Latest news with #BurnaBoy
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Karol G, Reneé Rapp, Burna Boy, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, everyone is making their early pitch for song of the summer — Karol G with a celebratory reggaeton track, Reneé Rapp with a revved-up pop rock number, and Burna Boy with a Travis-Scott assisted club anthem. Plus, new music from Alex Warren and Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Mgk. Karol G, 'Latina Foreva' (YouTube) More from Rolling Stone Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Haim, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Karol G Is Back With Powerful Rallying Cry 'Latina Foreva' Rihanna, Kesha, Giveon, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Reneé Rapp, 'Leave Me Alone,' (YouTube) Burna Boy feat. Travis Scott, 'TaTaTa' (YouTube) Alex Warren feat. Jelly Roll, 'Bloodline' (YouTube) Lainey Wilson, 'Somewhere Over Laredo' (YouTube) Mgk, 'Cliché' (YouTube) Joe Jonas, 'Honey Blonde' (YouTube) Jon Bellion feat. Luke Combs, 'Why' (YouTube) Alejandro Sanz, Shakira, 'Bésame' (YouTube) Feid, 'Ando XXIL' (YouTube) Alvaro Diaz, 'Paranoia' (YouTube) Julia Michaels, 'Try Your Luck' (YouTube) Stereolab, 'Transmuted Matter' (YouTube) Turnstile, 'Look Out for Me' (YouTube) Wednesday, 'Elderberry Wine' (YouTube) Ink, 'Turquoise Cowboy' (YouTube) Christine and the Queens, Cerrone, 'Catching Feelings' (YouTube) I-dle, 'Good Thing' (YouTube) Trupa Trupa, 'Backwards Water' (YouTube) Remy Bond, 'Moviestar' (YouTube) PabloPablo feat. Macario Martinez, 'Ojos de Ajonjoli' (YouTube) Mau y Ricky, Danny Ocean, Yorghaki, 'Samaná' (YouTube) Isabella Lovestory, 'Gorgeous' (YouTube) Gabito Ballesteros feat. J Balvin, 'La Troka' (YouTube) Nate Smith, 'Dads Don't Die' (YouTube) Mergui, 'Risk It All' (YouTube) Avery Tucker, 'Big Drops' (YouTube) Ariza, 'Dos Almas' (YouTube) Hunx and His Punx, 'Alone In Hollywood On Acid' (YouTube) Sports Team, 'Boys These Days' (YouTube) Cooper Kenward, 'Wheelies' (YouTube) The Lone Bellow, 'That Table' (YouTube) Frances Anderson, 'Telephones and Traffic' (YouTube) Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Hypebeast
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Burna Boy Unveils 'No Sign of Weakness' Album and North American Tour
Summary Grammy Award-winning Nigerian superstarBurna Boyis set to dominate the global music scene in the latter half of 2025, with the official announcement of his highly anticipated eighth studio album,No Sign of Weaknessand an accompanying North American tour of the same name. The album is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, promising a fresh collection of the Afro-fusion sounds that have captivated millions worldwide. No Sign of Weaknessis Burna Boy's first full-length project since his acclaimed 2023 album,I Told Them…. The upcoming album has already been teased with several compelling singles, including 'Bundle by Bundle,' 'Update,' 'Sweet Love' and the recently released 'TaTaTa,' a high-profile collaboration with Houston rapperTravis Scott. These tracks hint at a project that continues Burna Boy's lyrical depth and innovative production, solidifying his unique position in the global music landscape. Following the album's release, Burna Boy will embark on a sprawling 17-date, 16-city North American tour, kicking off on November 12, 2025, at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Nigerian artist to headline the prestigious venue. The tour promises a unique and immersive experience for fans. With the exception of the Red Rocks show, all dates will feature Burna Boy performing on a custom-designed 360-degree stage in the middle of the arena floor, ensuring an intimate yet expansive view for every attendee. The tour will traverse major cities including Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and Boston, before concluding with a special two-night stand in Toronto on December 17 and 18. Tickets for theNo Sign of Weaknesstour go on general sale on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time, with an artist pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, June 24th. VIP packages will also be available for fans looking for an enhanced concert experience. For more information, visitTicketmaster. No Sign of WeaknessTour Dates Wed Nov 12 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*Sun Nov 16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge ArenaTues Nov 18 – Oakland, CA – Oakland ArenaWed Nov 19 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit DomeSat Nov 22 – Houston, TX – Toyota CenterMon Nov 24 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines CenterFri Nov 28 – Minneapolis, MN – The ArmoryMon Dec 01 – Chicago, IL – United CenterWed Dec 03 – Boston, MA – TD GardenFri Dec 05 – Washington, DC – Capital One ArenaSat Dec 06 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS ArenaMon Dec 08 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm ArenaWed Dec 10 – Orlando, FL – Kia CenterFri Dec 12 – Newark, NJ – Prudential CenterMon Dec 15 – Montréal, QC – Bell CentreWed Dec 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank ArenaThu Dec 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Euronews
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Death of French rapper Werenoi sparks debate about music and Islam
Should an artist's faith determine what happens to their work when they die? The death of one of France's most successful rappers has raised this question. French rapper Werenoi, whose real name was Jérémy Bana Owona, died on 17 May 2025, aged 31. He was France's top album seller in 2023 and 2024, and his death shocked both the music industry and the public. 'Rest in peace my man. A news that saddens me and courage to the loved ones especially', popstar Aya Nakamura wrote on social media. Following the release of his first song 'Guadalajara' in 2021, Werenoi quickly rose to great success. His 2024 album 'Carré' was named best rap album at the Flammes Awards, and he was the opening act for Burna Boy at the Stade de France in April. With more than 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he was an example of a vibrant francophone music scene that keeps growing worldwide, according to the platform's new report on francophone content. Culture minister Rachida Dati called the rapper 'the icon of a generation.' 'In an age of overexposure and ever-present social media, he had opted for privacy. Cultivating discretion, he revealed himself only through his lyrics', Dati said in a statement on 20 May. One of the only known facts about Werenoi's private life was his faith. The rapper was Muslim. In the hours following his death, debates erupted on social media over what should be done with his music according to Islam. 'Werenoi was a Muslim, and we invite you to listen to his music as little as possible, out of respect for his faith," online rap publication Raplume said in a social media post that has since been deleted. 'Avoid streaming Werenoi's tracks, he was a Muslim, it's for his faith', one user said on X. A tribute to the artist by French rap radio station Skyrock elicited similar criticism. Other fans felt that listening to Werenoi's music was a way of paying their respects and ensuring that his legacy lives on. 'When he was alive, Werenoi was making music, going on Skyrock and selling albums, so it's only natural that when he dies, the rap world should pay tribute to him by playing his music', one user wrote on X. The rapper's team and relatives have not publicly weighed in on the debate, leaving fans to decipher mixed messages. Werenoi's music videos were removed from YouTube, but the audio versions still remain available on the platform. A source close to the rapper told French newspaper Le Parisien that the videos had only been temporarily hidden to allow the family to grieve. Werenoi's producer later denied this claim. Rumours even said the artist's entire discography would soon disappear from all streaming platforms, but this has yet to happen. The teachings of Islam are up to interpretation. Many on social media argue that music is haram, meaning it is forbidden by Islamic law. Listening to Werenoi's music after his death would bring him sins in his grave. But the word 'music' does not actually appear in the Quran and many artists around the world are practising Muslims. 'The prohibition of music by some branches of Islam is not based on any consensus but rather on controversial interpretations of certain suras and hadiths [statements attributed to the prophet Muhammad]', musicologist Luis Velasco-Pufleau wrote in a 2017 blogpost. Fundamentalist Islamic movements like Salafism and Wahhabism strictly prohibit music while other traditions, like Sufism, are more lenient. There have been similar controversies in the past. The death in 2019 of British rapper Cadet, who converted to Islam at 15, also ignited online discussions on the future of his music - much to the dismay of some users. 'When anyone else passes away Muslims will send their condolences as normal... But when it's a Muslim [rapper] we go into theological debates about sharing his music etc', London-based imam Shabbir Hassan posted on X (then Twitter) at the time. 'Just take a lesson from his death and make du'a [a Muslim prayer] for him. That will benefit us/him the most.' For some, this question tends to be overly politicised. 'It's fascinating how cultural topics can raise this kind of political and religious debates,' streamer iliesomg said on decolonial YouTube channel Paroles d'honneur. He said that listening to Werenoi's music should be a personal decision for Muslim believers, guided by their own approach to spirituality. Numbers show that Werenoi's audience, Muslim or not, does not seem ready to let go of his art. Sales for his last album 'Diamant noir', released in April, rose by 72% in the week after his death, making it the most listened album in France. After winning Palme d'Or at Cannes for his stunning thriller It Was Just An Accident, one of Iran's most celebrated filmmakers Jafar Panahi has called for the fall of the Tehran regime, against the backdrop of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Panahi posted a powerful message on Instagram that appears to push for the toppling of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In his impassioned appeal, Panahi urges the United Nations and the international community to "immediately and decisively compel both regimes to cease their military attacks and end the killing of civilians.' The filmmaker, whose current whereabouts remain unknown, goes further: 'The only possible way to escape is the immediate dissolution of this system and the establishment of a people's responsive and democratic government.' Une publication partagée par official jafar panahi (@ While strongly condemning the Israeli aggression, Jafar Panahi takes aim at the Islamic Republic: 'An attack against my homeland, Iran, is unacceptable. Israel has violated the integrity of the country and should be tried as a wartime aggressors before an international tribunal. This position in no way means that we should ignore four decades of mismanagement, corruption, oppression, tyranny and incompetence on the part of the Islamic Republic." He concludes by saying: 'This government has neither the power, will, nor legitimacy required to run the country or manage crises. Staying in this regime means the continued fall and the continuation of the repression.' The 64-year-old dissident director has been imprisoned twice in Iran and banned from filmmaking for his anti-regime stance and 'propaganda against the state'. He spent seven months behind bars in 2022 and 2023 for demonstrating against the imprisonment of his friend and fellow filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof. Panahi has continued to make films in defiance of the repressive authorities and is best known for films like This Is Not a Film, No Bears and Taxi Tehran, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015. After winning the Palme d'Or on 24 May, Panahi returned to Iran, despite the threats against him. As he left the airport, he was greeted by supporters. One person was heard shouting "woman, life, freedom" as Panahi passed through the airport - a phrase that became the slogan for protests that broke out across Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Panahi recently travelled to Australia where he won the Sydney Film Festival's top prize on Sunday for It Was Just An Accident. The Palme d'Or winning film, which was inspired by his time in Iranian prison, focuses on a group of former political prisoners who kidnap the man they believe to be their former torturer. In our review of It Was Just An Accident, we said: 'Panahi signs a taut, gripping and utterly engrossing thriller that doubles as an indictment of the Islamist Republic and calls out the sins of state despotism. (...) Not only is it a richly deserved Palme d'Or, the last scene will make your jaw drop to the floor.' Check out our full Culture Catch-Up on Jafar Panahi and the politics of Iranian film. It Was Just An Accident will be released in France on 1 October. Mubi has acquired distribution rights to the film in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria, and Neon has bought the rights for North America. Release dates in these territories are TBD.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Our Favorite Afropop Songs and Albums of 2025 So Far
I have the pleasure of living in the big, busy, diverse, and very diasporic city of Atlanta, where the summertime lituations are about to get very real. There are a ton of great DJs in town spinning all sorts of Afropop and adjacent genres all year long – Afrobeats, amapiano, African, Caribbean, and Brazilian dance music and more – but nationally, it feels like there's always been this idea that these sounds are especially suited for the summer. I've worried this can pigeonhole African artists, stereotype their music, and stifle the success of their crossover, but I've also had a few other thoughts. Over the past five years or so, we've seen stars like Wizkid, Tems, Rema, Burna Boy, Uncle Waffles and even more emerging acts find success on tour, on the radio, and/or on social media all year long. Plus, so much of African music does make you feel good, does perfectly soundtrack social situations, and frankly, is a vibe when it's nice out and you're shaking off stress. And lastly, artists of all genres often clamor to get their music out in time for summer, too. SZA had originally planned for her hit album SOS to drop in time for a 'SZA summer' in 2022, and lowkey panicked when she had to drop in December. In the West, the warmer months are naturally a time folks are freer, more active, and more open to new experiences More from Rolling Stone Karol G, Reneé Rapp, Burna Boy, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Excitement Turns to Terror in New Trailer for Astroworld Tragedy Doc Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Brand Unveils WWE Merch Collab for Wrestlemania 41: Shop Pieces Here So, in anticipation of what I hope will be a summer full of Afropop smashes and in celebration of nearly half a year gone by (insane), I'm naming some of my favorite songs and albums across Afropop and a few derivative scenes, in alphabetical order. Songs Black Sherif and Seyi Vibez, 'Sin City''Sin City,' was a true highlight of Ghanaian rapper-singer Black Sherif's sophomore album Iron Boy. Though last year, Sherif told me his follow up to 2022's The Villain I Never Was might not be so heavy, Iron Boy is in fact packed with serious themes and dense sounds. 'Sin City' was a much welcome moment of levity, even if he sounds like he's still balancing hard times and choices on it. Burna Boy and Travis Scott, 'TaTaTa'I, for one, am quite enjoying Travis Scott's pivot towards the continent. I've loved his Rema fandom, I thought he ate on Asake's 'Active,' and now he and Burna Boy make an excellent team on 'TaTaTa,' the latest single from his forthcoming album, No Sign of Weakness, set to drop in July (Burna is good for a summer drop – his last four albums have all been released between July and August). The high-octane Brazilian percussion, unabashed sexuality, and pops of humor ('The road I dey go dey front, but I was looking back/'Cause of nyash, all for the sake of nyash,' Burna reveals) make this song so fun. Darkoo, 'Like Dat'Another thing I've been liking is Afrobeats trending backwards, with artists like Rema and Darkoo tapping into the tambour and aesthetics of the genre circa the 2000s and early 2010s. Darkoo has also been tapping into dancehall of that era too, with the Brick-and-Lace-sampling hit 'Favorite Girl' and now the music video for 'Like Dat,' which channels the video for Sean Paul and Sasha's 'I'm Still in Love With You' from 2002. 'Like Dat' and its stark, stringy synths take me back to the hall parties of yesteryear. Joé Dwèt Filé & Burna Boy, '4 Kampé II'French Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé's '4 Kampé' was already a kompa smash before Burna Boy hopped on the track, replete with rolling drums, a rousing electric keyboard breakdown, and Filé's slick creole. With Burna Boy hopping on the track speaking creole too, paying homage to Haitian and Francophone African culture, and also offering his signature lyrical charm in English, it makes for a thrilling meet-up of diasporic relatives. Len, 'See Gbedu'There are a few tracks by UK rapper Len that keep my love of Alté – experimental pop often from Nigeria – alive, including this one, with dashes of Nigerian pidgin and video game synths. It's cool but urgent, with Len spitting in a hurried whisper all 86 seconds of this song that I could listen to for much longer. Last year, he told The Face how much a visit to Nigeria inspired his last solo album Cobalt: SoMuchMore. 'I always want to try and bring things back to Africa – the rhythm, the flex, all of it,' he said. Olamidé and Wizkid, 'Kai!'Olamidé is silky smooth on 'Kai!' Its the type of song that's his guest's, Wizkid's, usual bag but, this one suits the YBNL boss even better. 'Mr. Bombastic, Mr. Romantic,' he flexes, 'African boy wey dey do magic/Came in a Porsche, left in a Lambo.' The production is super decadent, dripping with saxophone and totally gives regality, luxury, and crisp, airy linen suits. Original Koffee, 'Koffee'Look, there's no denying that African and Caribbean cultures and music are biological siblings, so in the diasporan spirit I do have to shout my girl Koffee out for coming back on the scene after a roughly three-year hiatus with an absolute heater. Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz (incredible, multifaceted musician, collaborator to Tems, Beyoncé and many more) laced her with an impeccable background of simple percussion, groovy bass, and rich horns to float on. Koffee's always been a skilled sing-jay, evoking the flows of some of dancehall's best deejays and hip-hop's best rappers, but she's back with more bite here, owning the scale of her impact and accomplishments. Rema, 'Baby (Is It a Crime)''Baby (Is It a Crime)' is Rema's first solo single since the success of his sophomore album Heis, and it's uber-cool and nonchalant compared with the frenetic, brooding album. Before the song was released in February, his fans clamored for the Sade-sampling track since he teased a snippet in November. The full version finds Rema at his sensual best. 'I just had the biggest debut in my career,' he told me the day it dropped, while we talked for his Rolling Stone cover. It earned nearly 3 million streams on its first day, and had racked up 27.2 million streams as of March 2. Shallipopi, 'Laho'Shallipopi is one of the coolest street pop acts to emerge from Nigeria in recent years, making a splash with the hit 'Cast' featuring Odumodublvck and repping for his hometown of Benin City on Rema's 'Benin Boys.' He's created another moment with 'Laho,' the laid back anthem that's taken over African social media with the empowering bars, 'Minister of enjoyment/Intercontinental/Monumental/We go live forever.' Elsewhere, much of the song is performed in Bini, his local language. Solis4Evr feat. ytboutthataction, '4K'Solis4Evr and ytboutthataction channel gentle faith and confidence in '4K,' a dreamy, girly meetup where ytboutthataction promises, 'I go to church, I'll never chase you,' as she and Solis brush off disloyal friends and lovers. As an emerging artist from Lagos, Solis hit the streets of Cape Town to ask strangers to judge the song through headphones, and her politeness plus the participants' earnest responses has made it one of my favorite social videos from a musician this year. Tiwa Savage, 'You 4 Me'Tiwa Savage has always had strong R&B credentials, having written for Babyface, Fantasia, Monica, and Mýa, plus performing background vocals for Whitney Houston's final album, 2009's I Look to You. 'You 4 Me' is a charming showcase of that side of her, sampling Tamia's hit 'So Into You' and making it her own with Afrobeats drums and singing with the swagger of a rapper. Uncle Waffles feat. Royal MusiQ, Uncool MC, Xduppy, & CowBoii, 'Zenzele'As a DJ and producer, Uncle Waffles rarely misses. Here, she's curated a tip-top crew in Royal MusiQ, Uncool MC, Xduppy and CowBoii for one of her most playful songs yet – I love the fat, circusy horns on this one; it's like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey went went amapiano. I also love the adorable, partnered dance that's popping up with it – my favorite video is of Tyla and her team hitting it. Albums Davido, 5iveI adore the love songs on 5ive, like the driven 'Don't Know' and sensual 'Offa Me,' with Victoria Monét. In fact, Davido comes out plainly as a 'Lover Boy,' with two of the Francophone Africa's finest, Tayc and Dadju. On 5ive, Davido celebrates the resilience of love, lilting to his partner that she's the most important thing that he could sing about on '10 Kilo.' Aptly, the album is at its best on songs like 'CFMF' and the single 'Funds,' where it trades the amapiano-indebted Afrobeats Davido has refined for refreshing romances with the warmth of previous hits of his like 'Assurance' (a clear ode to his wife, Chioma), 'Sweet in the Middle,' and 'La La.' Hevi, HeviTanzanian singer-songwriter Hevi's self-titled EP is another project full of romance, teeming with both devotion and disappointment. Though her sweet voice and classic production shine on all five songs, the breezy serenade 'My Rider' is one of my favorites. The way she coos 'I'm never never losing you/I choose you/Forever you're my family,' makes me melt. Hevi only emerged in 2023 and this marks her debut project, but her music exudes the grace and self-assurance of an old soul. Obongjayar, Paradise NowOn Paradise Now, Nigerian-British shape-shifter Obongjayar weaves together highlife, electro-pop, all kinds of rock, and a touch of rap into a tapestry on which he grieves broken relationships, builds new ones, and asserts himself. He intended to call the album Instant Animal, like the crashing, psychedelic jam session of a song of the same name on Paradise Now. He was thinking about what it means to really surrender to a moment. But instead, he named it after a series of parties where he tested the tracks, translating the thrill of a live performance to what actually ended up on wax. Zinoleesky, Gen ZThough 25 year-old Zinoleesky hasn't had the same inescapable crossover success as his Nigerian street-pop peer Asake, his cleverly titled sophomore effort Gen Z is a testament to the radiant taste in rich production, cool wit, and youthful zeal that has made him beloved at home. He's subtly a master of all moods, from the triumphant '2Baba Flex' where he name checks Afrobeats stars by their golden ages, to the sexy, electric 'Suit & Tie' with hip-hop crooner Toosii. The latter, plus link ups like 'Ayamase' with British rapper Ms Banks prove he's he's a malleable collaborator too. World domination might not be far off. Made in Africa is a monthly column by Rolling Stone staff writer Mankaprr Conteh that celebrates and interrogates the lives, concerns, and innovations of African musicians from their vantage point. Don't forget to check out the songs we covered this month and more in the Made In Africa playlist. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Time Business News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats
In recent years, Afrobeats has emerged as a global musical phenomenon, delighting audiences far beyond its West African origins. Characterized by its catchy rhythms, infectious melodies, and a potpourri of various musical influences, Afrobeats has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, becoming a staple in the playlists of music lovers around the world. However, it is crucial to distinguish between Afrobeats and its predecessor, Afrobeat, and to understand the significant impact of the legendary Fela Kuti on this vibrant and dynamic genre. Afrobeat, a genre pioneered in the late 1960s and 1970s by Fela Kuti, is a fusion of traditional African music, jazz, funk, and highlife. It is characterized by complex rhythms, extended instrumental sections, and politically charged lyrics. Kuti's Afrobeat is not just a musical style; it is a revolutionary movement that addressed social issues in Nigeria and Africa at large. The genre is marked by its use of large ensembles, often featuring horns, guitars, keyboards, and intricate percussion, creating a rich, layered sound that invites both dancing and deep listening. In contrast, Afrobeats, often referred to in the plural form, emerged in the early 2000s as a more commercial and accessible evolution of Afrobeat. While it retains some of the rhythmic and melodic elements of its predecessor, Afrobeats tends to be more eclectic, incorporating elements from hip-hop, dancehall, and electronic music. It features shorter song structures, catchy hooks, and often focuses on themes of love, celebration, and nightlife, making it more palatable for mainstream audiences. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Victony and Tems exemplify this modern genre, showcasing a blend of traditional African sounds with contemporary pop sensibilities. Fela Kuti, often referred to as the 'father of Afrobeat,' was not only a musician but also a political activist. His work in the 1970s laid the foundation for what would become a global appreciation for African music. Kuti's unique style combined complex rhythms with provocative lyrics that addressed issues such as colonialism, corruption, and human rights abuses in Nigeria. His songs, imbued with social commentary, resonated with many who were disillusioned by the political climate in Nigeria and beyond. Kuti's influence can be seen in the structure and instrumentation of Afrobeats. While modern Afrobeats may lean towards more commercial sounds, the intricate rhythms and the use of live instruments can be traced back to Kuti's original Afrobeat. Additionally, Kuti's emphasis on performance and showmanship has left an indelible mark on contemporary Afrobeats artists, who often incorporate elaborate choreography and vibrant visuals into their performances. Moreover, Kuti's unapologetic stance on social issues has inspired a new generation of musicians to use their platforms for advocacy. Artists like Burna Boy have been vocal about social injustices, echoing Kuti's commitment to activism through their music. The recent resurgence of interest in Kuti's work, including the Broadway musical 'Fela!,' has also reignited conversations about his legacy and the importance of music as a form of resistance. The rise of Afrobeats can be attributed to several factors. The advent of social media and digital streaming platforms has played a pivotal role in its dissemination, allowing artists to reach a global audience without the need for traditional gatekeepers. Collaborations between Afrobeats artists and international stars have further propelled the genre into the mainstream, exemplified by tracks like 'One Dance' by Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla, which topped charts worldwide. Moreover, Afrobeats has found a home in clubs and festivals across the globe, with its infectious beats making it a favorite among DJs and partygoers. As more people are exposed to the sounds of Afrobeats, cultural exchange occurs, enriching the genre and encouraging innovation. This cross-pollination of musical styles not only keeps the genre dynamic but also fosters a greater appreciation for African cultures. The rise of Afrobeats marks a significant moment in the evolution of global music, showcasing the richness of African musical traditions while embracing modern influences. Understanding the difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats is essential in appreciating the roots and growth of this genre. Fela Kuti's legacy remains a powerful force, influencing contemporary artists to blend artistry with activism. As Afrobeats continues to rise, it stands not only as a testament to the creativity of African musicians but also as a celebration of cultural resilience and global connectivity. Written by Aladin Anyebe for the House of Aladin Music TIME BUSINESS NEWS
