G-Worldwide Entertainment pop-superstar and multiple awards winner Kiss Daniel is here again with the visuals to his recently released banger single “Sofa“. The video was shot by Clarence Peters.
Singer Rotimi went on a podcast, the “85 South Show Podcast,” to talk about his career success.
Rotimi also discussed his role in bringing Afrobeats, a music genre with African roots, to the attention of American audiences.
Rotimi claims he was the first artist to introduce Afrobeats-inspired music in the US. This was even before collaborations with international artists became popular and helped spread Afrobeats globally (“Afrobeats to the World” movement).
Interestingly, Rotimi mixes R&B with Afrobeats in his own music. He even mentioned a song called “Love Riddim” that he released in 2018. Unfortunately, radio stations didn’t accept it well because of the Afrobeats sound.
“I remember bringing ‘Love Riddim’ to the radio stations in 2018 and the program director was like ‘This is not good’. They didn’t even understand it and this was before Wiz (Wizkid) got the record with Drake,” Rotimi narrates. “I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America,” he added.
Rotimi deserves credit for contributing to the rise of Afrobeats in the US, particularly in the early stages when it was gaining a foothold. However, some might contest his claim of single-handedly introducing the genre.
Several Afrobeats tracks achieved success in the US before Rotimi’s breakthrough. Ayo Jay‘s “Your Number” (2015) stands out as the first Afrobeats song to chart on the Billboard R&B/Airplay chart without a collaboration with another artist.
Wizkid, another Nigerian artist, also enjoyed significant recognition through collaborations with Drake on “One Dance” (2016) and “Come Closer” (2017). These tracks gained immense popularity and played a role in bringing Afrobeats to the forefront of Western audiences.
Davido, another Afrobeats heavyweight, notched hits with “If” and “Fall” (both released in 2017).
Notably, “Fall” was one of the first Afrobeats songs to achieve platinum certification in the US.
The groundwork for Afrobeats’ US success can be traced back even further. Big names in the Afrobeats scene like 2Baba, P-Square, and D’banj actively collaborated with American stars like T-Pain, Rick Ross, T.I., and Snoop Dogg. D’banj even secured a record deal with Kanye West’s Good Music label.
These collaborations served as a bridge, introducing American audiences to Afrobeats and fostering their early popularity in the US.
In conclusion, the surge of Afrobeats in the US during the 2010s wasn’t solely driven by one artist. It stemmed from a confluence of factors: the rise of social media platforms, the accessibility provided by music streaming services, and most importantly, the collaborative efforts of numerous talented Afrobeats musicians.
While Rotimi’s music undoubtedly played a part in this growth, the overall success of Afrobeats in the US is a testament to the collective power of the entire Afrobeats movement.
Watch Rotimi’s full interview on the 85 South Show Podcast below.
Joeboy recently delighted fans with the release of the official music video for his latest track, “Adenuga,” featuring Qing Madi. Following the initial debut of “Adenuga” and a captivating short film titled “Is My Love Not Enough?.” The short film starred Qing Madi, Joeboy, and the talented Jemima Osunde in the role of Joeboy’s love interest.
In this visually stunning music video, viewers are treated to a seamless blend of artistry and storytelling. The collaboration between Joeboy and Qing Madi is showcased through dynamic performances. Meanwhile, Jemima Osunde’s presence adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, further enhancing the emotional resonance of the song.
The music video captures the essence of “Adenuga.” It is directed with precision and creativity. Each frame is meticulously crafted to evoke a range of emotions, mirroring the themes explored within the song itself.
As the story unfolds on screen…
Viewers are drawn into a world where love, longing, and self-discovery intertwine. The music video invites audiences to embark on a journey of exploration and connection. This is seen through compelling cinematography and evocative imagery.
Furthermore, the inclusion of all three artists in the music video underscores the collaborative spirit behind the project, showcasing their collective talents and shared passion for storytelling through music.
Overall, Joeboy’s “Adenuga” music video is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, offering audiences an immersive experience that complements the infectious energy of the song.
With its compelling narrative and captivating performances, this music video is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers, further solidifying Joeboy’s status as a rising star in the music industry.
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr isn’t letting the Grammy nomination hype die down! To keep the party going, she just released a live version of her smash hit “Commas.” This gives fans a whole new way to experience the song.
“Commas” first came to life in February as the energetic lead single for Ayra Starr’s year. It quickly became a fan favourite, capturing hearts with its infectious melody and empowering lyrics. Now, Ayra Starr is taking things to the next level with this thrilling live rendition.
Instead of the polished perfection of a studio recording, this live version of “Commas” embraces the raw energy of a full-band performance. It’s a chance to witness Ayra Starr’s undeniable talent firsthand; her powerful vocals soar, and her stage presence takes centre stage.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s already memorised every word or a newcomer just discovering Ayra Starr’s music, this live version of “Commas” is a guaranteed treat. It’s a fresh take on a beloved song, showcasing Ayra Starr’s artistry and star power in a way that will leave you wanting more.
So crank up the volume, prepare to be energised, and dive into the world of “Commas” with Ayra Starr and her band!
