Big Talent, Broken System: The Industry Behind Afrobeats
Afrobeats Shines Globally, But at What Cost? Afrobeats has taken the world by storm. From Davido and Wizkid to Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage, Nigerian artists are topping international charts, winning global awards, and headlining major festivals. Yet behind this global success lies a deeply flawed local music industry —one that often fails the very talent it should be nurturing. While the sound is thriving internationally, many artists still struggle with broken systems at home , including weak legal protections, outdated distribution models, and exploitative contracts. The Rise of Afrobeats vs. The Reality of the Local Industry Nigeria may be the cultural birthplace of Afrobeats, but its music industry lacks the infrastructure, regulation, and investment seen in more mature markets like the U.S. or the U.K. Despite producing some of the biggest names in music today, Nigeria’s creative ecosystem remains […]