When Beyoncé released an album in 2019 that featured a lot of African stars, the world bowed to an African music that was already spreading its tentacles in more ways than imagined. Afrobeat has now become a bigger phenomenon and the rest of the world now look towards this fast-growing genre.

Unsurprisingly, the marriage of Beyoncé’s fame and Africa’s intriguing talents gave birth to the extraordinary. And, with Burna Boy’s Grammy nomination came louder praises. Even though the self-proclaimed African giant didn’t win, the award didn’t elude Africa.

We will recall some months ago when American media outfit, Billboard, featured Davido, Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi on their cover, spotlighting Afrobeat and their interaction with the African stars.

America’s 44th president, Barack Obama, has also been listening to a lot to songs from Africa as his summer playlist for the past two years have featured African acts including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Popcaan, Princess Nokia and Rema.

The Afrobeat fever also caught Puff Daniel. The famous American musician and music entrepreneur had even been praying to God for the opportunity to have an encounter with Afrobeat. He got his wish with Burna Boy’s latest album, ‘Twice as Tall.’

In a latest development, next year’s edition of globally acclaimed soccer game, FIFA ’21, has featured, in its official soundtracks, no less than three Afrobeat stars.

The first is ‘Scatter’ by Fireboy DML. ‘Scatter’ is a song off the YBNL act’s debut album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps’.

Rema’s ‘Beamer’ was also included. ‘Location’ is the other song to be featured. UK artiste with Nigerian parents, Santan Dave, and Burna Boy teamed up to produce ‘Location’.

With the FIFA feature, Afrobeat will travel even further, considering the football game is played in almost every corner of the world, and more people will be left with no option than to take note of the trending genre in global music.

As Afrobeat continues to take centre stage on global platforms, its exponents continue to show that they have the talent to continue swaying heads and FIFA is the another evidential milestone.

Kola Muhammed

Kola Muhammed has imprint across local and international media. He is passionate about trends in the domains of culture, communication and technology.