“A lot of people walked so the likes of Rema, Burna Boy, Tems could run” – Spotify declares

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Amidst the ongoing new-cats-old-cats feud, Spotify, the popular streaming service, acknowledges the significant contribution of Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems, stating that their success is owed to the support of countless music enthusiasts.

Extensive research indicates that Nigeria, a West African nation, is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Afrobeats genre. In fact, a remarkable 29% of Ghanaians credit Fela as the founding father of Afrobeats, as revealed in Spotify’s exploration of this highly regarded musical style.

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Over the past decade, the Afrobeats genre has witnessed a meteoric rise on the global stage, amassing over a billion monthly streams on Spotify alone. While its popularity has extended from Canada to Kenya, many remain unaware of the genre’s fascinating journey. Additionally, the ongoing debate between Nigeria and Ghana on which country deserves credit for creating the genre has sparked further interest, akin to the age-old rivalry over who makes the best jollof rice.

In April 2023, Spotify conducted a comprehensive Afrobeat research study, shedding light on the varying opinions surrounding the genre’s origins. The study revealed that a staggering 90% of Nigerian Afrobeat fans believe the genre originated in Nigeria, while only 57% of Ghanaians share the same view. Furthermore, 53% of Nigerian fans credit the iconic Nigerian artist, Fela Kuti, as the genre’s founding father, whereas 29% of Ghanaians concur. 

Afrobeat’s multifaceted nature makes it challenging for listeners to agree on a single reason why they love the genre. Fans are drawn to its unique blend of melodies, rhythms, and that elusive quality that transcends boundaries. For 23% of Afrobeat enthusiasts, it is a celebration of their African heritage, while 12% appreciate the music for being in a language they understand.

Obi Asika, CEO of Storm Records, one of Nigeria’s pioneering music labels, beautifully describes Afrobeat’s appeal: “Afrobeat brings that unique aura… It is nearly impossible not to be captivated by the music… You would literally have to be a piece of stone not to groove to our [Afrobeat] rhythms.”

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Afrobeats, a genre cherished by millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans across two nations and encompasses various musical influences. It owes its current success to the collective efforts of numerous artists and supporters who paved the way for rising stars like Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems to achieve global recognition.

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