Some of The Greatest Afrobeats Moments in the past that’s brought great joy and ushered in huge global recognitions and brought pride to our beautiful continent
Afrobeats has become a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its infectious rhythms, vibrant melodies, and culturally rich lyrics. Over the years, several key moments have defined its journey, marking its rise on the world stage. Below, we explore some of the greatest Afrobeats moments that have played a significant role in shaping the genre’s global success.
1. Fela Kuti and the Birth of Afrobeats
No discussion of Afrobeats is complete without mentioning the legendary Fela Kuti. In the 1970s, Fela pioneered the genre by blending traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. His politically charged lyrics and electrifying performances laid the foundation for what we now know as Afrobeats. Fela’s legacy continues to influence contemporary artists, making him a cornerstone of the genre.
2. Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” Goes Global
Released in 2014, Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” became a cultural anthem, telling the story of his humble beginnings in Lagos. The song caught the attention of international artists like Drake and Skepta, who later jumped on the remix. This moment marked a turning point for Afrobeats, as the genre began to gain traction outside Africa, introducing a global audience to the sounds of Nigeria.
3. Burna Boy’s Grammy Win
Burna Boy’s Grammy win in 2021 for Best Global Music Album with *Twice as Tall* was a monumental moment for Afrobeats. It was the first time a Nigerian artist won in that category, cementing Burna Boy’s place on the global stage. This victory was not just a personal achievement but a milestone for the entire genre, showing the world that Afrobeats was a force to be reckoned with.
4. Davido’s “Fall” Breaks Records
Davido’s 2017 hit single “Fall” was a game-changer for Afrobeats in terms of digital streaming. The song became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history and was one of the first Afrobeats tracks to surpass 100 million views on YouTube. “Fall” opened doors for many other artists to explore international markets, proving that Afrobeats could compete on a global scale.
5. Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift Album
In 2019, Beyoncé’s album *The Lion King: The Gift* was a love letter to African music, featuring some of the biggest names in Afrobeats, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, and Tiwa Savage. The album’s release was a significant moment for the genre, exposing millions of Beyoncé fans to Afrobeats. Songs like “Brown Skin Girl” and “Ja Ara E” became instant hits, further solidifying the genre’s global appeal.
6. Tems’ “Essence” Featuring Wizkid
“Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems, released in 2020, has been dubbed “the song of the summer” and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s success marked a significant moment in Afrobeats history, showcasing the genre’s ability to cross over into mainstream American music. The song’s popularity also propelled Tems to international stardom, establishing her as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices.
7. Rema’s “Calm Down” Global Success
Rema’s 2022 hit single “Calm Down” saw unprecedented global success, particularly after the release of the remix featuring Selena Gomez. The song charted in multiple countries and broke streaming records, further solidifying Afrobeats’ global presence. “Calm Down” has become an anthem in various regions, showcasing the genre’s versatility and broad appeal.
8. Davido’s Performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Davido made history in December 2022 when he performed at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar. This moment was not only significant for Davido but for Afrobeats as a whole, as he became one of the first African artists to perform on such a grand global stage. His performance of “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” alongside Trinidad Cardona and Aisha resonated worldwide, further elevating the status of Afrobeats in the global music scene.
9. Burna Boy’s UEFA Champions League Final Performance
In June 2023, Burna Boy took center stage at the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, delivering a high-energy performance that showcased Afrobeats to a massive global audience. This event marked a significant moment in the genre’s history, as Burna Boy became the first Afrobeats artist to perform at one of the biggest sporting events in the world. His performance was a celebration of African culture and a testament to the genre’s growing influence on the global stage.
10. Tiwa Savage’s Historic Performance at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert
In May 2023, Tiwa Savage made history as the first Afrobeats artist to perform at a British royal event. Her performance of “Keys to the Kingdom” at the coronation concert for King Charles III was a landmark moment, not just for her career but for Afrobeats as a genre. It highlighted the global reach and acceptance of Afrobeats, demonstrating its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
11. Rema’s Performance at the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
In October 2023, Rema delivered a stunning performance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, one of football’s most prestigious events. Performing his global hit “Calm Down,” Rema captivated the audience, including some of the world’s biggest football stars. This performance further solidified Afrobeats’ presence on the global stage, showcasing the genre’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences around the world.
Afrobeats has come a long way from its roots in Nigeria to becoming a global music powerhouse. The moments mentioned above are just a few of the many that have shaped the genre’s journey. As Afrobeats continues to evolve, it’s clear that this is only the beginning, and the world is eager to see what’s next for this dynamic and influential genre.
