African artists have been making appearances with Afrobeats in the American music platform. Before The Lion King: ‘The Gift’, Afrobeats has been making waves in US and UK festivals and concerts. In 2016 Wizkid made also history as the first Nigerian artist to reach the top of Billboard’s U.S. Hot 100 chart. Featuring on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ which is steep in Afrobeats earned him the spot. Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Tekno have also struck deals with major music labels in the US last years. These are all a major breakthrough for Afrobeats singers even though the style is rarely known in the US.
Afrobeat is broad dancehall sound mixing up West African beats with American hip hop. It was first initiated in Lagos and Accra dance arena and has captivated the interests of many around the world.
Beyonce’s Lion King: ‘The Gift’ will surely get America hooked to Afrobeats. It is also a huge opportunity to step up on the American music scene with Afrobeats. Hopefully, it will give Afrobeats singers a break in the traditional American market. Beyonce’s influence will also hopefully bring popularity to Afrobeats in all over the world.
Contributors to The Lion King: ‘The Gift’ album including Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Shatta Wale (Ghana), Tekno, Mr Eazi, Wizkid, Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa).
Listen to The Lion King: ‘The Gift’
If you like what we are doing, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.