In a surprising twist at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, South African singer Tyla walked away with the Best Afrobeat Award.
While we celebrate her achievement and the growing international reach of Afrobeat, this moment has sparked an important conversation about ownership, recognition, and authenticity in the Afrobeat genre.
Why, in a category named after a genre born in Nigeria, were none of our homegrown Afrobeat stars honored? What does it mean when international platforms start defining a sound that grew from the streets of Lagos?
This moment highlights a broader issue—Afrobeat is being claimed, shaped, and celebrated on the global stage, but the heart and soul of the genre remain rooted in Nigeria.
As the creators of this vibrant sound, we must reclaim the narrative and ensure that Afrobeat continues to flourish on its own terms. This is where the role of indigenous platforms becomes not only necessary but critical.
Afrobeat: More Than Just a Genre
Afrobeat isn’t just music; it’s a cultural movement. From Fela Kuti’s politically charged rhythms to the modern sounds of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, Afrobeat reflects the heartbeat of Nigerian society.
It tells stories of resilience, joy, and struggle, all while pushing musical boundaries. Yet, as international platforms continue to shine a spotlight on the genre, there’s a risk of watering down its essence.
While it's thrilling to see Afrobeat gaining international acclaim, there’s a danger when platforms that don’t fully understand the genre attempt to define it.
This is why Nigerian artists need a platform that truly gets Afrobeat—a platform that knows where it comes from and can foster its future without compromising its identity.
An Indigenous Platform for Afrobeat
This is where our indigenous Nigerian music streaming app comes in. We’re more than just a platform; we’re the home of Afrobeat.
Unlike global platforms that lump Afrobeat into broad categories or filter it through foreign perspectives, we understand its roots, its evolution, and the diverse voices that make it powerful.
Our app - Epoh Music, is designed to amplify the voices of Nigerian Afrobeat artists, both established and emerging. We believe in showcasing the full spectrum of Afrobeat, from its raw, unfiltered beats to its most polished hits.
This is the place where Afrobeat can thrive without being forced to fit into boxes created by outsiders.
Keeping Afrobeat True to Its Roots
When Tyla won the Best Afrobeat Award, it wasn’t just a win for her—it was a win for African music’s growing influence worldwide. But it also reminded us that, as Nigerians, we cannot allow our sound to be defined by others.
Afrobeat is ours, and it’s up to us to preserve its authenticity, its soul, and its future.
By supporting an indigenous music platform like ours, you’re not just streaming music; you’re taking a stand for Afrobeat’s identity.
You’re ensuring that Nigerian artists continue to control the narrative, and you’re helping Afrobeat stay true to its roots.
The Call to Action: Join the Movement
We invite you to join the movement in reclaiming Afrobeat. Stream Nigerian, support Nigerian, and stay connected to the source of the music that has taken the world by storm.
Our platform gives you the power to not only enjoy Afrobeat but to help define its future. Let’s celebrate the global success of Afrobeat without letting it slip away from its origins.
Whenever our artists are nominated at the global level, do well to massively vote them to win- No be by mouth.
The future of Afrobeat belongs to Nigeria, and it starts with us. Reclaim Afrobeat today—it’s our sound, our story!
Stream and Support Afrobeats on epoh.ng
