The Global Rise of Afrobeats: From Local to International Sensation
Afrobeats, Nigeria’s globally dominant music genre, has consistently produced smash hits like ‘Essence’ and ‘Love Nwantiti.’ However, 2024 might be the year Afrobeats misses its mark, failing to deliver a song that defines the year. As we dive into the impact and global reach of Afrobeats, we explore whether this could be the first time in over a decade that the genre fails to offer its annual standout hit.
The Unstoppable Success of Afrobeats Hits: 2012 to 2023
Since its propulsion, the ever-evolving sound known for its mood-lifting melodies, lyrics, and overall positive vibes has never gone without a year of producing smash hit records, with a global anthem to top it all. While each year serves us with a platter of hit songs, some releases have also defined the year.
From the early days of “Oliver Twist” by D’banj, released in 2012, which didn’t just make it to the top ten on the official UK Singles Chart but was also number two in the UK R&B Charts–Afrobeats had already begun to dominate as a genre before technological advancements like Spotify, Apple Music and the likes. D’banj’s hit song, produced by the legendary producer Don Jazzy, was the first time an Afrobeats song had reached the unprecedented feat. It wasn’t long before “Azonto” by Ghanaian act Fuse ODG featuring Itz Tiffany surfaced into the British scene.
The Early Hits That Paved the Way for Afrobeats Global Dominance
The future of Afrobeats wasn’t blurry anymore; the world was ready to embrace it. But before these epic moments, Afrobeats acts didn’t struggle to produce stand-out songs like P-Square’s “Do Me” (2007), Wande Coal’s “Bumper to Bumper” (2007), “Oleku” (2011) by Choc. City acts, Ice Prince and Brymo, and Akon-assisted “Chop My Money” (2011) by P’square.
The Global Breakthrough: Afrobeats Hits from 2014 to 2023
But these were just the beginning of these profound releases; 2012 and upwards birthed notable songs and led to an iconic moment in Afrobeats’ history. In 2014, Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” garnered international recognition when Skepta and Drake teamed up on the remix, marking another unprecedented feat. Or is it Davido’s “Fall” or Burna Boy’s “Ye” which became global anthems? It may be debated that these tracks emerged from the most prominent acts.
Yet, Rema’s “Dumebi” holds the record for the biggest Afrobeats debut single of all time.
Although he proves to be ahead of his generation, his peers, Ayra Starr, Fireboy, Oxlade, Tems, Omah Lay, Victony and Asake, have equally offered songs that have defined the last three years. Evidently, the stand-out songs produced in the last ten years until 2023 restate Afrobeats dominance as the reigning sound. To buttress my notion of Afrobeats’ reign and its incessant release of hit records, in 2023, Nigeria sent 15 songs to the Global Top 10 charts, trailing behind the US, Colombia, Puerto Rico, the UK, and South Korea.
Why 2024 Hasn’t Seen a Defining Afrobeats Hit (Yet)
Afrobeats in 2024 is shaping up to end the streak. Since the beginning of the year, Afrobeats has struggled to produce the smash hit that would define the year. With more artists pouring into the scene, Digital Service Platforms (DSPs) aided the incessant release of songs and sonic experimentation of albums released by Afrobeat’s most talented; the year is still searching for such defining song(s), unlike 2023, where usurpers like Odumodublvck and Shallipopi held the country in lockdown with songs like “Declan Rice”, “Ex-convict” and their end of the year-release “Cast”, even amid hit songs from Rema, Davido and Asake holding the scene.
The Hits of 2024: Are They Enough to Define the Year?
In fact, 2023 immersed us in a plethora of stand-out tracks. From Seyi Vibez-assisted “Gwagwalada” by BNXN to Ayra Starr’s “Rush” to Chike feat. Mohbad’s “Egwu.”
However, one cannot downplay the notable releases by serial hitmakers and ingenious talents. Benin-bred artists Rema and Shallipopi proved themselves with the release of “Benin Boys”. Artists like Victony made commendable efforts with his song “Stubborn”, calling YBNL signee Asake for assistance. An excellent sonic construction, yet the song manages to top the songs that defined the year. One would expect that 2024 would open the doors to an overdose of bangers, with the many drops of sudden and highly anticipated albums.
For instance, serial hitmaker Asake modestly impressed us with his latest body of work, “Lungu Boy“. This could be attributed to the artist’s exploration ploy to attempt an experimental project. While songs like “MMS” featuring Wizkid, “Active”, and “Fuji Vibe” thrived, among others, the album failed to offer a luxury of notable songs.
Will Afrobeats Artists Focus More on Artistry than Smash Hits?
Like post-COVID to 2023, where breakout artists wow us with debut singles and albums, this year seems to be lacklustre for such, Ayo Maff’s “Dealer” featuring Fireboy entered the year stayed on charts and on top of listeners’ ears, but not for long to crown it as a song that defined the year. Vibez Inc. artist Muyeez’s “Instagram” could have been a great contender if not for the shortly promoted effort and a rapid wave of the album releases by music distribution company Dvpper.
Still, this year has witnessed brilliant sonic projects from new acts and old cats alike. From foreign collaborations to chart-topping achievements, we can’t deny that we have ‘eaten well’ this year. But yet, the saturation of the industry seems to be displaying evidently. In a region filled with tremendous talents, we can’t boldly pinpoint the biggest hit song of the year.
What’s Next for Afrobeats: Will 2024 End Without a Defining Song?
One might say that artists are not keen to produce bangers anymore and are more focused on building their artistry, which is up for debate. But with the top-charting records released in the past years, it pulls a weight of expectations for artists. Or is this just a case of globalization of Afrobeats, where artists are looking to appeal to a foreign audience?
It’s little wonder that artists like Rema approached his album release with a different pattern, “taking it back to his roots.” This bold step turned out to be a successful project. And arguably, his song “Ozeba” might be up for the biggest hit song for 2024.
Who then comes to save as the year runs to an end? The Big 3? Or the inclusion of the fourth. While smash hit records are not a metric for quality sonic projects released this year, the decision to crown the biggest hits for the year makes up a puzzle.
Will 2024 be the year Afrobeats go without a big hit?