Afrobeats has surged globally, breaking cultural barriers and reshaping the music landscape through platforms like Spotify and TikTok.

Afrobeats On The World Stage

Afrobeats has surged globally, breaking cultural barriers and reshaping the music landscape. Through platforms like Spotify and TikTok, this once uniquely African sound has become a worldwide phenomenon, connecting people across diverse backgrounds. What was once dismissed as a regional style has now positioned itself among the greatest genres of music.

Streaming data proves this transformation. On Spotify, millions of listeners from across the world—not just Africa—stream Afrobeats daily. TikTok has further amplified its reach, with users from every culture embracing and reinterpreting Afrobeat sounds in viral challenges and creative trends.

But the rise of Afrobeats goes beyond streams and trends. It has earned recognition on the highest stages. Burna Boy exemplifies this journey: from local Nigerian nominations, to winning BET Awards, and ultimately claiming a Grammy. His 2020 album Twice as Tall won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards, affirming Afrobeats power not only as trendy music but as globally respected art. His success, alongside that of Wizkid, Davido, Tems, Rema, and others, has elevated Afrobeat into a cultural force that fosters unity and inclusion while bringing African creativity to the center of global music.

The Results of Streaming Platforms and TikTok

The Recording Academy’s introduction of the Best African Music Performance category in 2023 marked a historic shift, recognizing African artistry on its own terms. In 2024, Burna Boy became the first Afrobeat artist to perform during the Grammy Awards live telecast which was another groundbreaking moment.

Beyond the Grammys, Afrobeat stars are now fixtures on the biggest global stages:

• Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup.
• Burna Boy headlined the UEFA Champions League Final and Glastonbury Festival.
• Wizkid and Tems took the NBA All-Star stage and Glastonbury.
• Rema lit up the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
• Tiwa Savage performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert.

These milestones are not by coincidence. They reflect the amplification power of digital platforms—Spotify pushing streams into millions, and TikTok turning Afrobeat into a global movement. Together, they’ve transformed Afrobeat from a regional rhythm into a worldwide cultural bridge, especially through trends.

—Chiamaka Judith Igwedibia