The African music industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, with an endless pool of talent, artistry, and unique sounds emerging from different corners of the continent. The explosion of Rema, a Nigerian singer, and songwriter, has taken the world by storm in a short period. Rema's success is a testament to the fact that African music has transcended borders and is gaining global recognition. This blog post explores the success of Rema and the rise of other African artists, and how they have paved the way for African music worldwide.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is an Afrobeats artist from Benin City, Nigeria. He emerged on the Nigerian music scene in 2018 and gained national attention with his hit single Iron Man in March 2019. In the same year, he signed to Mavin Records, a prominent Nigerian record label. Rema's music combines Afrobeats with Trap and R&B, creating a unique sound that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Rema's success is a sign of the increasing global recognition of African music. Afrobeats, a sub-genre of African music, has gained widespread popularity, with scholars citing the influence of African Diasporas and African culture on various music genres worldwide. This year, Rema was listed as one of the artists on Barack Obama's summer playlist, putting African music on the world map.
The rise of Rema is just one example of African artists' success worldwide, particularly in the United States and Europe. Artists from all over the continent, such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Mr Eazi, have cemented their place in those markets, having crossed over to the international scene through collaboration with global artists for their music. The likes of Beyonce, Drake, and French Montana have collaborated with African artists, helping the African sound bridge into the international market.
In recent years, Africa has become a hub for music streaming services. Several platforms have emerged, enabling African artists to get their music out to the world. The global demand for African music has driven music streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify to focus on the African continent. These services have explored Africa's music scene, finding and promoting African artists, giving them exposure to audiences worldwide.
Rema's music has transcended borders because of its distinctive sounds and beats, and the rise of African artists worldwide is only just starting. With streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music discovering African musicians, it is a matter of time until African music dominates charts worldwide. The African sound is unique, and the music industry is taking notice. African artists are creating music that not only showcases their talent but also represents their culture. As such, the increase in popularity of African music is an excellent step towards cultural representation and exposure to a global audience. We hope to see more phenomenal African artists emerge in mainstream music and receive the recognition they deserve.
