Afrobeats, the infectious and vibrant music genre rooted in African rhythms, continues to thrive and captivate audience worldwidel. The Managing Partners of The Plug, a leading talent management, events curation, and culture advisory company, recently conducted an exclusive interview #WithChude, where they expressed their unwavering belief in the long-term global relevance of Afrobeats. Asa Asika, Abiodun ‘Bizzle’ Osikoya, and Tobi Mohammed (Alhaji Popping), the driving forces behind The Plug, highlighted the genre’s enduring popularity, its ability to captivate diverse audiences, and the importance of education within the industry.
Bizzle, known for his astute understanding of the music industry, emphasised Afrobeats’ long-lasting impact. “Afrobeats can never die. We Nigerians don’t give up,” he affirmed. “Do you think we will get to a level where Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido won’t have anyone come out to see them or attend their shows in America? We will keep building and grinding so that those things don’t stop. What needs to happen is that we educate our industry because that is one of the things that can halt our trajectory.”
Asa highlighted the global reach and resilience of Afrobeats, stating, “There are 54 countries in Africa. How many countries are there in Europe? If nobody in the world cares about Afrobeats again, we are fine. There are artists in the US that are only relevant in Texas, and they are good. It’s nice to go to Times Square and see the face of Olamide, and see Tiwa selling out shows in Brixton. One thing that helps us is that Africans, particularly Nigerians, are all over the world.”
Afrobeats has experienced a remarkable rise to global prominence in recent years. Emerging from the diverse sounds of the continent, this vibrant genre has captivated audiences worldwide with its irresistible beats, rich melodies, and infectious energy. The ability of Afrobeats to seamlessly blend traditional African sounds with contemporary elements has created a unique and universally appealing musical experience. Artists such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, Victony, and CKay have led the charge, garnering significant recognition on international platforms, topping global charts, collaborating with renowned artists, and gracing major stages around the world. This surge in popularity has not only placed Afrobeats at the forefront of the global music scene but has also celebrated the richness of African culture and its global influence.
Tobi stressed the genre’s ability to adapt and evolve as being a significant factor to its sustained relevance. “Afrobeats is not confined to a single sound or style. It constantly evolves and fuses with different genres, creating more exciting and innovative rhythms.”
“Artists are pushing boundaries, collaborating with international stars, and introducing new elements to their music. This versatility ensures that Afrobeats remains fresh and captivating for years to come,” he remarked.
The Plug, renowned for its exceptional talent management offering, boasts an impressive roster of highly successful African artists including Davido, Oxlade, BOJ, Focalistic, CKay, Victony, King Promise, and Bella Shmurda.
The Plug remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting African talent and establishing more respectability for Afrobeats in global music spheres. Through strategic partnerships, culture-relevant events, and innovative collaborations, The Plug aims to amplify the voices of indigenous artists and contribute to the genre’s continuous growth on the international stage.
