Billboard is preparing to launch Billboard Africa, a new regional platform dedicated to showcasing the continent’s booming music scene. The move follows successful international expansions such as Billboard France and Billboard Arabia, signaling a major step in recognizing Africa’s global influence in music, particularly genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-pop.
Industry insiders expect Billboard Africa to feature localized music charts, artist interviews, data-driven insights, and potentially an annual awards ceremony. The platform is likely to track music consumption across key territories, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, using data from platforms like Boomplay, Audiomack, and Spotify.
Billboard Africa has officially launched with Nkosiyati “Yati” Khumalo as its inaugural Editor-in-Chief, marking a major step forward in spotlighting African music on the global stage. An award-winning editor and content strategist, Khumalo brings a wealth of experience, having previously led editorial efforts for Apple Music across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, where he played a key role in helping African musicians tell their stories to the world.
Khumalo is also the former Editor-in-Chief of GQ South Africa and has been recognized by The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 and the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans to Watch. Born in Africa, raised in the U.S., and now based in Johannesburg, he is passionate about celebrating and elevating contemporary African talent. In his new role, Khumalo aims not just to report on culture, but to amplify it—bringing Billboard’s global voice to the heart of Africa’s vibrant music scene.
A launch is anticipated before the end of 2025, with Billboard expected to partner with local media groups and streaming platforms to power the charts and editorial content.
As African artists continue to dominate global playlists and music festivals, Billboard Africa is set to become a key player in amplifying the continent’s cultural and commercial impact on the world stage.
