Lagos to Los Angeles, the Rise of African Music

It started with a dance in 2023.

A slow sway. Water pouring down her back. A hypnotic Amapiano beat.

With Water, South African singer Tyla turned a viral TikTok moment into a global breakthrough. The track introduced millions to Amapiano — a South African genre blending piano melodies, deep basslines and house rhythms. In 2024, Tyla won the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance, marking a milestone for the continent’s modern sound.

But Tyla’s rise is part of a bigger shift.

Africa’s Global Sound

From West Africa, Afrobeats continues to dominate charts and arenas worldwide. The genre traces its roots to Fela Kuti, who fused jazz, funk and Yoruba rhythms into Afrobeat in the 1960s.

Today, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tems, Asake and South Africa’s Master KG are selling out major venues including Madison Square Garden and The O2 Arena.

This wave is driven not only by live shows but by streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which have amplified African playlists and artists to global audiences.

The Bigger Question

African music is no longer niche — it is shaping global pop culture. Streams are rising. Awards are coming. Arenas are full.

But as the world embraces these sounds, questions remain about royalties, contracts and whether artists are receiving fair compensation.

The beat is global. The challenge now is making sure the benefits are too.