After a dazzling global peak between 2021 and 2023, driven by hits like Rema’s “Calm Down” and Wizkid’s “Essence,” the genre has lost significant international momentum. Once a dominant force, Afrobeats is now facing a moment of uncertainty with US chart entries drying up, the cancellation of major tours, and the underperformance of high-profile collaborations. Industry professionals cite a fragmented sound, reduced label budgets, rising production costs, and a growing wave of western conservatism as key culprits. However, a new wave of underground talent is emerging, hinting that Afrobeats may not be fading—but instead reshaping itself for a potential comeback.
The Guardian
