authentic to their heritage, produce high-quality music, establish a strong local presence, and cultivate sincere relationships within the industry to ensure lasting success.

As demonstrated by Davido's journey, a single impactful song can open doors to international fame that extends beyond mere collaborations.